Category Archives: Leaders

HIDDEN HISTORIES – Memories of a prince and a gentleman

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
The group photograph showing the Rajapramukh Sri Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma sitting at his mother’s feet; Col. Goda Varma Raja is also sitting on the carpet (extreme left).
The group photograph showing the Rajapramukh Sri Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma sitting at his mother’s feet; Col. Goda Varma Raja is also sitting on the carpet (extreme left).

Do memories fade away with age? “No,” says the nonagenarian K. Sankaran Nair, who was born in 1924. Soon after Sankaran Nair completed his studies in 1944, he joined as a demonstrator in the Department of Physics in University College, Thiruvananthapuram. It was then that he joined as an officer in the University Officers’ Training Corps and the National Cadet Corps. In May 1953, he was detailed to undergo a refresher-training course in the NCC at the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) at Wellington, the Nilgiris. “My colleague Lt. Viswanathan Nair was the only other NCC officer from [erstwhile] Travancore. However, we formed part of a contingent of about 15 NCC officers from different colleges of South India such as Mysore and the former Madras Province. We were attached to the MRC and was accommodated at the Officer’s Mess there,” Nair recalls.

K. Sankaran Nair / The Hindu
K. Sankaran Nair / The Hindu

Sri Chithira Thirunal, the then Rajapramukh of Travancore-Cochin, was an honorary Colonel of the Madras Regiment. In May, the royal family of Travancore was staying in the Nilgiris for their summer sojourn and they were invited to a lunch at the Officers’ Mess. Lt. Viswanathan Nair and Sankaran Nair were quite excited about the occasion. When the Rajapramukh arrived, the officers were introduced to the chief guest. “We were introduced, one by one to the Rajapramukh. Astonishingly, the Rajapramukh immediately recognised the officers from Travancore. He greeted us with the remark, ‘Oh, you are both here!’’’’ recalls Nair.

Next came a photography session with the royal guests. But when the guests assembled before the camera, they realised that the number of chairs arranged was inadequate to accommodate the senior officers and women who were present. People rushed in different directions to get more chairs. As the uneasy situation got prolonged, the Rajapramukh waited for a few moments with a faint smile. Then, in his clear ringing voice, he called out, ‘Col. Syed! I suggest that we gentlemen sit on the ground and allow the ladies occupy the chairs.’ Before anyone could apologise or make alternate suggestions, the Rajapramukh seated himself on the red carpet. Within two minutes, the senior officers were all sitting on the floor, cross-legged, on either side of the Rajapramukh.

The Wellington station photographer captured that memorable moment. The Rajapramukh was literally sitting at the feet of his mother, Maharani Sethu Parvathy Bayi. At one end of the row, seated on the ground, with his constant companion the ‘Rollei Flex’ camera beside him, was Col. Goda Varma Raja.

For the past 60 years, Sankaran Nair has treasured this valuable photograph. “I occupy a very insignificant corner in the photograph, yet I am in the company of three of the most influential personalities associated with Travancore history,” says Sankaran Nair.

(This write-up is based on an interview with K. Sankaran Nair, former professor of Physics)

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review > History & Culture / Sharat Sunder Rajeev / Thiruvananthapuram – August 29th, 2014

A documentary beyond the byline

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
Minister for Culture K. C. Joseph with Babu Paul, and BRP Bhaskar during screening of the documentary on him in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu
Minister for Culture K. C. Joseph with Babu Paul, and BRP Bhaskar during screening of the documentary on him in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: S. Mahinsha / The Hindu

When documentary film-maker P.Y. Anilkumar asked veteran journalist B.R.P. Bhaskar’s permission to make a documentary on him, he initially refused to give it. Later, when the film-maker continued to persist, he put forward a condition – the film should not in any way glorify him.

The documentary ‘Byline by BRP’ traces a brief history of the changes in the field of journalism over the six decades that he has been active in it. It stays clear of giving too many details of the man, and tries instead to use him as a peg to document the larger picture.

It was screened at the Nila cinema here on Tuesday.

“BRP is one of the few who has been effective across all modes of journalism – print, television, and online. He managed to switch easily with the changing times. We started the shooting when he came for the Arippa land struggle last year, and it was a perfect place to start as it embodies his activism,” says Mr. Anil Kumar.

