Centre for Convergence Media Studies

Convergence and Mobile Phones

2007-06-30T18:14:00.000+05:30

Mobile phones are the cheapest devices available where all the technologies converge. You can use your mobile for communication purposes, watch the television through your mobile, listen to your favourite FM radio station, browse the Net, send and receive mails, take photographs or video and send them instantly to your friends.

The latest mobile phone introduced by the mobile giant Nokia, the latest in the N series, the N 95 has all these facilities. It even comes with a 5 mega pixel camera with a Carl Zesis lens. Other leading brands like Sony Ericson, Motorola and Samsung too have models which supports such features. These mobiles with the latest technology are at large used by the student fraternity. Hashmi.T.Ibrahim, a student of Mass Communication, is a proud owner of a Nokia N70. He says that the phone is an add-on to his overall personality. “Being a Mass Communication student, the phone was very useful for me. I have shot pictures and even video to support the news items posted on my blog”. He also adds that the phone is a source if entertainment as it functions as an FM Radio and an MP3 player as well. He is eagerly waiting to subscribe to the mobile TV.

Revathy, a researcher in Statistics who also uses a multimedia supported handset says that the mobile has been a boon to her in her research. She uses her phone to get connected to the Net and also sends and replies to emails using her mobile phone. “In the beginning, when I first bought the mobile, it was purely an ornament. But now it is a necessity”. But Soumya, a first year student in Mass Communication thinks different. She hails from Cannanore district in Kerala and thinks that a mobile is just a communication device. “I just think that it is a device to communicate with my dear and near ones. Hence my mobile is very dear to me”. Same is the line of thought with her friends Vandana, Rajitha and Suchitha. But they all join together at the point that their mobile phone is a necessary evil.

The evil side crops up now. A lot of cases are coming up in this regard. Picturing girls and ladies without permission, using the captured images for obscenity. File transfer is easy with the latest Bluetooth technology and even with the help of infrared. A girl student says that she was the victim of such an event and from that day she is quite afraid to walk in public. “You don’t know whether they are focussing the camera at you or not “. The health hazards because of the prolonged use of mobile phone is hurting Surjith, a post-graduate in Sociology. “How it affects our body, we can only know in the long run. I am a bit concerned about that”. His Sociology background also makes him think about the changes in behaviour of youngsters. “Now it’s all communication through missed calls and messages. That is a bad trend. In this century people seldom talk and this has aggravated the condition again”.

Technology is fast advancing. Tomorrow a new technology will come and that becomes the trend of tomorrow. In this century of “convergence”, the World itself will converge into your mobile phone. That day is not far away. How will humans behave at that time? Let us wait and see…..

By

Sabarinath Bahuleyan.
sabarinathbahuleyan@gmail.com

Should we repeal section 377 of IPC

2007-03-29T14:49:00.000+05:30

“Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and also shall be liable for fine”. This is Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code-the law against homosexuality.

In India, homosexuality still is considered taboo. Writer Vikram Seth wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister recently requesting him to repeal Section 377. He was backed by Amartya Sen and many other celebrities. A sexual health NGO Naz Foundation filed public interest litigation in this matter. They demanded equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Many countries have declared homosexuality legal. But would we repeal Section 377 ? No government would dare to say “yes”. There are a lot of social, religious and above all psychological problems that will crop up if the law is repealed. Let us watch closely our home state-Kerala.

“Guys4Men” is a popular gay dating web site. According to their recent statistics over 30% of their members in India are Malayalees - thanks to literacy and tech savoir-faire. You can post your profile in this website. The most interesting thing is that almost 40% of the profiles contain photographs of the person. The modern youths have no hesitation to reveal that they are gay or bisexual. Where is the society heading for?

A recent study done by the Malayala Manorama on the case of missing children divulged strange conclusions. It brought into light the activities of many sex rackets in the state, especially in the northern parts of Kerala. Their activities included kidnapping children below the age of fifteen and supplying them to clients. The children are drugged before indulging in sex. The children loose their mental rhythm and become drug addicts. Many of these children abducted in their early teens never reach their homes. In the process they transform into agents. This is the state when the law against homosexuality holds. Just imagine a condition if the law is repeated. It is unimaginable.

Fidelity in homosexual relationships is another issue. This causes a lot of psychological problems. One of the partners becomes suspicious about the other’s relationship. This creates stress and many psychological problems. Recently in Malappuram a teenager was brutally murdered. His genitals were chopped off and defaced. The police started the investigation with a notion that terrorists were involved. But within days it was revealed that he was a gay and had a homosexual relationship with a friend and it was his feeling of insecurity that prompted him to kill his friend.

This is not a rare case. Many people kill themselves to homosexual relationships. Nandu and Sheela, the lesbian couple had created waves in the capital city some years back thanks to media coverage. They said that they would never separate. Four years later, Nandu is alone. Sheela eloped with her boyfriend. A dejected Nandu now tries hard to start a new life.

