Daily Archives: July 18, 2014

Malayalam filmmaker J. Sasikumar is no more

Arts,Culture & Entertainment
More than 80 of the 141 films J. Sasikumar directed were hits.
More than 80 of the 141 films J. Sasikumar directed were hits.

Renowned Malayalam filmmaker J. Sasikumar (86), who holds the record of making 141 films in his career spanning over three decades, died in Kochi on Thursday.

Renowned Malayalam filmmaker J. Sasikumar (86), who holds the record of making 141 films in his career spanning over three decades, died here on Thursday.

Born Nambiathuseril Varkey John in Alappuzha, Sasikumar was credited with having made the highest number of films with the same lead actor and same lead team, and the highest number of films in a year.

The director also holds the record of having worked with Prem Nazir, the late popular hero, in 84 films. Winner of the Kerala State government’s J.C.Daniel award for lifetime achievement in cinema for the year 2012, Sasikumar’s  first film Kudumbini hit the silver screen in 1964.

Some of his notable movies include Thommante Makkal, Love in Kerala and Choola. He had also acted in small roles in movies like Vishappinte Vili and Velakkaran before foraying in to direction.

Sasikumar had lived in Chennai for most of his life before shifting to Ernakulam  a year back. He is survived by two daughters.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – July 17th, 2014

Manju takes over as goodwill ambassador of organic farming

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment

Thiruvananthapuram :

Manju Warrier, who got appointed as the goodwill ambassador of Kudumbashree’s organic farming initiative, has assured total support for the project. “It is a realization of my role in the film ?How Old Are You,” said the actor here on Friday. She was speaking after formally anointed as the goodwill ambassador by social justice minister Dr M K Muneer.

The state used to be self-sufficient in vegetables and fruits, but now awaits trucks carrying vegetables from other states. The state buys around 25 lakh tonnes of vegetables a year from other states, which incurs about Rs 1,100 crore expense, despite the fact that it is treated with poisonous chemical pesticides, she said.

Minister Muneer said, it is a great comeback for Manju Warrier. “Toxic free organic farming by Kudumbashree will be promoted with Manju Warrier’s support. Kudumbashree will also ensure that its organic farm produce is poison-free and certified through quality control checks before it reaches the market,” Muneer said.

Kudumbashree Mission executive director K B Valsalakumari said that 50,000 farm groups of women were involved in organic cultivation of paddy, plantain, tapioca and many vegetables in 47,000 hectare of leased land. “Kudumbashree has 16,000 master farmers and 1,000 farmer facilitation centres with Green Brigade or Karshikakarmasena to promote organic terrace farming in each household. Each grow bag with the seedling or sapling will be provided at Rs 80 and their services to nurture the plants will be available at Rs 100 per month,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Thiruvananthapuram / TNN / July 05th, 2014