When looking back to
that period one can easily
understand that such a
leadership at the helm of
affairs in the Electricity
ministry, laid the foundation
for the ‘rosy - future’, the
power sector of Kerala now
cherish with assurance.
topic of discussion in the 1996 electricity minister - Pinarayi Vijayan. assistance of R.E.C., which helped a
Assembly elections. For the then State lot to resolve the voltage – crisis.
Government that came to power, 1088 MW of power was added to During the tenure of Pinarayi Vijayan
the power sector became the focal the Kerala grid during 1996-2001.
sector to be intervened. The present This is still the biggest achievement as the minister of power, there were
many interventions in the field of
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was during any government’s tenure. energy conservation, including
the Minister in charge for the Power When Pinarayi Vijayan took over as the establishment of the Energy
department in the1996 Kerala State the Minister of Power, the KSEB was
Government. When looking back to in a state of disarray in the power Management Center and the Hydel
Tourism Center to develop tourism
that period one can easily understand distribution and transmission sectors activities in the project areas.
that such a leadership at the helm of as well.
affairs in the Electricity ministry, laid Every Tuesday, review meetings were Every initiative that is being identified
the foundation for the ‘rosy - future’, held under the chairmanship of the as part of the Kerala model in the
the power sector of Kerala now minister with the participation of
cherish with assurance. the board members and the power power sector was actually initiated by
the State Government from 1996-
At that time, the only power surplus secretary. All these reviews had 2001. It was on this basis that in 2007,
area in the country was the eastern played a major role in enhancing the Kerala started the process of total
region, including the state of West efficiency of KSEB. electrification. Although Kerala has
Bengal. It was practically impossible Despite the increase in the number not been able to become self-sufficient
to bring electricity from there to of consumers and consumption of in electricity, it has been able to
Kerala directly. However, a plan had electricity with the addition of new supply power without load shedding
been drawn up to overcome these connections, the condition of Kerala’s or power cuts for the last four years.
limitations by transferring power power network was deplorable. The inspirational leadership of the
from Bengal to Kerala through the The voltage shortage was severe Minister for electricity, M. M.Mani
states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh in the northern districts of Kerala. once again comes handy in the
and Tamil Nadu on a displacement Then, the Government has made a noteworthy development in the
basis. Thus, Kerala was able to avoid huge intervention to upgrade and power sector, which continue to
power cuts by November 1996 and strengthen the power transmission initiate novel projects sans delay. But
load shedding by early 1997. These and distribution lines. It was also one cannot forget the man behind
steps became a reality, thanks to the during this time that the sub - these achievements and incidentally,
visionary-mode intervention from the transmission network of 33 KV lines the same individual is leading the
was introduced with the financial State with the same robustness.
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 51 KERALA CALLING
WORLD HABITAT DAY
A E. Chandrasekharan
Matter Minister for Revenue & Housing
of Life
and Death World Habitat day is observed
on the 5th of October. This is a
movement to reflect on the
future of cities and towns.
The theme of this year’s World As Covid-19 has been spreading, that influence health outcomes
Habitat day is ‘housing for all: we are told to stay at home safely. which determine vulnerability to
better urban future’. The selection But this measure is not possible diseases.
of the theme could not have been for a large section of the people
more befitting as 95 % of the who do not have an adequate India is witnessing a rapid increase
reported cases of the Covid-19 are house. Now the house is not just in the urban population. As per
in the urban area. In the context a roof over one’s head. It is an 2011 census and UN reports, 30%
of the spread of Covid-19, U N embodiment of safety and security of the Indian population live in
habitat observes that ‘having an and also a mark of sustenance cities. It is expected to grow by
adequate home is, now more than of living, working and learning. 50% by 2050. Kerala is a different
ever, a matter of life and death’. Housing is one of the key factors state with peculiar geographical
KERALA CALLING 52 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
So, now the house is
not just a roof over
one’s head. In the
LIFE mission, the State
Government adopted
an integrated approach
to enhance quality of
houses
The present State
Government has
re-engineered a new
model- the total housing
scheme called the
LIFE MISSION
Life Mission Project
features and high population country. Thus 2011 census reveals this category and completed the
density. Because of these, Kerala that 95% of houses are electrified construction of 54000 houses and
is congested with cities and towns. and have private toilet facilities. handed over to them. The second
This has posed many challenges in Around 80% of houses in the state target was to rehabilitate one lakh
the housing sector. are perfect ones with sustainable people who have lands but no
roof and wall and 92% with at least houses. Around 82000 houses
Before the ‘70s, the condition of two rooms. Another important were built and handed over to this
the housing sector in Kerala had thing is that 77% of houses have category. The Life Mission has also
been below the national level in easy accessibility to drinking water completed around 92500 houses
many a respect. A spurt in house facilities. with the aid of various departments
construction was witnessed in and central schemes. Even in the
the ‘70s, in Kerala because of The present State Government hard times of Covid- 19, it is proud
many socio-economic factors like has re-engineered a new model- to say that the State Government
gulf remittances and economic the total housing scheme called succeeded in completing around
upliftment in the plantation sector the LIFE MISSION. It has 227000 houses so far.
etc. Several housing schemes been envisaged as a one-time
were implemented by subsequent programme with an aim to provide The third target is to rehabilitate
governments. housing for all with a view to the landless and the homeless.
providing the residence with the The construction of 29 housing
Kerala has made great same comfort and facility that a complexes, coming under this
advancement in the housing sector typical middle-class family enjoys. category, is in full swing. It is
quantitatively and qualitatively. expected to construct and hand
According to the 2011 census, the In the first phase of the Life over 3 lakh houses so that the
growth of residential buildings Mission, it is decided to complete housing shortage can be solved to
in Kerala is three times against the construction of houses of a big extent. In the LIFE Mission,
two times at the national level those beneficiaries who availed the State Government adopted an
during the span of the last fifty loans and grants from various integrated approach to enhance
years. Kerala is far ahead in schemes but could not complete quality of houses and ensure time-
arranging basic housing amenities the construction. Life mission bound completion of the projects
in comparison with the rest of the spent 676 crores of rupees to to achieve the state Government’s
vision of housing for everyone.
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 53 KERALA CALLING
FOCUS
Gen-Next
‘Tech- A. Shajahan I.A.S
Secretary, General Education
Uprising’ Technological advancement to
enhance and inspire the learning
process is the ‘success- premise’ of the
era and the Government of Kerala
virtually materialises the same in the
general education sector.
The first day of June is a joyous activities. This academic year even “First Bell” online classes telecast
and festive day for all Keralites. the covid-19 pandemic has not by the KITE Victers channel of the
Schools usually reopen this changed the education calendar of Government of Kerala. More than 41
day with ‘Enrolment Festival’ Kerala as students took their first lakh students of Kerala are now fully
(Pravesanotsavam) welcoming lessons in the comforts of their immersed in learning through the
students amidst songs and colorful homes amid the lockdown with KITE VICTERS in the days of the
KERALA CALLING 54 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
pandemic. channel and web-streaming platform
according to a timetable. The
The Government of Kerala has been sessions are held on weekdays for
successful in bridging the digital classes I to XII. In a downloadable
divide with the massive support format, classes can be viewed a
of people and ensured access to number of times by all students in
all children to attend the online Government and Aided schools
classes. The 1.2 lakh laptops, 70,000 of Kerala. The online classes are
projectors and 4545 televisions delivered by expert teachers who are
supplied to schools by the Kerala well versed in content and pedagogy.