Male sex workers are also very common now. According to the State AIDS Control Mission, these male sex workers are a high risk group. They indulge in sodomy, without any protection. The law if repealed will hit the current AIDS awareness programmes.

The government should think well and act. As Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said there would not be much appreciation for repealing the law in India. That itself is the right answer…..

Sabarinath Bahuleyan.

sabarinathbahuleyan@gmail.com

Redirecting vibes

2007-03-02T14:33:00.000+05:30

You call on a friend after a long time and find a miniature fountain at the entrance as she greets you at the door. "Nice," you think. There's a wind chime hanging at the window sill, a laughing buddha on the coffee table - you raise an eyebrow. Then the penny drops..more and more people are turning to Feng-Shui these days what with consultants claiming that the ancient Chinese art will do away with every problem affecting man. With a little help from the pros, Feng-Shui can make one rich, heal diseases and improve relationships.

Dealers in Feng-Shui articles observe that the most sought after symbol is the 'Lucky Bamboo'. Indeed, one now finds a verdant shoot of the plant in just about every household. The fact that the plant hardly requires any sunlight makes it easy to maintain. Feng-Shui practitioners claim that the plant revitalises the owner, enabling him to face the stress of everyday life. Asha Balanandan, a bank officer, has a 'Lucky Bamboo' on her dining table. "It symbolises luck and success. The plant also circulates the forces of energy where it is placed so that it does not stagnate," she says. She also has a fountain placed in the den. "This will absorb negative vibrations," she points out as she adds, "moving objects such as these also help in the area of one's career." Other moving objects like chimes and butterflies are also recommended by experts.

Symbols used in this method of channelising the positive and negative energy in one's home and workplace are many. From a three-legged moon frog, a dragon, laughing Buddha holding a cash bag, Chinese coins in a cash box for financial troubles, five-rod wind chimes to Mandarin ducks, mirrors, coloured candles, bells and goldfish,the list is endless. B. Shyamala, a housewife attended a 3 day workshop held by a Feng-Shui consultant. Small mirrors have been hung at strategic places on the walls of her home. A laughing Buddha sits atop a table. Goldfish shimmer in a tank at the entrance.She is hoping the discreet additions will bring about necessary changes within the household and a good alliance for her son.

Feng-Shui does not require that one bring down the walls of the house for solutions recommended. Minor adjustments and additions can also work the intended effects. At the end of it all, not only does one find solutions to problems but the visible changes add zest to the interiors often livening up spaces. This is where the true magic of Feng-Shui comes in. The tinkle of wind chimes or the sound of a gurgling brooke in the background soothes the mind often encouraging the individual to perform better. It is largely the pycological effects on the person that makes all the difference.

by sajini

Tribute to the maestro

2007-03-02T13:44:00.000+05:30

God has taken back the boon.Now we are left with a treasure of memorable eternal songs-P.Bhaskaran lives...

The golden age of Malayalam film industry flourished with Bhaskaran master in all aspects.Poet,film maker,lyricist,actor and a turbulent freedom fighter .He had shown his excellence in all these fields.

From his youth as a communist revolutionary, through the ages of romantic songs , he could maintain the same enthusiasm.It was he who took Malayalis to the heights of music which was till then alien to them.He used colloquial language in a mesmerising manner giving it a heavenly touch .

His debut was 'Neelakkuyil'-as a director,lyricist and actor. But before that P.Bhaskaran was the spirit of communist activists in Kerala.His poem ' Vayalar Garjikkunnu' in 1946 after the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising,created troubles to the feudalists and oppressors.

The songs Manjani poonilavu..., Kayalarikathu...,Oru pushpam mathram.., Pranasakhi... etc. outlive the master.He received J.C.Daniel award for life time achievement in cinema in 1994, Odakkuzhal award and Kerala sahitya academi award for poetry in 1982 for his collection ' Ottakkampiyulla Thampuru'.

His throne in Malayalam film songs will remain forever with his grace and unparallelled contributions.

by soumya raveendran

AUTOBAHN 2007

2007-02-09T16:44:00.000+05:30

Thiruvananthapuram will host a motor show,Autobahn 2007, on March at Kanakakunnu Palace.The show will be organised by the automobile engineering students of the Sree Chitra Thirunal Engineering College, Pappanamcode, with the participation of automobile industry.

The show has many attractions like exihibition,cultural events and technical events. Autobahn 2007 show's sponsors are manufacturers. This show has a link with RCC. 25% of the profit will go to RCC.

text by minu

Janakeeya bus service

2006-09-23T17:58:00.000+05:30

‘Where there is a will, there is a way’.Yes, it was the will of the people in the hilly regions of Kannur to overcome the problems of transporation that has found a solution through the introduction of a people’s bus service. The fourth Janakeeya bus started operation recently in Vijayapuram.

The idea of janakeeya bus service was originated in the wake of hike in jeep fares. Also the hairpin curves made their journey more hazardous while traveling in jeeps. The reluctant attitude of KSRTC and private bus owners compelled the natives to find a solution to tide over this difficult situation.

