October 2, 2003

Blood donation is best expression of humanitarianism says Kadavavoor Shivadasan

report and photograph by R S Priya Click here for more Images

Thiruvananthapuram: Inaugurating the National Blood Donation Day celebrations at the state level, Minister for Electricity Kadavoor Shivadasan said that blood donation is the utmost expressions of humanitarianism. He said it is a day to show kindness to your fellow beings. "There is nothing to replace blood. Government is vigilant regarding AIDS and blood transfusion," he said inaugurating the the National Blood Donation Day celebrations conducted jointly by the Kerala State Aids Control Society, Kerala State Blood Transfusion council and other various voluntary institutions on 1st of October. There was a motor cycle rally --"Ride for Voluntary Blood Donation" -- starting from the university hall. The rally visited various schools, colleges and other institutions to spread the message of blood donation.

Dr.N.Hema, State Aids Programme Officer, gave the welcome speech followed by a report given by Dr.M.K.Jeevan, Additional Director (Blood Safety), and Kerala State Aids Control Society. As B.Vijayakumar MLA could not attend the function, Health Department Secretary, shri.E.K.Bharath Bhooshan I.A.S. presided over the function.

Kadavoor Shivadasan gave a short inaugural speech and the event was inaugurated by lighting the lamp and then hon. Mayor J.Chandra gave the Blood Donation Day message. She stressed the importance to find people ready to donate blood from residence associations, schools, colleges etc. Around 40 years before, when it was wartime, every person came forward to donate blood to soldiers. Today road accidents have increased. Many people need blood and it is important to donate blood to our brothers. Prof Chandra also stressed the need to form blood donation clubs in different fields like schools, colleges and even residence associations, where people willing to donate blood can register. Dr.V.K.Rajan, Health Department Director, Dr.M.R.Chandran, Health Education Director and Dr.E.K.Madhavan, D.M.O, Thiruvananthapuram also attended the function. -keralamonitor.com

Foundation stone of OMIFCO project laid in Oman

Foundation stone of the fertilizer plan of Oman India Fertilizer Company (OMIFCO), a joint venture promoted by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd. (IFFCO), Krishak Bharati Co-operative Ltd. (KRIBHCO) and Oman Oil Company, was laid today by Mr. Syyid Talal bin Al Said, a prominent Member of the Royal family of Oman in the presence of Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa at Sur, Oman.

OMIFCO, has the biggest Indian joint venture in the fertilizer sector overseas is being set up at a total cost of US $ 969 million (approximately Rs. 4,450 crore). This fertilizer project consisting of ammonia-urea plants with state-of-the-art technology envisages for production of granulated urea. The plant, likely to be commissioned in July 2005 will produce 16.52 lakh tons of urea and 2.48 lakh tons per annum.

The Government of India and IFFCO have made a long-term buy back arrangement for urea and ammonia produced by OMIFCO respectively. This buy-back arrangement is expected to reduce India's dependence on import of fertilizers and meet the growing domestic demand-supply gap for fertilizers. Besides, it will also help in stabilising the international prices of urea and ammonia for the Indian consumers/importers.

The Indian sponsors together hold 50% of the equity of OMIFCO. They have contributed approximately US $ 80 million each with the remaining equity of US $ 160 million by Oman Oil Company. IFFCO and KRIBHCO will have a major role in installation, operation and maintenance of this plant in Oman. This mega industrial project would be an engine for growth and economic prosperity of India and Oman through income and employment generation and development of ancillary and allied industries.

The joint venture is beneficial to the Indian sponsors and Government of India as it assures supply of urea and ammonia at competitive prices. It has been made possible as Oman has made a long term commitment to supply natural gas, the feed stock needed for operating the plant @ US $ 0.77 per MMBTU as compared to the prevailing natural gas price of US $ 2.15 per MMBTU in India. -keralamonitor.com

Vice President's greetings on Gandhi Jayanti

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Vice-President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has conveyed his warm greetings to the people of India. Following is the text of his message:"Mahatma Gandhi's name is synonymous with the country's struggle for Independence. He has been immortalised in public consciousness as Father of our Nation whose philosophy of satyagraha, non-violence, truth and tolerance brought freedom from alien rule not only to India but to many countries in Asian and African continents. He served the cause of emancipation of the deprived and the oppressed and strengthening communal harmony till his last breath. Gandhi Jayanti reminds us of the Gandhi's ideals, which have the power to rid mankind from evil and moral dilemmas.

On this occasion, let us rededicate ourselves to follow the path shown by Gandhiji and continue to work for upliftment of the poorest of the poor and strengthening social harmony.My respectful homage to the Father of the Nation."

Prime Minister condoles the death of Jyoti Basu's wife

The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has expressed his heart-felt condolences on the demise of Smt. Kamal Basu wife of Shri Jyoti Basu former Chief Minister of West Bengal. In a letter to Shri Basu, the Prime Minister wrote:"I am grieved to learn about the demise of Smt. Kamal Basu. Losing your partner after so many years together, is bound to leave a void; but her memory, I am sure will continue to provide solace to you.May the Almighty give courage and strength to you and other family members to bear this irreparable loss. I join you in praying for the departed soul:.

Prime Minister meets President

The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee called on the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The meeting between the two leaders lasted about 50 minutes. The meeting was part of the regular interaction between the two leaders. The Prime Minister also briefed the President about his recent visit to Turkey and the United Nations. The President's forthcoming visit abroad also figured during the discussion. -keralamonitor.com