Infrastructure and Technology for They plan the script of the classes in
Education (KITE) were used in advance incorporating teacher talk,
areas where there had been a lack of activities, presentations, thought
infrastructure. - provoking questions, songs,
ICT Integrated Education animations, videos, talk by experts
etc. At present, augmented reality
The public education system in and virtual reality are being used as
Kerala has become hi-tech loaded much as possible, which would be
with state-of-the-art digital features expanded in due course.
and gadgets ensuring topnotch
learning experience for children Fully Digital in
attending government and aided Public Education
schools in the state. The Kerala Kerala has become the first state Police Cadets model, thus becoming
Infrastructure and Technology for in the country to make the public ‘Little KITEs IT Clubs’. MOOC
Education (KITE), formerly IT@ education sector fully digital. Under training to teachers through KOOL
School has transformed 45000 the project, all government schools platform, School Wiki linking more
high school and higher secondary in the state have become hi-tech with than 15000 schools, Sampoorna,
classrooms in the state into hi-tech smart classrooms. Though Rs. 793.5 Sametham, Sahitham, Samanwya,
ones. Each Hi-Tech classroom crores was allocated from the KIIFB etc like e-governance projects
is equipped with the Laptop, for the project, it was completed with enabled to bring the academic and
Multimedia Projector, HDMI Rs 595 crore. infrastructure data of all schools to a
Cables and Faceplates, Whiteboard single platform. As part of the Public
/ Projection Screen, USB Speakers, Two lakh laptops were distributed Education Rejuvenation Mission,
High - Speed Broadband internet by KITE as part of the project. The enormous changes have taken
and access to Samagra Resource state has saved a sum of ₹3,000 crore place not only in the infrastructure
Portal. KITE also set up hi-tech labs by using free software in 2 lakh development of public schools but
in 9, 941 primary and upper primary computers distributed to schools. also at the academic level.
schools. Other Digital Initiatives
The state Government
Samagra e - Resource Portal is an ‘Little KITEs’ IT Clubs is a unique of Kerala has been
online learning platform completely initiative of KITE, which feature successful in bridging the
developed by KITE, under the Public over 1 lakh student members.
Education Rejuvenation Mission The High school ‘Kuttikootam’ digital divide
of the State Government of Kerala. programme, which was part of the
Samagra has digital resources for Public Education Rejuvenation
all subjects from Std 1 to 12. All Mission of the State Government, Enormous changes have
e-Resources available in Samagra can through which students were taken place not only
be downloaded from anywhere. given intense training in 5 areas in the infrastructure
such as Animation, Cyber Safety,
The First Bell Malayalam Computing, Hardware development of public
The ‘First Bell’ online classes are and Electronics, has been schools but also at the
broadcast on KITE-run Victers structurally upgraded in Student academic level
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 55 KERALA CALLING
FOCUS
Reorienting
People’s
Planning in K.N. Harilal
Member - Planning Board
We are currently in the Silver Jubilee
Kerala year of the People’s Campaign for
Participatory Planning in Kerala.
The last five years have been quite
remarkable in addressing the lessons
learnt from the first two decades.
The first year of the 13th Plan to simplify the procedures so that 1,147 Local Governments in the
witnessed some major changes undue delays can be avoided. The State could complete the process
in the guidelines for formulation introduction of new guidelines, of formulation of Annual Plans for
and implementation of the Local which simplified the procedures, the year 2018-19 before April 1,
Government Plans. An important resulted in the early submission of 2018, leaving a full year, for Plan
objective of the new guidelines was Plans. implementation. Early start of the
KERALA CALLING 56 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
plan implementation resulted in (under General sector) should be include the transgender community
higher expenditure besides solving set apart for the productive sector. under special groups. Now, Local
the problem March bunching of The experience in the first four years Governments have to earmark 5
expenditure. of the 12th Plan was reviewed by per cent for the development of
the present Government when it children, the physically and mentally
The 13th Five-Year Plan of the State assumed office in May 2016 and a challenged and transgender, and
places special emphasis on the issues decision was taken to restore the another 5 per cent for the welfare
arising due to rapid urbanisation in mandatory minimum allocation of of the elderly and the palliative care
Kerala. It recognises the importance 20 per cent for the productive sector, projects.
of developing appropriate strategies for the Annual Plan 2016-17. This
and programmes for coping up with was again revised at the beginning Scope of subsidies that
challenges and opportunities thrown of the 13th Plan and the mandatory can be disbursed through
up by the process of urban growth. minimum ceiling for the productive Local Government Plans
sector was enhanced to 30 per cent
Another notable initiative introduced in the case of Grama Panchayaths, has been broadened by
in 2017-18 is the preparation of Block Panchayaths and District including more items
District Plans by District Planning Panchayaths. In the case of Urban
Committees (DPCs). All the DPCs Local Governments it was fixed at 10
in Kerala could complete this task, per cent.
following the detailed guidelines The introduction of
issued by the State Government. In order to give higher priority to the new guidelines, which
development of special needs groups
From the beginning of the People’s it was decided, at the beginning simplified the procedures,
Plan, it was stipulated that a fixed of the 13th Plan, to increase the resulted in the early
percentage of the plan grant in aid allocation up to 10 per cent and to submission of Plans
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 57 KERALA CALLING
INTERVIEW
Dignity,
Respect N.V. Ravindranathan Nair
and Income Senior Journalist
Kudumbashree, the State
Government’s poverty alleviation
and women empowerment
movement which has turned out
The Interview with S.Harikishore, to be the hope of hundreds of
Executive Director Kudumbashree, Director I&PRD thousands of women from the
marginalised sections are making
giant leaps. The crises like Floods
and Covid pandemic have in fact
invigorated its efforts to cross over
the challenges through innovations
and experiments. Kudumbashree
is not only empowering its over
40 lakh members, but it is also
turning out to be the guardian
for sustaining their dignity.
Kudumbashree’s Executive Director
S. Harikishore IAS speaks about
the silent revolution in an Interview
given to N.V. Ravindranathan Nair
for Kerala Calling.
Excerpts of the interview for women empowerment My four years stint with the
You have been leading for over four years. How Kudumbashree has been a
probably the world’s largest do you evaluate this fulfilling experience. Being
women organisation meant experience? a vast system, sustaining its
KERALA CALLING 58 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
momentum was important. distress with giving them counselling is its net worth? What is the
We have 3 lakh neighbourhood and short - stay facility. Being the percentage of repayment
clusters, 43 lakh members, over National Resource Organization, on the loans?
1000 CDS chairpersons, 20,000 Kudumbashree mentors go to other For us, women empowerment
ADS chairpersons and 3 lakh states to train the people there. includes economic empowerment.
Neighbourhood presidents. As part of evolving into an Our Neighbourhood’s savings in
Kudumbashree got the opportunity organization which can deal with bank amount to Rs.4,000 crore.
We have Rs.12,000 crore worth
to be part of the operations of Kochi future challenges, we are converging internal lending. Live bank linkage is
Metro, probably the only metro being with 30 Government departments. Rs.5,000 crore. Rs.2000 crore loan
run by women in the world. Our During the Covid pandemic, sanctioned during Covid time at 4
steps in waste management, efforts to the role played by per cent interest or for no interest has
rehabilitate destitute families, finding Kudumbashree has widely economically empowered the women
jobs in Buds Schools, Agri and been appreciated. Could to a certain extent. The repayment
Animal husbandry sectors were all you explain the activities on bank loans is 98 per cent.
challenging tasks. you have undertaken these
days? Adding to one’ s dignity
Now we are training women in is integral to the real
20 states. We went to Azerbaijan, When there was a scarcity for masks, empowerment. How do
70 lakhs cloth masks were arranged
Tajikistan & Uganda to train women. through 350 tailoring units. Out you plan to empower
Some African countries have sent educated women?
their people to get trained here. We of the 1300 community Kitchens While finding local jobs through
opened during the lockdown we
are the Nodal agency for 7 Central were managing 1100 of them. self –employment, many of the
-Government projects. We are also youngsters are for wage -jobs. For
into Geriatric care. Our members Under the Government’s 100 them, we plan 150 job-oriented
constitute the Haritha karma sena. days programme, Kudumbashree courses under Centre’s DDU –GKY.