People were ready to take up any challenge and they put forward the idea of a bus service “of the people, for the people, by the people”. With the active participation from every walks of life and the assistance of the priests of the parishes, the idea sprouted out. The alacrity of the native people to meet any difficult situation was the only supportive factor. Many families took shares to hire the bus. Banks also supported their initiative.

The first Janakeeya bus service was started in 1997. The services are aimed at the convenience of the people, not to make profits. A committee was formed to look into the matter of these cooperative bus services. The profit is being utilized for social activities and people’s welfare programs. A monitoring committee is convened every Friday to make an assessment of the activities.

People from different parts of Kerala come here to study the people’s bus service.

Micro hydel project

Pathanpara, a rustic village in Kannur district produces 40 kW of hydro electric power everyday to bring light to nearly hundred houses in the locality. The micro hydel project is owned and operated by the natives without any assistance from govt. agencies. “It all began with contributions from 37 families. They provided land and capital to build the power house”, say Anilkumar who initiated work for the people’s project. It look 45 days to completed the project. Medha Patkar commissioned it in 1997. Power is supplied to the customers in the mornings and evenings.

Kinfra textile centre at Nadukani

The Kinfra Textile Centre being built at Nadukani, near Taliparamba would generate employment for 10,000 people when commissioned in 2008. The construction is in progress, under the Textile Centre Infrastructure Development Scheme (TCIDS). The textile centre project is started with the central financial aid of Rs. 20 crores. The state govt. will invest Rs. 10 crores.

This scheme will provide pre-loom and post-loom facilities. One hundred and twenty five acres of land in Nadukani is being utilized for the construction of this textile centre. It will have wet processing centre, weaving centre, apparel park, small industries park and yarn storage facility.

The wet processing centre will have a capacity to process fifteen tonnes of yarn and seventy thousand meters of fabric, a day. It will be beneficial to the weavers in small-scale industry also. It will include five processing units and garment factories.

The water for the Textile centre will be available from the Kuppam River at Uttery. There will be water storage facilities also. A 33kv sub-station in that area will provide the electricity.

The construction of the textile Centre is expected to be completed within two years. There is also a plan to develop a green belt around the textile centre.

Ayurveda treatment for elephant

2006-08-25T18:02:00.000+05:30

When almost all the domesticated elephants in the state are engaged in timber operations, the elite elephants in Guruvayur Punnayurkotta are undergoing rejuvenation therapy.

Guruvayur devasom board has earmarked a sum of Rs. 6.50 lakhs for the annual therapy of its inmates at Punnayurkotta. Now there are 72 elephants in Punnayurkotta.

Rejuvenation therapy for the elephants in Punnathurkotta goes on for thirty days. During this time, a set of ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are given to the elephants.

Ayuurvedic physicians are in the charge of rejuvenation therapy. Physicians divide the elephants into three group based on their weight.

The elephants which are weighed above 4500 kgs are in the first group. The second group consists of elephants weighed between 4500 kilograms and 3000 kilograms. The third category consists of elephants below 3000 kilograms.

On the days of this treatment elephants are made to bath a in the morning. This three-hour bathing itself is an important part of treatment as rubbing the body with coconut fiber increases the blood circulation.

Diets of elephants during theraphy period include rice, greengram, horse gram, chyvanaprasham ashtachoornam, turmeric powder, salt and ragi. Quantity of these medicines varies between the different categories.. An ayurvedic mineral mixture is also given to animals during these days.

Elephants are given full rest. However some of the elephants are taken to the Sreekrishna temple in the evenings for the "ezhunillippu".

Punnayurkotta owned by Punnathur king was gifted to Guruvayur Devasom Board in 1972. It is hardly three kilometers away from Guruvayur Sreekrishna temple.

Hey….. I am Afraid of You…!

2006-08-09T17:10:00.000+05:30

Meenu, a 19-year old student, decides not to attend her University classes on the first day because she thinks, perhaps, the professor may ask her to go around the room and introduce herself. She imagines – waiting to introduce herself to room full of strangers, who might be staring at her. Anxiety would be high; voice may even quiver. At last she decides, better skip the first day of the class.

A 32- year – old lady, mother of two kids hates to stand at a crowded bus station. She always feels that everyone is watching her. Her self-consciousness and anxiety rises and struggles to overcome the feeling.

A 29 –year – old professional, hates to go to work because a meeting is scheduled in the next day. Thus the thought of speaking in front of co-workers raises his anxiety. He can’t sleep because of the anticipatory that builds up. Finally the meeting is over smoothly. But, then he analyses and ruminates what he spoke; has he made of himself; how stupid he acted in their presence. He starts thinking about next weeks’ meeting with his Boss. Till that day he thinks, ruminates, and worries about it, over exaggerates it in his mind again and again and again.

What you think is happening to people described above? They are those unfortunate people with social Anxiety Disorder. It is one of the largest Psychological problems in the world today. Social anxiety is thought to affect 1 in 10 at some time at their in their lives. According to World Psychiatric Association, roughly 40% of Social Anxieties begin before the age of 10 and 95% start before 20 years.