Mr. Anil Kumar spent close to 10 months in researching and shooting the documentary, which was scripted by Venu Muttacaud.

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / Thiruvananthapuram – August 20th, 2014

Vinodkumar Selected Melsanthi

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Sabarimala  :

In a historical first, the selection of the melsanthi of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Hanuman temple at Pampa was done by drawing of  lots on Friday.

V K Vinodkumar, 35, of Vellakkattu Madom at Changankulangara in Kollam, was selected from among five aspirants by drawing lots.

The lots were drawn in front of the Sreekovil of Lord Ganapathi temple at 7 am.M N Narayanan Nampoothiri, 49, melsanthi of Thrikodithanam Sree Krishna temple, will be the new melsanthi of Pampa Lord Hanuman temple. Narayanan Nampoothiri was selected from among two candidates.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States > Kerala  / by Express News Service / August 23rd, 2014

President’s medal for police officers

Leaders, Records, All

Two police officers from the city were announced as recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2014. Assistant Commissioner of the District Crime Records Bureau Amose Mammen and Cyber Cell Sub-Inspector Francis Perera are among the six officers in the State selected for the medal. The officers will receive the medals next year.

AC Amose Mammen began service in the police force in 1988 as an assistant sub-inspector and had earlier received the Chief Minister’s medal for service in 2000.

SI Francis Perera entered the police force in 1985 as a civil police officer and has been with the Cyber Cell in the city since its inception in 2007. – Staff Reporter

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / Staff Reporter / Kochi – August 15th, 2014

A memorable day for K.E. Mammen

Education, Leaders
Students of Holy Angels’ Convent greeting K. E. Mammen on his 94th birthday in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Photo: Special arrangement / The Hindu
Students of Holy Angels’ Convent greeting K. E. Mammen on his 94th birthday in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Photo: Special arrangement / The Hindu

Despite being under treatment at a private hospital here for the past six months, freedom fighter and Gandhian K.E. Mammen’s 94th birthday celebration was a colourful affair attended by students of Holy Angels’ Convent on Thursday.

Despite being under treatment at a private hospital here for the past six months, freedom fighter and Gandhian K.E. Mammen’s 94th birthday celebration was a colourful affair attended by students of Holy Angels’ Convent on Thursday.

The Chief Minister’s wife, Mariamma Oommen; former Minister M. Vijayakumar; and NIMS Medicity managing director M.S. Faizal Khan were present at the function organised by the Centre for Gandhian Studies under the University of Kerala. The students sang patriotic songs and presented him with a Gandhi cap.

They presented him a traditional drape.

He cut a birthday cake. Centre for Gandhian Studies Coordinator J.M. Rahim and social activists R. Narayanan Thampi, and R. Raghu were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram – August 01st, 2014

P.K.Chandranandan passes away

Leaders, Uncategorized

ChandrananathanKERALA03jul2014

Alappuzha:

Freedom fighter and Punnapra-Vayalar hero P. K. Chandranandan passed away on Wednesday following age-related ailments. He was 89.

Chandranandan, who was the CPM district secretary four terms, had also spent 13-and-a-half years in hiding. Chandranandan was identified with the Pinarayi group in the CPM, though he was Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan’s peer in the party.

He was elected as CPM district secretary for the fourth time in October 2006. In 1964, Chandranandan was the secretary of the undivided Communist Party, but when the CPM was formed he became its first district secretary. He also became the CPM state committee member in 1964 and state secretariat member in 1995.

He was also the Travancore Devaswom Board member from 1967-70.

He represented the Ambalappuzha Assembly segment in 1980-81 and was the unit manager of Deshabhimani from 1988 to 1992.

He was also jailed during emergency.

source: http://www.beta.english.manoramaonline.com / Manorama / Home> Kerala / by The Correspondent of Manorama  / Wednesday – July 02nd, 2014

Mohammed Hanish appointed Nodal Officer for 2017 FIFA

Leaders, Sports

Kerala  Government has appointed senior IAS officer A P M Mohammed Hanish as Nodal Officer for the matches likely to beld in Kochi during the 2017 FIFA under-17 world cup football.

The appointment is as per FIFA’s direction, a Kerala Football Association press release said.

The official has also been entrusted with overseeing the infrastructure and development of soccer in the run up to hosting the event.

