K E R A L A M O N I T O R. C O M M.N.Vijayan under Siege: Intellectual as Liability? by Shabeer Vakkom Prof. M.N. Vijayan, the noted writer and left intellectual who recently bid farewell to the CPI (M)-led progressive camp, continues to be the object of uncharitable public disparagement - mostly from his erstwhile colleagues and fellow comrades. The vilification campaign initiated in the party mouth organs such as Deshabhimani and Chintha reached a critical point with comments bordering on character assassination. Among those who attacked him in the party organs included R.S. Babu, C.P.Narayanan, Joseph and G.P.Ramachandra, Eyancode Sridharan, Rajeev et al. Even as this campaign has been underway, some others also have come up with weird arguments against Prof. Vijayan. One such instance is a piece by J. Reghu in Pachakuthira, a monthly published by DC Books. The April issue of the magazine, which carried Reghu's article, depicted Prof. Vijayan as representing the brahiminical/upperclass tradition of the CPI [M] who "skillfully concealed the more subtle microlevel exploitation of the lower class/subaltern sections" by blowing up the macro level issues such as globalisation, imperialism etc. Reghu calls this as a typical "diversionary tactic" of the left intellectual. Similar attacks have appeared in other publications also. Unfortunately, Prof.Vijayan, who has spent more than three decades for the left cause in Kerala, is now under siege and the civil society of Kerala remains a passive spectator. While being an editor of Deshabhimani weekly, Vijayan was also officiating as the editor of Padam, a tri-monthly magazine. What triggered off a major controversy was a series of articles by S. Sudheesh who had also been a CPM fellow traveler, but expelled from the party. Some of the leading Malayalam dailies flashed the allegations depicted in Padam on their front pages. Sudheesh alleged that the 'People's Planning' launched by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in 1996 was a foreign-inspired, Dutch-funded programme. According to him, the main intellectual source was Richard Franke, a US Anthropologist, who frequently visited Kerala and made use of the facilities at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS). The faculties of the CDS, notably Thomas Isaac, fell in line with this. Kerala Shastra Sahithya Parishath was also seen as instrumental in initiating and advancing the agenda of decentralized planning. Among those who were targeted in the article included M.P.Parameshwaran, C.P.Narayanan, B.Ekbal, Rajeev et al. This created a furor within the party. V.S.Achuthanandan and his factions took up the issue of foreign-funding and the involvement of external agencies in the plan campaign. Prominent left leaders discussed and debated the issue from different angles, which created a serious ideological rift in the CPM too. A major section of the party blamed Prof. Vijayan for being part of the controversy. The Malappuram State Conference of the party held in February 2005 set the stage for an ideological rift. However, the Achuthanandan faction eventually yielded to the pressure of the central leadership, resulting in the victory of the Pinarayi faction. Though Prof.M.N.Vijayan was supposed to be a speaker in the State Conference, he was instructed by a top partyman not to attend the meeting. What provoked the party was an article written by Prof. Vijayan, just before the Malappuram Conference, in Mathrubhoomi under the title, 'Aravum kathiyum,' pointing to the unhealthy tendencies within the party. Pinarayi Vijayan, the party secretary, came down heavily on his own guru. Being disgruntled with these developments, Prof.Vijayan resigned from Deshabhimani. After his resignation, CPM intellectuals started a spate of criticism and vituperative campaign against Vijayan. Some of the partymen even portrayed him as belonging to the anti-Communist camp without any substantial evidence. A glance at his life and career would reveal his commitment and orientation towards the progressive/left movement in India. Born in the year 1930, Vijayan had his early education in Kodungallore. Later he joined the Maharaja's College, Ernakulam for higher studies. It was there that M.N Vijayan had come to the limelight through the freedom movement. He was a leftwing sympathizer in the Congress party, popularly known as the Socialist group. After independence, he was a part of the progressive movement in Kerala. Vijayan took his MA from the University of Madras. In 1952 he became a teacher in Madras New College. Since his return to Kerala to take up the teaching profession in the Brennen College, Thalassery, he has been a fellow traveller of communism and reoriented his activities. Vijayan has written extensively on art, literature, politics, philosophy and psychology. His oratory is so amazing that he has been able to generate and sustain his audience across broad