Management of railway parking, is finding job for 15,000 people. In Already we have funds for skilling
KSRTC ticket booking - our foot association with the KSFE, we plan 30,000 or more people. Already 1
prints can be seen in several sectors. to bring laptops at Rs.15, 000 to each lakh members have enrolled for these
Kudumbashree is contributing to family. courses.
the hopes of thousands. It makes us Under the Chief Minister’s
happy. “Sahayahastham” scheme 25 lakh Political empowerment happened
among Kudumbashree members
Kudumbashree has women have availed the loan of Rs.8 these years is remarkable. 7000 of the
been part of the poverty ,000 each. Under the Rebuild Kerala 20,000 elected local body members
alleviation programmes for initiative also we could avail Rs.250 are from Kudumbasree. 330 Local
over two decades. How do crore for rehabilitation. During the body chairpersons out of 1000 are
you see this journey? flood we implemented Rs.1600 crore Kudumbasree members.
We have succeeded in attaining many loan scheme. “Muttathemulla” was
of our goals. Our network is our another scheme to bring money to Kudumbashree got
strength. Our connect with the Local the beneficiary’s door steps to help the opportunity to be part
bodies have been mutually beneficial. save women from private money of the operations
If a panchayath decides to become lender’s exploitation. Rs.300 crore of Kochi Metro, probably
fallow land free, their immediate was disbursed as loans. the only metro being
resolution is entrusting the task with run by women in the
the Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree’s own Plan fund entire world
has grown to the size of Rs.600
The 825 ‘Janakeeya hotels’ we crore. Since the outbreak of Covid,
started during lockdown are we started 300 Buds schools. 9000 Now we are training
providing meals at Rs. 20. Here mentally challenged children study women in 20 states.
5,000 people find work. As part of there. We went to Azerbaijan,
women empowerment initiatives Tajikistan & Uganda to
like ‘Snehitha’ centres are focusing Kudumbashree is also a train women
on the protection of women in neighbourhood bank. What
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 59 KERALA CALLING
GANDHI JAYANTHI
Gandhi’s
Concept Douglas Allen
of Modern Professor of Philosophy, The University of Maine
For Gandhiji his life itself was the
India message he could convey. So,
reinventing the legend – the Mahatma
becomes more than relevant in the
tumultuous ‘time’ everyone is going
through…
How would Mohandas Karamchand India, Gandhi’s formulations of the than during his lifetime.
Gandhi regard “Modern India” characteristics of modern India and
with its “Modern Indians” and its modern values and culture, along As the most profound proponent
their “Modern Civilization” today? with his anti-modern/post-modern and practitioner of ahimsa, Gandhi
With the increasing domination alternative values and perspectives analyzes modernism, modern
of modernism in post-Gandhi are more relevant in October 2020 India, and modern civilization as
KERALA CALLING 60 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
multidimensionally, structurally, accumulate record wealth and have truthful resistance, and to create
and essentially violent. For Gandhi, made a financial killing during the positive, Gandhi-informed,
the current dominant hatred, coronavirus pandemic. contemporary alternatives.
divisiveness, and dehumanization of
others as essentially other is violent; Who suffers the most and dies the In this regard, Gandhi not only
economic and social inequality most from COVID-19? As Gandhi challenges modern Indians,
between the haves and have-nots repeatedly emphasizes, it is the poor, but he also challenges many
is essentially violent; humanly the exploited workers, the oppressed traditional admirers and devotees
created and maintained poverty minorities, and others who are the who view him as an idealized,
is violent; the construction of the most disadvantaged, the have-nots, extolled, hopeful, and comforting
immoral and untruthful modern those with the least material, moral, Bapu, Mahatma, and perfected
ego-defined individual, with its and spiritual swaraj, freedom, and exemplary presence. As during
ego-desires and attachments and self-determinism in modern India. his lifetime, Gandhi’s legacy today
possessiveness is essentially violent; is to serve as a catalyst, to make
xenophobic state nationalism is In summarizing Gandhi’s concept us deeply uncomfortable with
violent; the dominant, hierarchical, of modern India, he would interpret dominant modern life, so that
institutionalized economic, political, the dominant non-Gandhian we are motivated to reimagine,
social, cultural, media, religious, and anti-Gandhian expressions reconceptualize, recontextualize,
class, caste, gendered, educational as those of the corporate and creatively and selectively
systems are multidimensionally financial capitalist elite, modern reformulate and reapply how to live
and structurally violent. They reject scientists and engineers and nonviolently, morally, truthfully,
the inclusivist, interconnected, medical experts, those promoting and sustainably in India and the
egalitarian, decentralized, fossil fuels and military and nuclear world of 2020 and the future.
substantively-democratic, domination, and those with the
multisided-tolerant, dharma- power shaping mass media and
based, moral, and truthful basis the dominant culture. Today As in the USA and as
of Gandhi’s vision, teachings, and these modern human beings revealed by Gandhi’s
practices for 2020. identify with neo-liberal corporate insightful perspectives,
capitalism, profit maximization,
As this article is being written in globalization, ego-driven COVID-19 renders
the first half of September, the materialism and consumerism, transparently clear the
coronavirus pandemic is raging in worship of technology, militarism, relational
India, as the number of reported multidimensional forms of nature and functioning
COVID-19 cases in India is now violence, and the exploitation and inequalities of the modern
second in the world and growing at domination of nature. For them and healthcare system
an alarming rate. As in the USA and their worldview, Gandhi is at most
as revealed by Gandhi’s insightful a minor irritant, can occasionally
perspectives, COVID-19 renders be used (misused) for their modern
transparently clear the relational purposes, and is basically irrelevant
nature and functioning inequalities in their modern world.
of the modern healthcare system, Gandhi not only
modern medical technologies and Gandhi not only offers a theoretical challenges modern
access to available treatments, and analysis and critique of such Indians, but he also
the social, economic, political, and a dominant modern India. challenges many
other contexts of modern India. As In his dynamic, open-ended,
in the USA, the super-rich live in contextualized, action-oriented traditional admirers and
safe environments, have access to approach, Gandhi challenges devotees who view him
the most advanced modern medical us to raise our transformative as an idealized, extolled,
resources, and the billionaires and consciousness about Indian and hopeful, and comforting
the insurance, pharmaceutical, global modernism, to mobilize Bapu
and other huge corporations unifying nonviolent, moral, and
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 61 KERALA CALLING
NOBEL PRIZE
The
Significance Dr. A. Rajagopal Kamath
of Being Writer
a Woman Three women Nobel laureates a year
in science is not common. Andrea
Ghez won the 2020 Nobel Prize in
Physics and Emmanuelle Charpentier
and Jennifer A. Doudna in Chemistry.