Infact people with Social Anxiety Disorder are misdiagnosed almost 90% of the time, says Dr. T S Arun Kumar, Clinical Psychologist in Trivandrum Mental Health Centre. People with Social Anxiety are often labeled as ‘Schizophrenic’, ‘Manic-depressive’, ‘Clinically depressed’, ‘Panic disordered’ and ‘Personality disordered’.

He says, such people would think, they are only ones in the world who have these terrible symptoms and always keep quiet about them. Their symptoms apply to most social events and functions in almost every area of life. Making the situation more difficult is the social anxiety does not come and go like other physical and psychological problems.

Dr.Arun recommends, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the best treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder. CBT is the modality that has been shown to work effectively. He suggests, to overcome social anxiety, participation in therapeutic group is essential. And such a group is working in Trivandrum also.

Without therapeutic interventions, Social Anxiety can be a torturous problem. Proper treatment can provide a better life for all individuals who are in the crippling fears of social phobia.

Athul Lal A G

2006-08-08T17:16:00.001+05:30

Kottamkulangara Sri Devi temple is famous for its traditional 'chamayavilakku'ritual {chamayam=make up,vilakku=lamp}.the ritual is unique because men disguise as women carrying lamps to appease the presiding deity 'jagadanbika'.

kottamkulangara is situated in chavara near 'kollam' .the chamayavilakku ritual is organised in connwction with the annual festival,held between 'meenam'one and twelve.

men from different part of the world come here to offer their prayer and seek the blessings of the devi.men who come here dres in all sorts of costumes ,but the favourite is the 'saree'and also the traditional kerala 'settumundu'.young people also wear modern dresses ,some men can even be seen in dance costumes .

they carry the traditional lamp chamayavilakku and wait for the procession of the devi to come and see them.there are also many groups who come from minor temples around the place .there is no age limitation ,men of all ages from a small infant to very old man come here dressed as females to fulfil their desires for devi's blessings .the lamp is a peculiarity of this temple and is seen here only.

the lamp is mounted on a long wooden rod and has a height up to the waist .there are five lights ,which are lighted on the same lamp and the lamp is lighted from a main lamp in the temple

men dressed up as women here to fulfil their vows and to thank dwvi for the favour they have received due to devi's blessings.they orayed for different reasons ,that is ,for a good life,for a child,etc.

now this temple included in the tourist map of kerala and it became a tourist festival.

and now jumbo tourism

2006-07-12T12:52:00.000+05:30

After Ayurveda tourism and Monsoon tourism its now Jumbo tourism. Welcome to Konni elephant training camp, the latest hotspot on the tourism map of ‘God’s Own Country’.

The ecotourism department of the state along with forest and tourism department has worked out a Rs.2.5 crore Konni Ecotourism Project. The project to be completed in four phases will focus on the elephant link of the place. The first phase is already nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned within three months.

The project envisages expanding the existing century-old wooden ‘kraal’ at Konni into a full fledged elephant camp. Visitors would be able to have a first hand experience on how the elephants are captured and trained at the camp. Facilities for elephant shows will also be provided.

Other major attractions of the project include setting up of an elephant museum, biogas plant and paper manufacturing plant, which is a first of its kinds in

India

. The elephant camp will also have a mini theatre where films and documentaries related to elephants will be screened. Besides these the first phase of the Konni Ecotourism Project also includes an administration complex, elephant shelters, rain shelters, pathways, mahout shed and exhibition area workshop.

Construction of a watch tower on Kottaparamala, linking of two hills with a rope way, and development of retiring facilities in the interior forest areas of Konni are also part of the project in its later phases.

The project will be managed by Vana Samrakshana Samiti which is a committee of local people. Through this association the ecotourism department hopes to ensure the participation of the local people in the protection of forests.

theeyattu: the fire dance

2006-07-11T17:28:00.002+05:30

Theeyattu:the fire dance

Kerala the place which contributed Adishankara to the philosophical world and Kathakali to the world of culture is also a place of ritual arts. The culture and arts of Kerala has grown along with the kavu, temples, festivals etc.since the ancient times.Theeyattu is such a ritual art for the well being of devotees and considered to be the best to pacify the goddess Bhadrakali.Thrikkariyoor in Ernakulam district is the birth place of this art.This ritual is performed by a group of people called theeyattunnikal in every month on the thiruvathira day.Earlier the ritual was known as deepattom means dance with light and it later became theeyattom(the fire dance). It is performed mostly in Bhadrakali temples. Two types of theeyattu is performed-Ayyappan and Bhadrakali.The storyline of theeyattu is the killing of the demon Darika by goddess Bhadrakali.She tells it to lord Siva while holding the head of darika in her hand.

