Category Archives: Records, All

Farmer awarded, gives Governor a gift that grows

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

Tuber Man’s ‘seed pen’ germinates into tree after pen is disposed of

Shaji N.M., a farmer who was conferred the Biodiversity Award under special mention category by the National Biodiversity Authority, attracted many eyeballs during the award ceremony on Tuesday.

After receiving the award, he presented seed pens as return gift to the dignitaries, including Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan from whom he received the prize. “It is made of paper. You can use it as a normal disposable pen, and when the ink is exhausted, you can just throw it away. It contains a seed, which will give birth to a tree in future,” he explained.

Making seed pens is more like a hobby for Mr. Shaji, whose major occupation is conserving tuber species.

Started 20 years ago as a response to the drought conditions in Wayanad district where he lives, his passion has taken him places across the country, in search of newer tuber species. “I have a collection of 200 edible tuber species, including the rarest ones, besides herbs and medicinal plants on my four-acre land,” he says proudly.

He has shared the germplasm of the tubers with institutions such as Central Tuber Crop Research Institute and Kerala University.

Recipient of many awards, including National Plant Genome Saviour Award, Mr. Shaji’s conservation efforts are not limited to tubers; they extend to rice. He grows 17 traditional varieties of rice on the meagre plot, besides dabbling in fish farming, bee keeping and horticulture.

There were nine winners and 13 special mentions in total at the biodiversity award ceremony, among whom two were from Telangana.

Sangham Women Farmers Group from Medak won the award for ‘Sustainable use of Biological Resources’ for its efforts in traditional and organic methods of seed processing.

The Biodiversity Management Committee of Modi (Jheri) village of Kerameri mandal in Asifabad district won under special mention category, for conserving 26 native varieties of pulses and cereals. Among them, two varieties ‘Erra Machala Kandulu’ (a variety of pigeon pea) and ‘Vayunowka Jonna’ (a variety of sorghum) have been registered with the Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority of India, while the recognition of another variety, ‘Balintha Pesalu’, is under way.

Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve Management Committee from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh won the award for protecting the community reserve, while Lemsachenlok Organization ( Y.NukuluPhom), Longleng, Nagaland, received it in the Institutions category.

Awards were also given under Special Mention category to corporates such as Godrej & Boyce, Mumbai, and Coromandel International, Kakinada. Coringa BMC of East Godavari too won under this category.

There were five categories of awards — conservation of wild species, conservation of domesticated species, sustainable use of biological resources, replicable mechanisms for access and benefit sharing, and best biodiversity management committees.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Swathi Vadlamudi / Hyderabad – May 24th, 2018

Rare hill palm spotted in Kollam

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

Road widening is threatening the palm seen at a tea estate near Thenmala

Unlike its cousin the arecanut palm, the hill areca Bentinckia condapanna is a rare sight. Now, researchers have spotted a population of the threatened wild palms in an abandoned tea plantation in Kollam district.

According to a recent study in the Journal of Threatened Taxa which publishes scientific articles to promote conservation, M. Divin Murukesh of Malappuram’s MES Mampad College and his colleague Ajith Ashokan discovered 76 adult palms and 66 seedlings of the hill areca near a road on the Arundel-Priya estate near Thenmala.

Although the palm is reported to grow in high elevations (between 1,000 and 2,000 metres above mean sea level) in the Western Ghats, the new population has been reported from a lower altitude of around 600 metres. The team also noticed birds (including the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar barbet) and mammals (bats and bonnet macaques) feeding on the bright red fruits of the palm.

Road widening threat

The researchers spotted the palms growing on a slanting rock along the Kazhuthurutty-Arundel-Achencoil road which has been proposed for widening. “If the road is widened, these palms could be in danger,” says Mr. Murukesh.

According to them, the discovery could add to the importance of this site, which, along with five other estates in the area, has been proposed to form a potential wildlife corridor along the Aryankavu pass for the use of large fauna, including elephant and tigers.

Locally called condapanna, the hill areca grows only along steep rocky slopes of evergreen forests south of the Palakkad Gap in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is categorised as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

“The palms are also rare possibly because they cannot survive without mycorrhizal associations [beneficial fungi on their plant roots],” said Mr. Murukesh.

Plant regeneration from seeds was also very poor, said V.B. Sreekumar of the Department of Forest Botany at Thrissur’s Kerala Forest Research Institute. However, with more populations of the plants being discovered, they may not be as rare as previously thought, he said.