Prof. Andrea Ghez Emmanuelle Charpentier Jennifer A. Doudna
Andrea Ghez of the University of orbits of stars at the centre of our concept put forward by Albert
California, USA the fourth woman galaxy. They shared half the prize Einstein. A super massive black
in the history of the Nobel Prize money with Roger Penrose who hole is the only currently known
in Physics, with Reinhard Genzel found that the formation of Black explanation for this.
discovered that an invisible and hole is an inevitable consequence of
extremely heavy object governs the General Relativity, a revolutionary Since the early 1990s, the researchers
KERALA CALLING 62 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
have focused on a region called observations of nearby galaxies of different genes and their possible
Sagittarius A at the centre of our reveal that such super massive black role in the progression of disease. In
galaxy. The orbits of the brightest holes are not unique to the MIlky plant breeding, researchers can give
stars closest to the middle of the Way. The formation of such a large plants specific characteristics, such
Milky Way have been mapped black hole and how it affects the as the ability to withstand drought
with increasing precision. The evolution of its host galaxy are not in a warmer climate. In medicine,
measurements of these agree with well understood. this gene editor is contributing
finding an extremely heavy invisible to new therapies and attempting
object that pulls on the stars, causing The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to cure inherited diseases. This
them to move around at high speeds. is awarded to Emmanuelle technology has revolutionised the
An object with around four million Charpentier of the Max Planck molecular life sciences, brought new
solar masses is there in a region no Unit for the Science of Pathogens, opportunities for plant breeding, is
larger than our solar system. Germany and Jennifer A. Doudna contributing to innovative cancer
of the University of California, USA therapies and may make the dream
The question of the existence of black for the development of a method for of curing inherited diseases come
holes resurfaced with the discovery genome editing. This is the first time true. The development of this
of quasars, the brightest objects two women share the Chemistry technology has enabled scientists
in the universe. Using the world’s Nobel. Since Charpentier and to modify DNA sequences in a
largest telescopes, Genzel and Ghez Doudna discovered the CRISPR/ wide range of cells and organisms.
developed methods to see through Cas9 genetic scissors in 2012 their This technology is used widely in
the huge clouds of interstellar gas use has increased. The genetic basic science, biotechnology and in
and dust to the centre of the Milky scissors have taken the life sciences the development of therapeutics.
Way. They developed new techniques to new heights and, in many With extremely high precision, just
to compensate for distortions caused ways...J.D. Watson and F.H.C. Crick in eight years of the finding the
by the Earth’s atmosphere. This has reported the molecular structure researchers were successful in getting
opened a new area in the study of of DNA in 1953, and ever since, the most coveted prize in science.
compact and super massive objects. scientists have tried to develop
These exotic objects pose many technologies that can manipulate
questions that require answers and the genetic material of cells and The orbits of the brightest
motivate future research. Even organisms. With the discovery of the
though we cannot see the black CRISPR-Cas9 system, an effective stars closest to the middle
hole, it is possible to understand method for genome engineering has of the Milky Way have
its properties by observing how its now become a reality. been mapped with
gravity influences the motions of the increasing precision
nearby stars. Researchers can use these to change
the DNA of animals, plants and
Our galaxy is shaped like a disc microorganisms. The work that
about 100,000 light years across, it eventually led to the discovery Genzel and Ghez
consists of a few hundred billion began with the identification of developed methods to see
stars. From Earth, enormous clouds repeated genome structures present through the huge clouds
of interstellar gas and dust obscure in bacteria and Archaea. When the of interstellar gas and
most of the visible light coming from researchers started investigating the dust to the centre of the
the centre of the galaxy. Initially immune system of a bacterium, they Milky Way
infrared telescopes and radio expected to develop a new antibiotic.
observations allowed astronomers But, they discovered a tool that can
to see through the galaxy’s disc and be used to make precise corrections
image the stars at the centre. Taking in genetic material, making it Just in eight years of the
the orbits of the stars as indicators, possible to easily change the genetic finding the researchers
Genzel and Ghez produced the code itself. These genetic scissors were successful in getting
evidence for an invisible super have reshaped the life sciences. the most coveted prize in
massive object. A black hole is the Biochemists and cell biologists can science
only possible explanation. Recent now easily investigate the functions
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 63 KERALA CALLING
SPECIAL
The Low-
Mortality Dr. Arya Rahul
Tempo Senior Resident, Community Medicine,
Govt Medical College, Trivandrum
Dr.Chintha S.
Associate Professor, Community Medicine,
Spring Govt Medical College, Trivandrum
Dr. P.S. Indu
Professor and head, Community Medicine,
Hope… Govt Medical College, Trivandrum & State PEID
(Prevention of Epidemic and Infectious Diseases)
Cell Co-ordinator
Preventing or curtailing deaths
owing to the pandemic is no mean
achievement, especially while the
pandemic spreads like wildfire.
The determined health-care system
alongside the ‘effective’ leadership
which manages every challenging
situation once again evoke positive
vibes of recovery among the
populace.
Kerala was the first state in India to epidemic, Kerala could do very well from all these states and opening
identify a positive case of COVID in the initial 100 days. The reported up of economic activities which was
19. This was in the last week of cases touched the baseline by the inevitable, there was an increase in
January 2020. Despite having a beginning of May. Later, subsequent the number of cases since May.
surge of returnees from affected to massive outbreaks in several states
countries in the early part of the of India and inflow of returnees In spite of aggressive preventive
KERALA CALLING 64 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
measures, cases have been increasing a multi-dimensional achievement Centres (CSLTCs) and COVID -
and by the first week of October, for which the foundation had been care centres (centres for institutional
the daily numbers have gone above laid long before. The efficient and quarantine) to prevent a compromise
10,000. However, the COVID 19 receptive health system with its on case management.
death rate in the state has been wide distribution and integrated
commendably low, reporting a actions up to the primary care level Timely referrals ensured appropriate
fatality of 0.35%, compared to the may be called the backbone behind resource utilization and prevention
national case fatality of around this achievement. Comprehensive of burn out. Along with the medical
1.5% in early October. So far, in planning, evidence-based protocols professionals, the hospital field staffs,
the background of high proportion and guidelines for prompt community health workers, local
of the elderly population and high management of cases and the good self-government departments, police,
prevalence of Non Communicable infection control practices have been fire force, disaster management
diseases, preparedness behind the contributors. authority and several NGOs have
low mortality rate is a learning all had their role in ensuring control
experience for us and for other Reverse quarantine has been an over COVID mortality in the state.
settings with varying resource levels. important strategy to protect the
vulnerable and thereby reduce the Kerala is going through a very
*Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is the mortality rate. Further, proactive critical phase of this epidemic. Hence
number of deaths per 100 cases screening and testing strategies to we need to focus both in upgrading
The figure shows deaths per hundred detect as many cases as possible the treatment capabilities and at the
cases of COVID 19 in Kerala, India would have avoided an apparently same time strengthening prevention
and worldwide combined. While the high mortality depiction. When the in all age groups, with special focus
CFR has reached as high as 7% on an daily reporting of cases started to on the elderly and those who have
average worldwide in May, the value pick up a rising trend, institutional co-morbid illnesses such as obesity,
has never crossed 4% in India. Kerala preparedness was ensured by setting heart disease and kidney disease. A
holds a notable achievement in up tiers of COVID management collective effort of the community
consistently maintaining a CFR value centres including the COVID with the prevailing effective
below 1% over the months. hospitals, COVID First Line leadership and comprehensive
Treatment Centres (CFLTCs), planning is where are hopes are
The low mortality rate in Kerala is COVID Second Line Treatment pinned.
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 65 KERALA CALLING
SPECIAL
When
Covid Gave Dr. Aparna Ajith
in Before Asst. Professor, SNCW Kollam
“Age is an issue of mind over matter.
Aliyamma If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”,
- Mark Twain.
The kind of support provided by
the State Government of Kerala to
the Covid – struck elderly is reaping
rewards. Aliyamma Mathai’s
‘recovery’ chronicle is the telling
example of this.
Aliyamma Mathai hailing got infected through a colleague and Her willpower and positivity
from Mannarakulanji village of the former’s family members were towards life did not budge an inch
Pathanamthitta district was tested also subjected to the test. When the in this scenario is something more
COVID positive in September. She rest of the family members tested than noteworthy…
contracted the disease from her negative, unfortunately, Aliyamma’s
grandson, Adv. Johny K. George. He results turned out to be positive. Johny was all set to provide
KERALA CALLING 66 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
every kind of assistance to his qualified nurse also played a to the much - awaited compulsory
grandmother. He arranged home remarkable role in Aliyamma’s quarantine, she is gearing up for
isolation facilities. Johny and the recovery. According to Johny, her normal life brimming with
grandmother were asymptomatic. “Kerala Government’s health system the eternal childlike curiosity
Though the cases are overwhelming is efficient and the attention they and enthusiasm. Aliyamma is an
in the state and recovery of the pay for the COVID patients is epitome of hope for the health
elderly from this dreadful disease commendable. Their daily follow workers as well as the elderly
is a demanding task, Johny was up deserves special mention. fighting against this global crisis,
confident that he could give a better The health officials of our state thus reminding everyone that
treatment for his ‘Valyammachi’ have taken the matter with grave recovery is always possible and age
at home. So, he made the concern and it really did boost my is not at all a deterrent.
arrangements to isolate himself and confidence to help her recover”.
his grandmother in the same room.