sections of Kerala society for the last three decades. Though Prof. Vijayan rarely attended public meetings after his resignation from Deshabhimani, he gave several interviews to leading newspapers and magazines wherein he opened up without fear or favour. In an interview, Prof. Vijayan exhorts people to be conscious about their culture and future. Though the cultural consciousness may help us to see future with hope and determination, the consumerist self-selling culture that gains supremacy these days stands in the way of real progress. In response to questions pertaining to CPM's new ventures such as the proposed Amusement park at Kannur, Vijayan said that even the so-called progressive people are still after materialist pleasures and benefits. Here we do not go beyond a level to find a new form of enjoyment. Only a vision of future can lead us to do some creative work for mankind. We forget that values of futuristic vision tend to become a prey to consumerism and its emerging styles. Vijayan does not question the need of technology as such. But the problem lies in how we should select and use it for the betterment of society. Prof. Vijayan says that any organization may degenerate itself into an instrument in the hands of a few. But this should not happen in a left organization. It would not be sufficient to say that there were great people, but we should get inspiration from their thoughts to act with determination. Thoughts have a significant role in any progressive movement. Let us not curb it. Thoughts will certainly change the way of the world. Marx used thoughts as a way to transform society. He always wanted to see dynamic changes in society. Great left intellectuals were not static, but stood for change. But now even those who do not work to change are claiming to be part of that change. Here, change simply connotes adjustments, compromise and even surrender. This is degradation, according to Vijayan. He points out that change under neoliberalism means greater individualism and vulgar depoliticisation. In fact, neoliberalism is seeking to end political influence in society. According to this notion, politics should not have any impact on development. Caste, religion and many other forms of social/cultural identities are pressed into service that tend to prevent politics from being the centre-stage of state and society. This depoliticisation process is well underway across society. Globalization has obviously made changes in our concept of life, food, shelter and clothing. Vijayan says that man becomes more and more individualised and self-fulfilling and does not see other people and their miseries. This attitude has also affected the left movement, particularly the CPM. If the party persists with this trend, it would soon be facing isolation and thrown out from the public mind. Vijayan says that the left party should not be merely an instrument of some groups, but a party with long aims and objectives. All that Prof. Vijayan raised over the several years have gone into oblivion, particularly after the 18th Congress of the CPM. This seems to have strengthened the attacks on Prof.Vijayan from different angles. In the extremely individualized setting of Kerala, intellectuals seem to have become a liability, rather than an asset - thanks to globalization and neoliberal policies, which have made inroads into the broad sections of Kerala society, including the left citadels. How far this crisis would impinge on the mindset of an average man in this most popular, secular/progressive/high literate state of Kerala remains a problematic. (keralamonitor.com) DALA's Dilemma of Groupism and Power Politics DALA Dancing to the tune of Shylocks? alleges splinter group KM DUBAI DUBAI - The twenty five years old cultural wing of Communist Party of India Marxist, DALA is witnessing an exodus of members who are not happy with the current leadership. Just like their power hungry comrades in Kerala, DALA has been under the control of a coterie of leaders who are reluctant to allow new generation members from taking up any responsible positions in the Association, alleged one splinter group. It was only a year back that a part of DALA formed a parallel organisation. V.A.Latheef, Ramakrishnan Ottappalam, P.Krishnan, Athif Rahman and Ramakrishnan Iringal are the five prominent DALA members who have already tendered their resignation in protest against what they said is a move to make it a private busienss group of individuals with vested interests. "In the last three years alone, abou 40 DALA members have resigned or left the organisation," they said. Obviously the groupism in the parent party back home has its ripple effect in the overseas wings as well. .It has been generally alleged that the CPM affiliate organisations, especially in the Gulf region, are coming under the influence of some influencial NRIs who are close to the Pinarayi Vijayan group. .It is also accused