“But there are very few studies on the palm since it is very difficult to access the rocky cliffs where they grow. There have been no surveys to assess its current status either,” he said.

Kerala’s hill areca is one of the only two such species in the world; the other, Bentinckia nicobarica, is seen only on the Nicobar Islands.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Aathira Perinchery / Kochi – May 23rd, 2018

City student emerges winner in Google contest

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Abishek V. Ashok

Abishek was roped in by FOSSASIA, which is engaged in open source software development

Abishek V. Ashok is dreaming big these days.

The 17-year-old computer science student from SNDP Higher Secondary School, Udayamperoor, is among the 12 grand prize winners from India in the Google Code-in 2017, a contest held globally to introduce pre-university students aged between 13 and 17 to open source software development.

Third time lucky

He had participated in the contest twice in the past but turned lucky third time around.

Abishek, who lives in Panangad, was among the 1,000-odd students roped in by FOSSASIA, an organisation from Asia engaged in developing open source software, as part of the contest. He was asked to complete 93 coding tasks in 49 days between November and January this year.

“Three days were given to complete tasks while seven days were given for more advanced ones. Many of these tasks required me to spend sleepless nights in preparations before actually coming up with the code,” said Abishek who claims to be the first ever grand prize winner from Kerala in the globally renowned contest. He says writing code to convert a bunch of images in the SVG (scalable vector graphics) file format to the PDF (portable document) format as the most challenging of his tasks.

All the completed tasks were submitted by FOSSASIA to Google Code-in team who vetted it and announced him as a Google Code-in Grand Prize Winner. “I now plan to pursue computer science in IIT or even MIT,” said Abishek who fell in love with technology and computers at a very young age.

He is now awaiting a visa for flying to the Google headquarters in the U.S. to accept the award and attend a few seminars next month.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by M.P. Praveen / Kochi – May 22nd, 2018

Tribal research centre for Wayanad

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology

Field centre to study genetic diseases

The government has initiated measures to establish a tribal anthropological research centre in Wayanad with a field station at Attappady.

The project, to be implemented in association with the Kolkata-based Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), seeks to make a detailed study of tribal communities in Kerala.  The field station will study the incidence of sickle cell anaemia and other genetic diseases among them.

AnSI Director Srivastava Vinay, Deputy Director Sasikumar, and Senior Human Ecologist Umeshkumar called on Minister for Tribal Welfare A.K. Balan here on Saturday and discussed the modalities of the proposal. The team later left for Wayanad.

The campus of the Institute of Tribal Studies and Research Centre at Sulthan Bathery is one of the possible locations for the project. Institute Director Pushpalatha informed the team that the proposal would be taken up with Calicut University.

The researchers later visited the Manthanam Adiya colony at Thirunelly and interacted with the residents. It was decided to take up a study of the tribe immediately. The incidence of sickle anemia among tribespeople in Wayanad would also be given priority.

A press note issued here said a seminar on the anthropology of tribespeople in the State would be held in August.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Kerala / by Special Correspondent / Thiruvananthapuram – May 19th, 2018

Eminent physicist Sudarshan passes away

Amazing Feats, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

He was recommended for the Nobel Prize nine times, but never awarded

Ennackal Chandy George Sudarshan, popularly known as E.C.G. Sudarshan, who made path-breaking discoveries in the realm of quantum optics died aged 86 in Texas on Monday morning.

Professor Sudarshan was a faculty at the University of Texas for the past 40 years. A globally-recognised theoretical physicist, Professor Sudarshan had often pointed out that Physics meant everything to him. He was recommended for the Nobel Prize for Physics nine times, but never awarded.

Professor Sudarshan made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics — optical coherence, tachyons, quantum zeno effect, open quantum system, spin-statistics theorem, non-invariance groups, positive maps of density matrices and quantum computation, to name a few.

Born to E. I. Chandy and Achamma in Kottayam on September 16, 1931, Professor Sudarshan graduated from the Madras Christian College in 1951 and did his postgraduation from the University of Madras. He later moved to Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, where he worked for a brief period with Homi Bhabha, father of Indian nuclear programme before moving to University of Rochester in New York to work under American physicist Robert Marshak. They founded the V-A theory of of the weak force, which eventually paved the way for electroweak theory.