This grandson-grandmother duo Care and cure goes hand in hand “Kerala Government’s
then fought the disease fearlessly and Aliyamma’s case is a testimony health system is efficient
and emerged triumphantly. to this fact. Aliyamma’s ease was and the attention they
accentuated even in these gruesome
The unwavering support given days of COVID -19 disease just pay for the COVID
by Johny and his family to his because of the warmth of her patients is commendable”
grandmother enabled her results grandson and family. She was free
to be negative within seven days. from the shackles of comorbidities
Aliyamma leads a healthy lifestyle even at this age. This throws light Her success story is a
and was never been hospitalized as on her healthy way of life always combination of her hale
far as Adv. Johny could recollect. and in all ways. For her, sitting idly and hearty lifestyle
Her success story is a combination makes one a patient and the process
of her hale and hearty lifestyle, sheer of rest will convert everyone to a
determination, and the caregiving state of corrosion. She wishes to
system backed by her affectionate do all the routine activities by her Recovery is always
family. own and the smiling faces of her possible and age is not at
great - grandchildren bestow a all a deterrent
Johny’s wife, Remya who is a vitality to her entity. Putting an end
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 67 KERALA CALLING
SPECIAL
Kerala-
the Safest
Haven for the Dr. Anju Angel Alex
Assistant surgeon, Dept. of health services
Elderly Decrepitude didn’t spell doom over
the covid – struck people in Kerala.
The timely and state- of- the -art
medical support has been behind this
unique feat – testifies an expert from
the medical fraternity.
68 Year old Latheef (name changed families followed the suit as well. wondered why they fussed more
to preserve anonymity) wondered Before he had realized, there were with the ageing and ailing as though
if he was more surprised than people from the nearby Health they were babies. But 10 days after
scared. Two young men in his Centre swarming all over the place being shifted to a CFLTC (Covid
neighbourhood had tested positive and conducting camps to collect First - Line Treatment Centre) he
for Covid -19. A day later their swabs to test for Covid -19. He returned home, cured and thankful
KERALA CALLING 68 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
quarantine strategy worked wonders.
By early September, the incidence
of Covid among the elderly was not
as high as it would have been, if the
strategy had not been followed. The
safety of around 20,000 inmates in
619 old - age homes across the state
was ensured.
When our elderly dropped their
heads in gloom, the Government,
through its various departments,
became a shoulder to lean on. To
quote Radha(name changed to
conceal identity), a lawyer when her
to the ‘system’. He had joined the club real hard. 70 – year - old father tested positive
of happy elders that included octa -” The attitude of our Government
and nonagenarians who recovered As the ‘developed’ West was and the health system towards the
from Covid19 in Kerala. The case throwing up its hands and choosing elderly is very comforting. They do
of Asma Beevi,105, the oldest yet is the younger Covid patient not trivialize my father’s illness or
the living proof of the success of the over an elderly ‘afflicted one’ to brush it aside as being not worth it!”
system. ventilate, Kerala was planning and In the time of Covid, Kerala became
implementing ways to not bring its the safest haven for the elderly. The
Latheef is one among Kerala’s much elderly to that plight. same will continue, as long as we do
valued 70 lakh who are being cared not throw the caution to the wind.
for, thought about and treated with Not much was known to many about
a purpose, right from the beginning the calls that are being made on a
of the pandemic. In the words of Dr. daily basis from January 2020. From Kerala had in fact
Alwin Antony, Assisstant Professor the Control rooms and Peripheral foreseen that it had to
in Community Medicine, GMC institutions to vulnerable groups be a step ahead of the
Kalamassery ,Kochi -“We have like- the quarantined elderly, the rest in taking measures
always given priority to our senior bed-ridden elderly or the elderly to prevent the pandemic
citizens when it comes to hospital with psychological issues – in order hitting the elderly
admissions. With the CFLTCs to dispel their many worries and
around, we can now prioritize queries.
further, meaning, we end up saving
the best for them.” As they all were first locked down
and then reverse quarantined, the In the times of Covid,
In the times of Covid, the social elderly gloomily watched their sons Kerala became the safest
restrain advised to our elderly and daughters go to work. The haven for the elderly.
included cessation of visits to the other side to this gloom though,
Health Centre for their aches, pains is reflected in the words of Uma, a
and regular medications. It was 70 – year - old retired banker ”In the
fine as they knew that the friendly initial days, though I had felt a little
‘ASHA’ would get the medicines depressed, I am glad, I never dared When our elderly
home for them. With around 15% to venture out because I believe that dropped their heads in
of the State’s population being senior these norms have kept me safe to gloom, the Government,
citizens, Kerala had in fact foreseen date”. through its various
that it had to be a step ahead of the departments, became a
rest in taking measures to prevent As time progressed, it became
the pandemic hitting the elderly, evident that Kerala’s reverse shoulder to lean on
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 69 KERALA CALLING
CINEMA
The
Beginning A. Chandrasekhar
of Another Writer-Journalist-Film Critic
Accolades befall on the
‘New-Wave’ deserving, like always in the
form of The Kerala State Film
Awards. When new entrants get
those mementoes another era of
excellence begins.
What makes the declaration of the categories itself. Lijo Jose Pellissery an intricate weave of dark humour
State film awards for the year 2019 has been acknowledged as the best and realism intertwined with a
is that it is unique in recognising director even in the IFFI 2018 for risky structure that is at the same
real talents amidst stiff competition. the movie Jellikkettu, which is of no time impish as well as aesthetically
This could be easily established by doubt, a specimen for directorial challenging. For Lijo, who has proved
analysing the top awards in the main brilliance. It is a film made with himself to a filmmaker par excellence
KERALA CALLING 70
KERALA CALLING 70 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
second only to T V Chandran’s
Susanna. But unlike Susanna,
Vasanthi is entwined with a complex
structural framework blending the
possibilities of an evening street-play
along with the multi-layered, non-
linear narrative of movie - making. It
is indeed a visual experience that on
one side denies the Brechtian theory,
and at the same time uses the Theory
of Alienation for a better cinematic
experience. Vasanthi’s script skilfully
uses the dramatic elements brilliantly
to create an effective visual treatment.