that the RSS and League elements have intruded DALA to hijack its operations ."DALA has been hijacked by a group of people who are more interested in running a chit fund. DALA leaders are more interested in conducting chit funds and auctions, alleged Philiph Mathew, a former office bearer disillusioned with the association work. According to him, DALA membership remains within 150 because the existing leaders don't want to expand membership or add new members. DALA leaders are acting like money lenders and the institutions name is misused for the private gains of leaders, alleged the rival gang. "People from outside have come and enquired about the winner of DALA chit auction. They don't use the organization money, but put their own private funds to lend outside on commercial interest rates," he added. "There are thousands of ordinary people in Dubai and how come the membership is restricted to 150. Are they more interested in running the organization like a blade company? DALA members have also invested money in a pipe factory in Kerala," he revealed. "General Secretary and other members are part of the Palisha Committeee. They wont admit it publicly," alleges the rival group. However, DALA official spokesman refused comment and said: "Those who know DALA will know what we are doing. I have no comments," said Rajan, General Secretary of DALA. According to another DALA member, there is no chit fund scheme run in DALA's name. DALA supporters said they are unaware of the Interest Committee and that these business activities could be done in their individual capacity. Only people from a particular area," owing allegiance to a particular leader of Kerala CPIM are given official positions, added the opposition group. "Decisions are taken in advance by the majority members from the coterie. Fifteen out of 20 positions are taken from those who are close to the "Palisha Committee (Interest Committee)," added Mathew. Is it part of the general decay that has set in the CPM apparatus back home? Some members said DALA is a popular organization of ordinary people who find some time after eight to ten hours hard work to think about art and culture rather than indulge in petty politics. "There could be thousands of people who want to join DALA, because of its left lenience and working class base. Given the situation in the UAE, such a mass organization cannot be managed smoothly," says a DALA member. Membership has been restricted to prevent infiltration of the organization by people with vested interest and the official positions are assigned to real hard working people who have a commitment for DALA principles and activities. "There have been attempts to weaken DALA because it has always been swimming against the tide to keep alive the art and cultural field of UAE," says K M Abbas, a member and earlier head of the Literary Committee. "There is no other association in Dubai in which people from all walks of life can go and work. KMCC for instance is an association exclusively for a particular community. So are some other communal associations," Abbas added. "So I will not support any efforts to weaken the association, which stands for the common folk against communalism and other negative developments," he said.Dominance of the organization by members from some part of the state is natural because the organization has been formed and developed by people from those areas. "DALA is headed by some members who have grown from grass root level. I don't think any of them will work against the organisation's interest," said DALA supporters. Others said the organisation members are addicted to Parliamentary and electoral politics and the root cause of the problem lies in personal egoes and clashes. While there are many people who wish to see its demise, there are thousands of people who are keen to see DALA continue its activities without being hijacked by any vested groups or business interests. More about DALA Finally Pinaray Opens his Mouth about Kovalam Hotel, several months after Sitharam Yechuri demanded CBI probe into Centaur Hotel Deal Thiruvananthapuram - Meanwhile Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPIM State Secretary has made a "public statement" demanding an impartial inquiry into the Ashoka Hotel deal. Breaking a studied silence maintained by the pro-NRI Business faction of the CPM, Pinarayi has said that the former BJP Government and the UDF government are jointly responsible for the privatisation of Ashoka hotel at throw away price. It may be recalled that the CPI M wing headed by Pinarayi has been silent about the issue and one of the comrades Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was in a secret mission to Muscat, Galfar headquarters, for unknown reasons. The Kovalam issue came to public limelight only because of the keen interest shown by V.S.Achuthananthan, the firebrand opposition leader. The two groups had a dispute when the CPM