Contributions ignored

Professor Sudarshan also developed a quantum representation of coherent light later known as Sudarshan-Glauber representation. Glauber was awarded 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics for the contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence. Renowned scientists in India and abroad had then observed that the Nobel Committee had ignored the contribution of Professor Sudarshan, who justly deserved to share the coveted award.

An eminent scientist who drew parallels between science and Indian philosophy, Professor Sudarshan was honoured with several awards, including Padma Vibhushan (2007), Dirac Medal (2010), Bose Medal (1977) and C. V. Raman award (1970).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – May 14th, 2018

A documentary on a past that touches a raw nerve

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion
Raju E Raphael and Jose Punnamparambil on shoot of the documentary film in a convent in Asbag, Germany.

Ariyapedatha Jeevithangal deals with large-scale migration of Catholic girls to Germany in the 70s

A 40-minute documentary Ariyapedatha Jeevithangal (The Unknown Lives) has opened up the controversy on migration of Catholic girls from Kerala to Germany that had rocked the Syro-Malabar Church and the Catholic Church in Germany in the 1970s.

The documentary made by expatriate writer Jose Punnamparambil, documentary-maker Raju E. Raphael, and media activist and researcher K. Rajagopal is in final stages of production and will be screened in Germany and Kerala  in June this year.

There was a mass recruitment to West Germany from Kerala in the 1960s and 70s of Malayali Catholic girls, who completed matriculation or were studying in senior secondary classes.

The recruitment was to fill vacancies of nuns in convents in Germany as there was severe shortage of nuns there due to lack of ‘vocation’ (the divine call to become nuns).

The recruitment began in 1962 and the first batch of girls sailed to Europe from the then Bombay in January 1963. Following this, many more groups of Catholic girls migrated to West Germany and the figure crossed 800 by 1972.

In 1972, European and American newspapers broke the story, terming it “human trafficking.” The allegation was that Kerala Catholic girls were used as ‘slaves’ in German convents and hospitals and forced to work as cleaners and labourers. Reports even alleged that some were forced into prostitution.

The reports shocked the country, with national and regional media carrying the news.

Churches under cloud

It brought the Syro-Malabar Church and the Catholic Church in Germany under a cloud as bishops of these two Churches were involved in the recruitment.

Their initiative was based on the decisions of the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church in 1962. The Second Vatican Council advocated the necessity for the stronger sections of the Church to help the weaker ones.

Fr. Werner Chakkalakkal of the CMI congregation was one of the priests in India entrusted with the recruitment while Sister Ludgardis of the congregation of John the Baptist based in Leutesdorf was one of the coordinators in Germany for the recruitment and migration of Kerala girls.

“We joined hands about a year ago as part of a mission to gather information about the controversy. Punnamparambil and I travelled across Germany and visited many convents that received Kerala girls. Not all convents were ready to discuss the issue but some were cooperative. Our aim was to meet, talk, and understand what happened to the Kerala girls brought to the convents,” said Mr. Raphael.

“It was not an easy task as most of them were leading a retired life, a few in other parts of the world. But our team managed to meet Sister Ludgardis at a convent near Koblenz,” said Mr. Punnamparambil.

About 70% of the migrants continued to live in Germany, mostly as nurses, teachers, and caretakers in old-age homes and orphanages and the rest returned to India for missionary and charity works in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Some had even left for Africa.

The documentary depicts the life of Malayali migrant nuns in Germany and will be a valuable source of information for researchers, said the Thrissur-born Jose Punnamparambil, who had migrated to Germany and bagged the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award for lifetime achievement in literature recently.

The documentary makers also travelled extensively in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra to document the nuns.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Mini Muringatheri / Thrissur – May 04th, 2018

Kerala: Engineering students develop voice-controlled wheelchair

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology

Pallakad :

Six final year B.Tech students of NSS Engineering College, Pallakad, as part of their final year project, have designed a wheelchair which is controlled by sound.

This wheelchair moves forward, backward and sideways following voice command from the person sitting on it. A bicycle iron frame forms the basis of this innovative wheelchair.
It is made in a cost-effective manner and is quite affordable.

The wheelchair with car’s viper motor costs around Rs 8,000. The same wheelchair with a better motor and other utility systems can be made within a budget of Rs 10,000.

The wheelchair can bear a maximum body mass of 75kg. The sound command is transferred via a small chip called ‘voice module’ which is attached to the wheelchair’s micro controller.