The film tickles the pseudo morality
and hypocrisy of the Kerala society
across all differences, coming to
issues like gender equality and
safety for women. The film deserves
a standing ovation for its brilliant
craftsmanship and execution and
The film tickles the pseudo
morality and hypocrisy of
Kerala society
His identity as an actor
reminds us of the golden
era of Bharat Gopi and
Nedumudi Venu
It is indeed a visual
experience that on one
side denies the Brechtian
theory
in his previous movies like Ea Ma that illustrates the jury’s aesthetic hence the state award could be
Ou and Aamen, Jellikkettu is much sincerity and transparency. An off- admired too.
ahead than all these, in terms of beat movie produced by actor Siju
conceiving and execution. Wilson, scripted and directed by This is the second time that Suraj
Shinod Rehman and Shajas Rehman Venjarammoodu is grabbing the
Vasanthi is one important decision is one of the most feminist movies award for the best actor and I am
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 71 KERALA CALLING
CALLING
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 71 KERALA
CINEMA KERALA STATE FILM AWARD 2019
sure there won’t be any difference Best Film Vasanthi
of opinion regarding the same. Producer : Siju Wilson
Both as the Bhaskara Pothuval, Directors : Rahman Brothers
the elderly widower, who lives for
his son in the village hamlet who Second Best Film Kenjira
is forced to become friend with an Director, Producer : Manoj Kana
android-robot and as Eldo, the Best Director Lijo Jose Pellissery
real - life differently - abled who Film : Jellikettu
became an unfortunate victim
for cyberbullying in the movie Best Actor Suraj Venjaramoodu
Virkrithi, Suraj has literally done a Films : Android kunjappan version 5.25
kind of taking -into-himself kind Vikruthi
of acting methodology. In both the Best Actress Kani kusruti
films, Android Kunjappan Version Film : Biriyani
5.0 and Vikrithi one could not find
at least the physique of Suraj but Best CharacterArtist(Male) Fahad Fasil
only the characters. His identity as Film : Kumbalangi Nights
an actor reminds us of the golden Best CharacterArtist(Female) Swasika Vijay
era of Bharat Gopi and Nedumudi Film : Vasanthi
Venu who did such great character
portrayals for movies. Best Child Artist(Boy) Vasudev sajeesh Marar
Film: kallanottam,sullu
As for Kani Kusruthi, who bagged Best Child Artist(girl) Catherine Biji
the award for the best actress, Film : Nani
the competition was a little more
rigid. Her portrayal of Khadeeja, Best story writer Shahul Aliyar
a Muslim lady who has to pursue Film : Vari –The Sentence
an alter-life amidst the male Best cinematographer Pratap P. Nair
chauvinistic society, was not only Films : Idam,kenjira
daring but also challenging. It
wasn’t a single - layered simple Best Screenplay Writer Rahman Brothers
character. On the contrary, it was Film : Vasanthi
extremely complex and sensitive Best screenplay(Adaptation) P. S. Rafeeque
and above all was so demanding Film : Thottappan
for its nudity etc. But of course,
anybody who has watched Sajin Best Lyricist Sujeesh Hari
babu’s Biriyani would whole- Song : Pularippoopole chirichum
heartedly acknowledge the pivotal Film : Satyamparanjal viswasikuvo
mind blowing out of the box Best Music Director Sushin Shyam
performance of Kani Kusruthi in it. Songs : All
Film : Kumbalangi Nights
Discussing about on - screen
performances, no review of the Best Background Music Director Ajimal Hasbullah
state awards will be complete Film: Vrithakrithiyilulla chathuram
without mentioning the Best Male Playback singer Najim Arshad
outstanding performance by Song : Athmaville...
Swasika as the title role of the sex Film : Kettiyollanente Malakha
worker in Vasanthi. It is indeed a
surprise package for sure in which Best Female Playback singer Madhusree Narayanan
Swasika has established her to Song : parayatharike...
be a versatile actress second to Film : Kolambi
nobody in Malayalam. Best Film Editor Kiran Das
Film : Ishq
KERALA CALLING 72 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
Best Art Director Jyothish Sankar
Film : Kumbalangi Nights
Best Sync Sound Film Harikumar Madhavan Nair
Film : Nani
Best Sound Mixing Film Kannan Ganapathi
Film : Jellikettu
Best Sound Design Films Vishnu Govind
Sreesankar Gopinath
Films : Unda, Ishq
Best Processing Laboratory/colourist Liju
Film : Idam
Best Makeup man Ranjith Ambadi
Film : Helen
Best Costume Design Asokan Alappuzha
Film : Kenjira
Best Dubbing Artist (Male) Vineeth Radhakrishnan
Film : Lucifer
Marakkar : Arabikadalinte Simham
Best Dubbing Artist (Female) Sruthi Ramachandran
Film : Kamala
Best choreograher Brinda
Prasanna Sujith C
Film : Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham
A Special Award for the Best Film : Kumbalangi Nights
Malayalam Film with aesthetic Madhu C. Narayanan
quality and popular Appeal Producers (Film:Kumbalangi Nights)
Fahad Faasil, Nazriya Nazim
Shyam pushkar, Dileesh pothen
Special Award ForDebutant Ratheesh Poduval
in Direction Film : Android kunjappan version 5.25
Best Children’s Film Nani
Director: Samvid Anand
Producer : Shaji Mathew
Special Jury Award For the Lead
Visual Effect Supervision Siddharth Priyadarshan
Film : Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham
Special Jury Mention Actor
Male Nivin Pauly
Film: Muthoon
Female Anna Ben
Film : Helen
Female Priyamvada Krishnan
Film: Thottappan
Special Jury Mention
Music Director (songs) Dr: V Dakshinamoorthi prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 73 KERALA CALLING
Film : Syamaragam
LEGEND
Eternally Anamika
Freelance Journalist
Ubiquitous There are singers and then there is
SPB. Quite a cliche, but there are
situations when all epithets and
& Mellifluous superlatives fall short. A voice that
launched a thousand melodies, a
man who endeared himself to all
generations and an icon who leaves
behind a legacy very few vocalists
can ever dream of.
All music lovers, at least in the South, singer. Despite his towering status rendering an array of evergreen
know SPB’s journey, the magic he in musical circuits, he remained an hits with his dedication, talent, and
weaves, his versatility and the way epitome of everything humane and range. Nothing was off-limits to him
he moulds his voice to suit different down-to-earth. and his technique was matchless
actors. There was godliness in his and solid that left no space for
music yet SPB was no celestial He indulged in all genres of music, any value addition. In front of the
KERALA CALLING 74 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
camera, he was a bundle of energy
and disarming sweetness that you
couldn’t help falling in love with his
personality.
A Padma Bhushan awardee,
recipient of six National Awards
and numerous other accolades, SPB
started his music career in Telugu,
his mother tongue. He made his
debut with the 1967 film Sri Sri
Maryada Ramanna singing a duet
with P Susheela. Within a couple
of years, he started singing Tamil
songs, first for MGR’s Adimai Penn
following it up with some other
superstar films featuring Sivaji He burst into Bollywood with a dancing with him to a dynamic
Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan. It volley of romantic numbers, love A. R. Rahman number oozing
was just the beginning as he went anthems that remain popular. While charm, a feat only SPB can achieve.
on to record a whopping 40,000 plus he bagged his second National The singer was also a voice actor,
songs in a career spanning over half a Award for his first Hindi film ‘Ek who lent his voice in Telugu for over
century, most of them Tamil, Telugu, Duuje Ke Liye’, he sang nearly all 100 Kamal Hassan films.
Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam. early hits of Salman Khan including
‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, ‘Hum Aapke The stages and studios will miss
He collaborated with an array Hain Kaun’, ‘Love’ and ‘Saajan’. S.P Balasubramaniam, but the
of brilliant composers like M. S. vocalist leaves behind an incredible
Viswanathan, K. V. Mahadevan, He also rendered several popular discography cutting across genres
Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman over numbers in Telugu and Kannada and languages. Coming generations
the years leaving behind a treasure is also one singer who picked will continue to relish SPB songs that
trove of immortal tracks. National Awards for his songs in four throb with life as he could infuse
languages that include Tamil, Telugu, something very personal in each of
He along with Ilaiyaraaja created Kannada and Hindi. them.
a long playlist of soulful songs
including Nilaave Vaa Sellathey Not a formally trained singer, SPB There was godliness in
Vaa, Ilaiya Nilaa Pozhikirathe, was also the first singer to introduce his music yet SPB was no
Sundari and Keladi Kanmani. For the intricacies and nuances of celestial singer
the next generation he was the classical music to masses. For
one who delivered A.R Rahman many of his fans, he is still the
chartbusters like Kaadhal Rojave, Sankarabharanam singer who
Thanga Thamarai Magale, Azhagana rendered Carnatic music with
Ratchashiyae and Anjali Anjali. unimaginable ease and later made it The vocalist leaves behind
a staple in mainstream cinema. He an incredible discography
His voice perfectly fit Kamal Hassan, sang every song in the 1980 - film cutting across genres and
a kind of honeyed baritone in that fetched him his first National languages
which he rendered several songs Award and later continued to deliver
so beautifully and evocatively. He classical hits in films like Sagara
was also the voice for Rajinikanth’s Sangamam and Rudraveena.