Kerala:under the States Recognition Act of 1956, Travancore-Cochin state and Malabar were united to form the State of Kerala on november1,1956.The first fully literate Muncipal town(Kottayam-1989) and district(Ernakulam-1990) in India are in Kerala. On december11,1995, Ernakulam also became India's first 'Bachat'(savings)district.In 1991,Kerala became the first fully literate state in India. Its capital is Trivandrum and Malayalam is the official language.Periyar Wildlife sanctuary Thekkady,Kumarakom resorts,Kovalam,Sabarimala, Guruvayoor are the famous places.Kalady in Ernakulam is the birth place of Sri Shankaracharya.

theeyattunnikal : they are the performers of theeyattu.the legend is, once to save his people from small pox, Thrikkariyoorappan(Lord Siva) himself lit a light from the shrine and blessed that this will ward off all diseases and dangers.he handed the light over to a unni(a Brahmin boy before upanayanom) and he took it by his left hand. Later others distanced themselves from him and anew generation called theeyattunnikal had borne. in central travancore they are known as Nambis.

Ayyappan: the hindu god who had an unnatural birth.his mother is lord vishnu and father is lord siva.vishnu in disguise of mohini(as a woman) attracted siva and gave birth to a boy from her thigh.he had been adopted by the king of Pandalam and called him ayyappan.he is a chronic bachelor and now worshipped at sabarimala in pathanamthitta district of Kerala.

Adishankara is the Hindu sage Shri. Shankaracharyar who became a sanyasin at a very young age. He advocated the 'one - god' philosophy or adwaita

English - Made in Iran

2006-06-23T17:53:00.000+05:30

Students call her by different names… Some call her Sara, someone else Zohre. Never mind, she has left it to the students. After all she knows that her name is not easy for a Malayali tongue to pronounce. She is Zohre from Iran, with over 18 years of teaching experience in Kerala. The lady, who doesn’t follow any recognised syllabus for teaching, is now one of the most sought after English Language teachers in Trivandrum, thanks to her earnestness towards the profession.

"I am very particular that they (students) should make improvement in their English language communication skills to my satisfaction and theirs", says Zohre, and this emphasises her commitment towards the job, in-fact a service for her. "I advice my students to read books and watch TV. Like in developing any other faculty, English language learning too requires an upbeat mindset, which I will make them achieve", she adds.

People in between the age-group of 10 to 60 years, coming from all walks of life attend the classes at her residence in Desabhimani Road. The duration equation is simple – one and half hours daily for a month. "But some students may need more time, which I will provide them with free of cost", says Zohre.

Zohre, who initially came for medical education in Rajasthan, ended up with a graduation in zoology. Later, she came to Kerala with her husband, who then was an Engineering student in Trivandrum Engineering College. After securing Post Graduate degree in Sociology from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, she made up her mind into the field of English language teaching.

She, who doesn’t like to have large classes, now teaches at schools like St. Shantal, Malamukal, and S. F. S. Vizhinjam and industrial institutions like KELTRON, Escube Technologies etc. "Thanks to my two-wheeler, which helps me reach all these places on time", says Zohre.

Apart from Spoken English she gives classes for IELTS too. Zohre, from Abadan in southern Iran, is happy with what she is now. "Even though I haven't become a doctor, I am happy with what I am", she concludes.

Text by Kiran S. Nair Designed by Reshmi

Da vinci code'"is not as remarkable as Novel

2006-06-23T17:20:00.000+05:30

Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code was an intellectually stimulating novel with a scandalous yet plausible theme. It was an engaging page- turner about the quest for the Holy Grail. But Ron Howard failed to capture the action and suspense of the quest on screen. If you have read the book the movie is bound to be disappointed. And if you haven’t you are lost!

in Time could have been a major limiting factor. There is too much to say in too little time. The first half an hour of the film is a complete mayhem. Everybody seems to be in a hurry to get down to the business of finding the Grail. The script is lousy with underdeveloped characters and situations. Howard makes a desperate attempt to establish the plot right away stealing the drama and intensity of the situation so wonderfully etched out by Dan Brown in the book. Its only after the protagonists confirm the chase for the Grail that the film fallstrack.

Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon has done his bit to justify the character. In spite of his dull looks he seems to be genuinely involved in the plot. The celluloid version of Sophie Neveu the super’s mart French cryptologist may not match the one in our imagination. But Audrey Taotou is too attractive a woman to be dismissed. Her portrayal of Sophie may not win the admiration we had for the bold agent in the novel who stood unflinching on the face of tragedy. Instead what we feel for her is the sympathetic affection for a young woman whose only kin has just been murdered.

The best thing that happened to the movie was Paul Bettany as Silas. Bettany breathed life into the murderous albino monk disillusioned by his own life, faith and conscience. Ian McKellen as Sir Liegh Teebing has too much to say and too little to do. The greatest disappointment of the movie though was captain Fache; the aggressive French cop nicknamed “the Bull” for his ferocity and commitment. The Fache of the film is anything but aggressive. He looks more tired than committed. And as for Collet you just wished he were at least a bit younger. The Da Vinci Code is about history and the distortion of it. It’s about the secrets that shake the very foundations of our faith. Thankfully the historical part of the film is rendered convincingly. Judicious use of special effects blended through skillful editing has done the job. The film also has some amazing camerawork. The fascinating places and monuments described passionately by Brown in the book are really worth watching.