The innovation could be used for patients in hospitals and other health care centers.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Thiruvananthapuram News / by Samayam Malayalam / TNN / April 25th, 2018

Kerala: District-level programmes to mark diamond jubilee celebrations of Kerala assembly on anvil

About Kerala, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All
Kozhikode :
The district adminstration with the help of local self-government department will organise four-day district-level programmes from April 24 to 27 to mark the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Kerala state legislative assembly.

Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan will inaugurate the district-level programmes at a function to be held at Tagore centenary hall on April 24. Labour and excise minister T P Ramakrishnan will deliver keynote address on the occasion.

Former additional chief secretary to the government of Kerala Dr D Babu Paul will deliver C K Muhammed Koya commemoration speech during the C H Muhammed Koya commemoration meeting to be held on the day.

A history exhibition will be held at Town hall on April 25 and 26. C K Nanu MLA will inaugurate the exhibition on April 25. Health minister K K Shylaja will inaugurate the seminar on comprehensive health policy – challenges and apprehensions at Town hall on April 27.

Chief minister Pianarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the valedictory function to be held on April 27 evening. Dr M K Muneer MLA will preside over the function.

A proclamation rally was held from stadium premises to Kozhikode beach here on Monday evening to mark the commencement of district-level programmes of diamond jubilee celebrations of the Kerala state legislative assembly. Mayor Thottathil Raveendran, deputy mayor Meera Darshak, ADM T Jenil Kumar, Kudumbashree district coordinator Kavitha and others led by the proclamation rally.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Kozhikode News / by Sreedevi Chitharanjan / TNN / April 27th, 2018

Naval Air Enclave opens at Kochi airport

Records, All, World Opinion
The Naval Air Enclave at the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.

The Naval Air Enclave (NAE) at the Cochin International Airport was inaugurated by Vice Admiral A.R. Karve, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, on Friday.

Large military aircraft such as the P8I which cannot be accommodated at the Naval Air Station in Kochi (INS Garuda) due to operational constraints can be accommodated at the new air enclave. It will facilitate not only enhanced surveillance capabilities in the Arabian Sea and the south Indian Ocean for security of maritime areas of interest and coastline against both conventional and asymmetric threats, but also other roles such as search and rescue, monitoring sea lanes of communication and anti-piracy missions, according to a press release.

Trials

The operational trials of naval taxi link and apron of the NAE were undertaken during the function.

Trials included independent ground movement of aircraft and helicopters between CIAL and NAE, parking of the aircraft at the apron and their sequential departure from CIAL.

The NAE has a large hangar, a spacious dispersal (apron) and a taxi link for connecting the apron to the manoeuvring area of CIAL.

The facility has been constructed in close cooperation and with the support of the government of Kerala, the Military Engineering Service, CIAL, Airports Authority of India, Kerala State Electricity Board and BSNL, the release said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – April 28th, 2018

City engg. graduate is IAS topper in State

Education, Records, All

Sikha bags 16th rank in exams

Sikha Surendran’s house at Vadayampady in Kolenchery was buzzing with activity on Friday as relatives and well-wishers dropped in to congratulate the 24-year-old engineering graduate on clinching the 16th rank in the Civil Services Examination.

After completing her engineering course, Ms. Surendran had worked hard to realise her father’s dream of her becoming a district collector.

Failure to clear the examinations in the first attempt did not discourage her. “It taught me to face the exam better. The syllabus is really vast. We have to learn how to tackle the exam by learning the tricks of clearing it,” she said.

Ms. Surendran chose Malayalam Literature as her optional subject. Asked why a civil engineer had opted for Malayalam, Sikha said Malayalam was one of her favourite subjects in school. “The Civil Services examination gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion of learning Malayalam. I was also keen on writing essays in Malayalam on various topics,” she said.

The young topper said IAS provided one with a variety of opportunities and challenges. “I feel it is the best profession to serve society and hope that I will be able to contribute to nation building by undertaking the responsibilities of a civil service officer.”

Ms. Surendran’s mother Silo works with a private firm in Kochi, while her father Surendran, who was earlier working with the accounts department of a private firm, is confined to home owing to health-related issues.

For all those aspiring to top the civil services exam, Ms. Surendran has this piece of advice, “Stay focussed and never give up.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Kochi Bureau / Kochi – April 28th, 2018