introduction numbers in a slew of
superhits like ‘Annamalai’, ‘Muthu’, He also acted in films, playing main He remained an epitome
‘Baasha’, ‘Arunachalam’ and some roles like the widower in Keladi of everything humane
others. Kannmanii and in Kadhalan we saw and down-to-earth
him as the father of Prabhudeva and
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 75 KERALA CALLING
OBIT
Akkitham-
Empathy Bhaskaramenon Krishnakumar
(Athmaraman)
Personified Biographer of Akkitham
Njanpith Award winner Akkitham
passed into the eternal sleep leaving
behind sublime poetry for generations
to come
Man, as I am, small has remained his ideal. After This is beauty, this alone is truth
Even my breasts swelled up all, he was barely twenty-five when And practising it one’s utmost duty.
And flowed towards all living he wrote- Many are such revelations in
beings Absolute love would, Akkitham’s poetry. But Akkitham
This is quintessential Akkitham. In course of time, turn into a avers that he never consciously
Love towards all things great and strength. strived for such insights, they always
KERALA CALLING 76 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
visited him. Indeed, he claims it is
not he who writes, but someone
within. No wonder, his poetic career
spanning over seventy years is not
easy to evaluate.
Akkitham is his family name. There
were no issues in this ancient family
of Vedic scholars and he was born
as a result of propitiating many
gods. He was named Achyuthan.
Patriarchs of the family naturally
wished that Achyuthan would turn
into a great Vedic scholar. When
he was eight, he was initiated by
his father into learning Rigveda. writings. But, curiously, it was the Muktakas (independent shlokas).
Amazingly, he started writing Rigveda that reaffirmed his faith in Some of the finest children’s verse in
Malayalam shlokas in Sanskrit communism. Akkitham asserts that Malayalam is written by Akkitham.
metres around that time. But his the Samvaada Sookta of Rigveda We can also find some of the best
heart lay in sketching and painting which talks about the communion of allegoric contemplative poetry in his
– a skill he would put to great minds is proto-communist literature. oeuvre. Judge him in terms of verbal
advantage in his writing later. He He turned a fellow traveller and felicity, ease and abundance or by the
joined the college after passing remained so for nearly seven years – parameters of copiousness, variety
the matriculation examination, 1943 to 1949. and subtlety, Akkitham would score
but could not continue his studies on all counts.
further. Akkitham had by then established
himself as a poet of repute. He had Indeed, the teardrop, around which
published many books of poems he has woven new myths, is a major
Poetry sustained him all through
these years. But it was his meeting including a narrative poem depicting motif of his poetry. Tears are nothing
with the legendary poet Edasseri the story of an agrarian struggle but life-giving water. Water, and not
Govindan Nair (1906 - 74) that – “The Wet Clod”. It was easy to fire, is Akkitham’s basic element. It
gave a new direction to his poetic graduate from Samvaada Sookta to cannot be otherwise with a poet who
pursuits. Akkitham gratefully regards communism. wrote about the failure of a much-
Edasseri as his mentor and maintains acclaimed revolution.
that it was Edasseri’s ruthless tutoring “Light, O young one! is sorrow;
that helped him grow as a poet. His Darkness is pleasurable”. Indeed, the teardrop,
first collection of poems came out Arguably again, this is one of the around which he has
in 1946. Three years later he got most quoted couplets from modern woven new myths, is a
married; he celebrated the event with Malayalam poetry. For the poet’s major motif of his poetry
another book of poems. detractors, it has come in handy as a
stick to beat him with, as an evidence
Predictably, he started writing against of his alleged regressive socio- Sex, parenthood, family–
the evil practices of his community political stance.
with a reformatory zeal. Those were every aspect of life is a
the days when communist ideology Sex, parenthood, family–every cause for celebration in
was taking roots in Kerala. E.M.S. aspect of life is a cause for celebration Akkitham’s poetry
Namboodiripad, with whom he in Akkitham’s poetry. He embraces
had long-standing familial ties, was both the farmer’s slang and the
writing primers on socialism and heightened Sanskritised poetic Water, and not fire, is
communism. Akkitham was initially diction of the Vedas. Both folk tunes Akkitham’s basic element
drawn to communism by these and intricate Sanskrit metres occur
to him naturally. So, do sonnets and
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 77 KERALA CALLING
ART
Modernists
with their
Distinct Johny M.L
Art Critic
Styles… Imagination knows no bounds in
the brush-handles of ‘real’ artists.
Accolades fall upon them for what
they have immortalized through their
medium of expression.
Paris Viswanathan BD Dethan
Noted painters Velu Viswanathan of visual arts instituted by Kerala hailed to be a ‘regional modernist’
aka Paris Viswanathan and B.D. Lalithakala Academy for 2018 whose creative endeavors have been
Dethan aka Dethan Mash are the and 2019 respectively. While Paris pivoted in the city of Trivandrum.
recipients of the Raja Ravi Varma Viswanathan, as his name suggests Both these stalwarts have been
Puraskaram, the prestigious award enjoys international popularity as approaching art with the same
for life time achievement in the field an Indian modernist, B.D.Dethan is philosophical verve of modernism
KERALA CALLING 78 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
Cholamandal artists who are hailed
to be Neo-Tantric artists, but has
shown the ability to transcend the
Panicker school of abstract art.
A relentless practitioner of the art,
B. D. Dethan is a classic example of
a modernist whose comfort zone is
his studio filled with paraphernalia
for painting. He could also be called a
reluctant portrait artist. Dethan enjoys
painting expressionist portraits of
imaginary people, who he considers
as phantom creatures but more real
as they open up the emotions that
otherwise living people hide cleverly
in their double-edged daily lives.
that often aspired to generate a novel underlining his adherence to the Dethan also takes up Tagorean poems
visual sensibility, drawing from canonical definitions of modernism. for making spontaneous drawings as
different sources of inspiration. His famous series titled ‘Kali’ (Rage) he likes the poetic evocations, without
captures the turbulent times of the
Paris Viswanathan studied under 1970s and 1980s though the artist attempting illustrating the same.
the legendary art teacher and had given visual expressions to the Though eclectic in style, B.D.Dethan
modern painter, K.C.S.Panicker, same in the early 1990s. A home- is successful in establishing a hallmark
at the Madras College of Art grown Expressionism has been style which is difficult to miss even if
and left for Europe in late 1960s, definitive for Dethan in his visual they are seen on a public mural or in a
after securing his place at the experiments though in the ‘Botanical private gallery or drawing - room.