The movie Da Vinci Code may not be as remarkable as its print version, but its definitely not a dud. This is evident from the fact that the film continues to attract the ire of fundamentalists around the world. Long queues pouring out of theaters and audiences sitting in rapt attention within are added proof. It’s just that Da Vinci Code was too fast a tale to narrate for the director of ‘A Beautiful Mind’.

Text by Sangeetha Unnithan Designed by Manu

Murals, the decorative wall painting

2006-06-14T14:08:00.000+05:30

Mural is found in all periods of art, but mainly, as distinct from the domestic easel picture, in palaces, churches, or interiors of buildings of public use or significance.
Its nothing other than a magical play of just five colours, no hidden ideas or semiotic symbols that make complication.

Prince Thonnakal a well-known mural artist has initiated a programme to protect the murals in Kerala. Starting his carrier as a student in 1990 under late Mammiyoor Krishnankutty Nair at Guruvayoor Devasome Boards he had never looked back in his career as a mural artist. His first project was renovation of the murals in Kumaranalloor temple.

Being a dry fresco expert he had done renovation works at Ooramana (Piravam) Padmanabhaswamy temple and Sree Krishna swamy temple Neyattinkara. Prince uses the brush made up of arrow grass treated in milk and colours from nature. The colours are prepared according to the traditional methods. When renovating a work the first step is to take photographs of the existing one, which is the only available material to put sketches. Then the old one is destroyed to draw the new one. When working with such paintings it is compulsory to follow the instructions from manuscripts.

Floating Naalukettu

2006-06-14T11:45:00.000+05:30

Veli tourist village is one of the prime attractions in the tourism map of Trivandrum. The recent allures of this place are the modernised floating restaurant and the lakeside walkway .This floating restaurant is the first and largest of its kind in India.

This two storied restaurant is built in the traditional ‘Naalukettu’ model .Around 150 people can dine out here simultaneously. This restaurant can be attached to any part of the lake since it is built upon a floating platform. For preventing corrosion, wood and anti-rust materials are used for its construction.

People can enjoy the tasty traditional dishes here taking pleasure of the enchanting beauty of Veli Lake. Chinese, continental foods are also available in this three star eatery .A separate kitchen and service area are attached to the restaurant.

The lake side walkway from veli to Akkulam is another key feature. This aisle was done on a budget of Rs.2 crores. The evening walk having the magnificence of the lagoon will be a new experience to the sightseers.
A five crore development project is expected to be launched soon to make Veli as one of the foremost attractions in Kerala.

Designed by Harilal Text by Silvi Salim

Thrissur Pooram – A Visual Extravaganza

2006-05-11T13:21:00.000+05:30

Thrissur Pooram, a real cultural crowd puller and one of the golden trademarks of Gods Own country, Kerala, is a true visual extravaganza in all respects. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) it consists of processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various neighbouring temples to the Vadakunnatha temple, Thrissur. The most impressions are those from the Krishna temple at Thiruvambadi and the Devi temple at Paramekkavu, both situated in the town itself. The legend says that this festival was introduced by Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. The Pooram festival is also well-known for the wonderful display of fireworks. It is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi vying with each other in making the display of fireworks grander and more colourful. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants and all efforts are made by each party to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, several kinds of which are raised on the elephant’s head during the display. Commencing in the early hours, the celebrations last till the break of dawn, the next day.

At the close of the Pooram both these groups enter the temple through the western gate and come out through the southern gate to array themselves, face to face, one from the round and other form the Municipal Office road. This spectacle is highly captivating. Although this grand festival is known as Thrissur Pooram, it is in fact the conclusion of the eight-day Festival of nine temples.

The procession of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkunnatha Temple and back is not only important, but also quite bracing. There is also 'Panchavadya' competition, which attracts a lot of people every year. The marvellous as well as magical effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments, is to be felt and enjoyed.

Legend

It was by a historical accident that the Pooramfestival originated. Once, ten poorakar from Thrissur set out to Arattupuzha to celebrate Pooram there. However, they couldn’t reach the destination as they were stranded midway due to heavy downpour. The residents of Arattupuzha blamed them for their absence from the festival. Disgusted with this, they decided to dissociate from the Arattupuzha Pooram in future. On knowing this, Rama Varma Sakhthan Thampuram (1789 – 1805), who was building Thrissur town at that time, asked these poorakars whether they could not celebrate Pooram at the Thekkinkadu parambu in the presence of Lord Vadakkumnatha. This was the origin of the famous Thrissur Pooram.