Hanish is the Kerala Roads and Bridges Managing Director.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / Press Trust of India / Kochi – July 01st, 2014

Tomb of Mar Ivanios opened

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion
The mortal remains of the first archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church Mar Ivanios being taken out in a special casket the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, on Monday as part of the ongoing process to canonise him. / The Hindu
The mortal remains of the first archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church Mar Ivanios being taken out in a special casket the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, on Monday as part of the ongoing process to canonise him. / The Hindu

Canonical verification to ascertain historical importance of the archbishop

A large number of the faithful thronged the St. Mary’s Cathedral at Pattom on Monday to witness the opening of the tomb of the architect of the Reunion Movement and the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram, Mar Ivanios. The tomb was opened to enable the expert committee appointed by the Vatican to carryout canonical verification to ascertain the historical importance of Mar Ivanios, which is a prerequisite for the canonisation procedure.

Offer prayers

The tomb was opened by the committee in the presence of Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholics, head of the Syro-Malankara Church, and the mortal remains covered in vestments were taken to the church for the faithful to offer prayers.

The mortal remains were taken back and entombed in the evening. The tomb opening ceremony commenced with a concelebrated mass. The ceremony was attended by all Metropolitans.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy; Assembly Speaker G. Karthikeyan; Deputy Speaker N. Sakthan; Ministers K.C. Joseph, P.J. Joseph, V.S. Sivakumar and Anoop Jacob; and MLAs K. Muraleedharan, Mons Joseph, V. Sivankutty, Palode Ravi, M.A. Wahid and R. Selvaraj visited the church and offered prayers, the church said in a release.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Staff Reporter / Thiruvananthapuram – June 24th, 2014

NRI Businessman Wins Abu Dhabi Chamber Elections

Business & Economy, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

Prominent Indian businessman and head of Middle East’s retail major, Lulu group, MA Yusuff Ali has won the prestigious Abu Dhabi Chamber election for the third time.

Ali, 58, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi-based EMKE who had won previous two elections to elect 15 board members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, retained his seat with 1,721 votes, highest among expatriate candidates.

The elections held yesterday during which 14,555 votes were cast also elected 13 local citizens to the board of directors for a four-year term, his office said today.

Four panels representing 70 Emiratis, including five women and eight expatriate candidates, participated in the elections.

Abu Dhabi Chamber is the only government organisation in the world where expatriates can get elected to the director board through a democratic election process, a statement said.

“I am pleased with faith reposed on me by the business community of Abu Dhabi and I thank them wholeheartedly for helping me to come out victorious once again,” Yusuff said.

“I am fully aware of the responsibilities and I will strive to further enhance the business and investment relationship between India and UAE and work closely with all stake holders for mutual benefit,” he said.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyam, UAE minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development congratulated Yusuff Ali on his hat-trick victory and asked him to continue his work and contribute to the growth of the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular.

Abu Dhabi Chamber is an autonomous entity under government supervision which works towards streamlining and regulating business and industrial affairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> News / Dubai – June 27th, 2014

Veteran communist leader passes away

Leaders

Kochi :

Leader of the undivided communist party and freedom fighter Koothattukulam Mary passed away at Velloor in Kottayam on Sunday. She was 93.

Born to Elisamma and Kochuparambil Pathrose at Udumbannoor in Thodupuzha on September 24, 1921, Mary joined the freedom struggle while she was a class IX student of St John’s English Medium School, Vadakara. She joined the communist party in 1948. In 1951, she was arrested by the state police and was subjected to severe custodial torture. Later she married communist leader C S George. Litterateur, the late C J Thomas was her maternal uncle.

After her release from jail, her family moved to Malabar, where she started teaching at the Perinthalmanna government school. A former member of Kottayam and Malappuram local committees of the CPI, she had been a special invitee to the party’s Kottayam district committee.

She is survived by daughters Girija C George, Aisha C George, Shylaja C George and Sulekha C George. During her last years, she had been staying with Sulekha at Velloor.

Former minister Binoy Viswam, Kerala Administrative Tribunal chairman Justice K Balakrishnan Nair, artist Babu Paul and Kerala State Textiles Corporation managing director Rajan are her sons-in-law. She will be laid to rest on Monday.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / June 23rd, 2014