Cholamandal Artists’ Village, an Fantasies’ series he has engaged more
artists’ cooperative initiated by with the Surrealist visual lingua. Noted painters Velu
K.C.S.Panicker himself. He travelled Viswanathan aka Paris
all over Europe, encountering Paris Viswanathan, apart from Viswanathan and B.D.
epiphanies of life and art, and earning an international standing Dethan aka Dethan
settled down in Paris, earning his for himself in the field of art, has Mash are the recipients
honorific. Constantly renewing his been an exponent in experimental of the Raja Ravi Varma
connect with nature and cultures, cinema, a regular in the international Puraskaram
he painted the experiential values film festivals held in various cities,
that he gained over the years in a including those in India, and has
language perfected by practice and directed full-length experimental
passion. Known as a colour-field movies based on the Five Elements. Paris Viswanathan
abstract artist, his works, mainly Travelling along the Indian shores studied under the
done in casein, a colour pigment on he had filmed various hues of legendary art teacher
canvas evoke aerial visual sensations sands, sounds, rituals, natures, and modern painter,
of terrestrial planes below and deep habits and habitats of people. A K.C.S.Panicker
spiritual anchoring. closer look at his cinematic outing
and the still photographs would
B. D. Dethan is an eclectic modernist reveal how the same international
whose ability to wade through abstract language based on spiritual B. D. Dethan is a classic
various styles and approaches feelings and sensations functions example of a modernist
has now become a thing of our as the foundational aesthetics whose comfort zone
modernist cultural lore. The images of his transdisciplinary artistic is his studio filled with
and nascent narratives in Dethan’s productions. Paris Viswanathan
works do carry the sensibility is also one of the celebrated paraphernalia for
of internationalism without painting
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 79 KERALA CALLING
LITERATURE
Of The K.G.G. Nair
Muse’s Senior Journalist
Endearing
Voyage A poet amongst journalists and
a journalist amongst poets and
that is none other than Ezhacheri
Ramachandran.
In his career spanning more than speeches during the same period, commons; it portrayed the beauty
50 years of service, he has excelled Ezhacheri has carved an iconic of Nature and also focussed upon
himself as a committed journalist figure in his followers’ minds. the intricacies of spiritual life.
and has amused with imageries While upholding the dialectics of
and words as a gifted poet. An Ezhacheri’s verses are not skin world order, he tries to explore
orator who has delivered talks and deep. It portrayed the life of the emotional inner self of human
KERALA CALLING 80 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
beings and it is of no doubt that the
Vayalar Award bestowed to him
recently very well deserves to his
poetic sensibility.
Ramachandran hails from a
village hamlet Ramapuram near
Meenachil Taluk at Kottayam
district. He did his schooling
at SVNSS School, Edanad and
secured his M.A. followed by a
Bachelor of Education degree.
Started penning poems since his
school days, he established himself
as a lyricist for professional theatre
plays, for which he has won the
state award for the best lyricist
thrice. Later, Ramachandran Award, I. V. Das Award etc, to Chalachitra Academy, President
turned his career as a journalist name a few. His Oru Verginian of the Sahitya Pravarthaka
with Deshabhimani and soon Veyilkkalam fetched him the Sahakarana Sangham and member
became the editor- in- charge of its prestigious Vayalar Award for the of Kumaranashan National
weekend magazine. year 2020. Institute, Thonnakkal.
He has to his credit, a collection Ezhacheri has proved himself to He has excelled himself
of notable poems including be a successful lyricist not only
Ardrasamudram, Kavadichinthu, in theatre but also in movies too. as a committed journalist
Neeli, Kayyur, Enniloode, The most popular film song that and has amused with
Gandhamadanam, Akaleneygo strikes one’s mind when we hear imageries and words as a
Idimuzhakkam, Ammaveettil the name Ezhacheri is the much gifted poet
pakshi, Mazha Varakkunna - celebrated melody “Chandana
Guhachithrangal...etc. Uyarum Mani vaathil paathi chaari” which
Njan Nadake and Kattu chikkiya he has penned for the movie
Thelimanalil (memoirs) are a few ‘Marikkunnilla Njan’ directed by
among his prose writings. He P. K. Radhakrishnan, composed Ezhacheri’s verses are not
has also written many books for by ace musician Raveendran and skin deep
children including Thankavum sung by G. Venugopal. He has
Thaimavum. also penned lyrics for almost
50 songs including Maarikkar
Popularly known as Ezhacheri, he Meyuunna, Elelam Kilimakale, Ezhacheri has proved
has won many accolades including Sathyame (Meenamaasathile himself to be a successful
the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award Sooryan), Balikudeeragal
for his poem Enniloode in the year (Rakthasakshikal Zindabad),Neela lyricist not only in theatre
2008, State Institute of Children’s Nethram (Kanal Kannadi), but also in movies too
Literature Award in the year 1995, Sooryamahasnehacharutha (AKG)
Ulloor Award, Asan Smaraka etc.
Kavitha Puraskaram, Abu Dhabi
Shakti Award, Moloor Award, A. Apart from being the state - level The Vayalar Award
P. Kalaykkad Award, Sambasivan office bearer of Purogamana Kala bestowed to him recently
Award, S. B. T. Literary Award, Sahithya Sangham, has served as very well deserves to his
Ezhumangalam Vamadevan the executive member of the Kerala
Award, Pandalam Kerala Varma Sahithya Academy, Kerala State poetic sensibility
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 81 KERALA CALLING
NEWS SCAN
Aiysha’s Unique Feat
This is the proud moment for the
public education sector in the state
since S. Aiysha from Koyilandy in
Kozhikode district secured the 12
th rank in the National Eligibility
cum Entrance Test (NEET)2020
for admission to undergraduate
medical and dental courses.
Aiysha, who studied at the
Government Vocational Higher
secondary school at Koilandy
bagged the 12 th rank in the All
India - level exam and the state
topper with 710 marks out of 720.
11 other students from the state
figured among the first 100 in the
NEET exam.
Dakshayani’s Dakshayani hailing from Paravur, is
allotted with an apartment, since her
wards applied for a safe shelter under
the LIFE scheme. This is the first time
New Life in a flat in the state that a flat complex is being
provided for a single - family under the
Government housing scheme; the flat
built at a cost of Rs. 25.25 lakh.
Dakshayani’s children applied for a house
via the Life Mission Scheme. Rs. 4,25,000
has been allotted to each family to build
a 450 square feet house. But it was not
practical to build 6 houses in 5 cents of
land. But the local self- government office
bearers, Kudumbasree executive director
S. Harikishore intervened and decided to
provide the apartment to the applicants.
The flat houses 6 apartments.
Dakshayani’s children Sasi, Rajesh,
Kannan, Selvan, Premkumar, Vijaya and
Rajan together own the flat. Dakshayani
will stay with them. Each apartment
has all facilities including 2 bedrooms,
kitchen, hall, and bathroom.
KERALA CALLING 82 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
DO NOT
NEGLECT THEM!
When we assemble to battle the COVID-19 virus, we must
remember the vulnerable amongst us. The needs of the elderly
population should not be neglected when we raise our defences
against the pandemic. All of us have the responsibility to support
them as they are placed in reverse-quarantine.
Well-lit rooms with good ventilation should be
selected for those entering reverse-quarantine.
• Necessary medicines should be stockpiled.
• Magazines and newspapers should be provided for recreational purposes.
• They should be provided with a healthy, balanced diet.
• The elderly should be assisted in availing of telemedicine and Sanjeevani
services for continuing any treatment they are undergoing.
• Family members should also try to do daily exercises with them.
• If possible, make sure they have access to a TV, mobile phone, laptop and
other devices for communication.
• Anyone with a cough, cold, fever and those who are at risk of infection
should NOT come in contact with those undergoing reverse-quarantine.
• It is very important to provide the elderly with love, care and unconditional
support as they go through this period.
Don't forget to follow
S M S
prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling/OCTOBER 2020 83
Social distancing, Mask, Soap! KERALA CALLING
Kerala Calling RNI 35991/1980 Postal Registration: KL/TV(N)/104/2018-20 WPP No. : KL/TV(N)/WPP/148/2018-20 Date of Publication : 01.10.2020 Price : �12
KERALA CALLING 84 OCTOBER 2020/prd.kerala.gov.in/publication/keralacalling
Printed and Published by S. Harikishore IAS, Director, Information & Public Relations Department on behalf of Government of Kerala and Printed
Information & Public Relations at St. Joseph Press, Thiruvananthapuram and Published at Publication Wing, Information & Public Relations Department. Government Secretariat
Department, Government of Kerala Annexe, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Editor-in-Chief: S. Harikishore IAS. Enquiries: Phone- 0471 2517036 Email- [email protected]
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