Panchavady am

Panchavadyam is an orchestra composed of Timila, Maddalam, Edakka, Cymbals (Elathalam) and Kompu. Panchavadyam primarily is based on ‘Omkar’ or the sacred syllable of ‘Pranava’. It is an ensemble performed mostly during temple - festivals. Panchavadyam provides sufficient scope for collective and individual performance. Sanghu is blown three times, to mark the beginning of this orchestral music. Starting from a slow tempo it steadily progresses and reaches the crescendo. It is a tower of rhythm created in front of caparisoned elephants lining up in the temple-yard during the festival. The music of Panchavadyam is engrossing especially in the lush green background of the pastoral-temples. Panchavadyam is performed during the festivals of the Temples in Kerala, mainly in Central Kerala. The most famous performance is that during the Thrissur Pooram, known as the "Madathil Varavu" Panchavadyam. It is performed by the Thiruvambadi Temple camp.

Cracker Tragedy

The fireworks associated with pooram, popularly known as ‘Vedikettu’ is one of the most attractive part of the pooram festivity. However, this wasn’t the case for this pooram as ‘Vedikettu’ was called off after seven people were killed following an explosion at a cracker manufacturing unit. The mishap occurred on the day before the ‘Sample Vedikettu’. The reason still not known. This is not the first time Pooram ending in an unhappy atmosphere. Experts point out the following reasons for such tragedies.

Poor handling of crackers
Inexperience in handling and conducting such fireworks
High atmospheric temperature
Short circuit

Tragedies in brief

1952 – Sabarimala witnessed a firework explosion, killing 68 lives
1978 – Firework explosion in Thrissur claiming 8 lives.
1984 – 15 people died in church festival in Kandasam Kadavu in Thrissur. In 1989, the church again witnessed a cracker tragedy claiming 12 lives.
1987 – 20 people were killed in Vellatamchur temple festival in Thrissur.
1988 – 10 women workers were killed in fire work mishap in Thrippunithara.
1990 – 26 died in Kollam Malanada Temple festival.
1999 – 8 died in Palakkad in a cracker explosion.

Caparisoned El ephant

Elephants are caparisoned with ‘Nettipattam’, which covers the forehead. This a thick cloth into which is sewn about six thousand gold plated glittering metal pieces. Each elephant carries three men, one holds the coloured parasol; the other two stand on the back. They holds the ‘Aalavattam’ and ‘Venchamaram’.

Caparision http://www.thefreedictionary.com/caparison

Text by MCJ Students ---- Design by Deepak and Harilal

IN A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT

2006-04-26T17:12:00.000+05:30

Thousands of traditional bamboo artisans in Kerala are facing starvation due to non-availability of bamboo, reed and cane. The forest from which this raw material is obtained is shrinking at an alarming rate. Deforestration continues unabated thanks to political backing by the powers that be.

The market for bamboo products is also dwindling. Many traditional bamboo products are fast disappearing from the local markets as plastic items are used as substitutes. They are cheap, handy and readily available. Mats, baskets, fancy articles and even “muram” are now being made with plastics.

“How can we complete with plastics ? asks Thankappan, whose five - member family eke out a living by making mats and baskets with reed.

The State Bamboo Corporation, which supplies bamboo, reed and cane failed to address the vital issues of this traditional industry.

“We are in a terrible predicament”,laments Devarajan of Anchal.None of the major political parties see our woes, because we belong to a maginalised society, the Parayas, adds Devarajan.

Reported by GOPARAJ PUNALOOR Designed by NOUSHAD

Paddy cultivation on marshes

2006-04-05T15:51:00.000+05:30

Trivandrum: The eneterprising landless farmers at Nilamakkary have set an example to the rest of the farming community by converting a marshy land into velvety green paddy fields.
Called the ‘Tharishubhoomi Nelkrishi’ this is an innovative venture by the members of the State Government’s employment scheme for farmers. The scheme covering an area of 10 hectares at Melancode in Trivandrum district is carried out under the guidance of Nemom Agricultural Officer, Rukhmini.
The marshy land being used for cultivation was acquired by the farmers from rich land owners, who in return will get their land, fit for future cultivation.
The farmers are given a subsidy of Rs. 2000 per acre by the State Government to clear the weeds and till the land, says Rukhmini.
The seed variety called ‘Kanchana’ was used for the first cultivation. Although manuring is to be done primarily using organic wastes, there will be a minimal use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Text by Athullal Designed by Goparaj

Remembering RAVEENDRAN

2006-04-03T13:33:00.000+05:30

His life was like most of his songs, starting off in a low mode, then taking off to a high pitch and again coming down to serenity. He was a music director who strived for perfection. His music, stands out due to its sublime elegance. It’s been one year since the saga of “Raveendran Sangeetham” ended.

Though he was a much celebrated music director, life was never a cakewalk for Raveendran. Born as the son of a policeman in Kulathupuzha village in Pathanamthitta, Raveendran had to work hard for fulfilling his ambitions.

After his schooling, he joined the Swathithirunal Sangeetha Academy in Thiruvananthapuram. But he discontinued his studies due to financial constraints. He joined a music group called ‘Thunderbirds’. It was during this time that he got introuduced to the popular music director, Baburaj. He stayed with Baburaj for some time and got a chance to sing ‘Parvana rajani than’ a song in the film Velliyazcha. Later he went to the Gulf searching for job, But his passion for music soon brought him back.

It was none other than K.J. Jesudas who found his talent and recommended him to director Sasikumar. Thus his first film Choola came out and the song “Tharake…” turned out to be a big hit. The rest is history. The songs he did for the films Chiriyo chiri, Thenum Vayambum, Sukhamo devi, Oru may masa pulari etc were all great hits and we remember them even today. Later he tuned songs for several films like Bharatham, His Highness Abdullah, Kamaladalam, Aram Thamburan and Nandanam. His songs ‘Harimuraliravam’ (Aram Thamburan) is arguably one of the greatest songs in Malayalam film history. However, it was Bharatham that won him a national award in 1990. He also has won the state award and several other awards.

“Raveendran has the distinction of using the not-so-used ragas such as ‘Shanmukhapriya’ and ‘Hindolam’. He was a music director with a creative approach”, says Prof. Mavelikkara Prabhakara Varma, Raveendran’s teacher in the Sangeetha Academy. As a student, Raveendran was quite sluggish, but was really talented. I never thought he would go so early, Varma said.

Raveendran gave a new expression to the kind of composing pattern that existed traditionally. Even while adhering to Carnatic classical music, he used many Hindustani ragas like ‘Jogu’ in his compositions.

In his career of over two decades, Raveendran has composed songs for over 100 films and created nearly 1000 songs. His last film was Vadakkumnathan. Though the film is not released yet, songs like ‘Kalabham Tharam’ and ‘Gange….’ are already hits. He was doing music for a film called Cholliyattam when he died.

Text by Sajith Varma Designed by Shahul Hameed

A forum for lovers of trees and literature

2006-03-25T15:25:00.000+05:30

A fine blend of Nature and Literature, that is ‘Poetreegarden’. Poetree Garden is a forum of nature activists as well as people who love literature.
Flower trees and Fruit trees all over the world, is the motto of the forum formed in 2002.
“We plant trees, publish books and conduct discussions on socially relevant eco-literary subjects”, says its founder Dr. P.P. Souhrudan.
Poetree Garden has already published two national anthologies – ‘Native Petals’, a collection 117 poems of authors from all over the country & Twenty Fascinating Stories, by Krishna Kumar, a veteran writer from Maharashtra.
The forthcoming books are “My Beads Unstrung” by Anna Maria and an English version of K.P. Appan’s widely discussed critical text on Sree Narayana Guru.
This eco-literary movement has 120 life members from different strata of society spread over the country. The life membership fee is Rs. 250. They get the poetree books free.
The driving force behind the forum is a 50+ unassuming author of 10 books, Vaangmayi. He won a national award for ‘Antharangam’ and the an international citation for a poem ‘Lightning of Destiny’.

for more information log on to poetreegarden.org

Story filed by N. Sreeja Designed by Noushad T.T.

Seminar on New Media : The Emerging Scenario

2006-03-20T15:53:00.000+05:30

The worlds IT hub is shifting its gravity from the Silicon Valley to India, observed eminent IT journalist and consultant Editor of Hindu, Shri. Anand Parthasarathy, presenting a paper in the seminar on ‘New Media : The Emerging Scenario’. The two-day seminar was jointly conducted by the Centre for Convergence Media Studies under the University of Kerala and C-DIT. A host of topics relating to new media ranging from Animation & Visual Effects to content Management was discussed in the seminar.

Speaking on the topic ‘Information Technology Application in Education’ IT@school Executive Director Biju Prabhakaran pointed out that computer proficiency would soon become a minimum qualification to acquire a Government job. Anwar Sadat, Manager of e-governance with the Kerala IT Mission elucidated on the Acts and Provisions related to Internet in his presentation ‘Cyber Laws and Ethics’. S. Ramakrishnan of Sherston Techno talked about the opportunities in Multimedia field. Amarnath Raja, CEO, InApp Technologies talked on the current trends in Internet Application. The scope of new media in preserving and presenting archival heritage through digital archiving was delved upon by Registrar of C-DIT, K. Ashok Kumar and Biju Mathew of All India Radio gave a presentation on the role of Radio in the age of New Media.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. M.K. Ramachandran Nair, Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala in a function attended by K.A. Hashim, Registrar, University of Kerala, D. Prins, PRO, University of Kerala, Dr. K. Subhash, Head of the Department of Communication and Journalism and M. Vijayakumar, Honorary Director of Centre for Convergence Media Studies. The valedictory function was presided by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. V. Jayaprakash

Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair, Centre for Bio-informatics, University of Kerala, Shri. Kumar Chellappan Warrier of Invis Multi Media, Hari Varma of Toonz Animation, Satish Babu, President, InApp Technologies, K. Mohan Kumar, C-DIT Deputy Director, A. Shaji, Additional Director Information Kerala Mission, V.K. Jyotheenthrakumar, Lecturer of Department of Communication and Journalism also participated in the seminar.

Text by SANGEETHA UNNITHAN Designed by HARILAL