maintained silence and even encouraged NRI businessman Abdul Wahab who got elected to Rajya Sabha. Despite being an NRI without voting right, Wahab was elected to the Rajaya Sabha. The CPM leadership maintained silence because of obvious reasons. Achuthananthan had opposed the Pinarayi group's attending the official falicitation programmes for Abdul Wahab. Similarly Pinarayi Vijayan has been preventing action against another CPI(M) Comrade in Muscat who has been acting as an agent of the Galfar group. Even though many complaints have been sent to the CPM higher ups linking the group with the CPIM Comrades, it was Pinaray who prevented action against him. Many members of the ISC Kerala Wing, a Muscat associate of the CPM, had questioned a decision to adorn Dr.P.Mohammed Ali with a ponnada. More News BOOM IN AIR TRAVEL Maushumi Chakraborty* Civil aviation in India today is a major contributor to the national economy. Apart from providing speedy and cost-effective connectivity in a large country like ours, the aviation sector has also greatly facilitated the development of domestic and international tourism, business, commerce and trade. Air India and Indian Airlines are recognised as the symbols of national pride. Now India has five more scheduled carriers - Alliance Air, Jet Airways, Sahara Airlines, Deccan Aviation and Blue Dart Aviation. Five more airline companies - Royal Airways, Inter Globe Aviation, Indus Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Go Airlines have got their “No Objection Certificate” to operate scheduled air transport services. These companies are likely to begin their air transport services soon after getting the Operating permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.On the domestic and international fronts - air traffic and cargo has seen a significant increase between April 2004 and January 2005. Overall aircraft movements both domestic and internationaly have recorded a marked growth. Connectivity Enhanced air connectivity is the key to growth. A revised Air Services Agreement between India and USA was signed on April 14, 2005 replacing the earlier Agreement of 1956. The revised Agreement grants unlimited access to the designated airlines to any point of call in the territory of the other country as against four airports under the earlier Agreement. The revised Agreement not only removes all restrictions but also provides for greater operational flexibility. The decade-long deadlock in air connectivity between India and UK has also been overcome. Entitlements on India-UK sector will go up to 56 services per week on the Delhi/Mumbai - London Heathrow route by the winter of 2006. From the beginning of winter 2005 the designated airlines of India can operate without any capacity limit between India and UK except Delhi/Heathrow and Mumbai/Heathrow routes. The designated airlines of UK can also operate on all other routes to India except Heathrow/Delhi and Heathrow/Mumbai subject to a total capacity limit of 7-services per week to/from each airport in India, except Bangalore and Chennai where the total capacity limit will be increased to 14 services per week each from the beginning of summer, 2006. During the last few months, entitlements for operations of air services have seen a significant increase on India-France, India-China, India-Mauritius, India-Australia and India-Iran routes. The focus has been to provide sufficient capacity for direct connectivity rather than travel through third country carriers. Non-availability of seats to and from India during the peak winter season has been one of the major constraints faced by passengers. In order to ensure sufficient availability of seats, a limited open sky policy was adopted by the Government from November 2004 to March 2005. Under this the designated airlines could operate additional services to and from India subject to the existing terms of commercial agreement with Air India/Indian Airlines. A number of airlines responded to the offer and requested for operation of over 2400 additional flights (equivalent to over 5 lakh seats) to different airports in the country during this five-month period. This has ensured greater connectivity to and from India. Passengers have been assured of seats during the peak season rush. This has also given a big boost to tourism in the country. In pursuance of the policy framework to permit the designated airlines of all countries having Air Services Agreements with India to operate 7 flights per week each to any two international airports in India, the designated airlines of Austria, Finland, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Armenia, Yemen and many more countries have been offered additional capacity, as requested by the respective Governments, subject to reciprocal rights to the Indian carriers. Indian scheduled carriers with 5 years of domestic operations and a minimum fleet of 20 aircraft have been allowed to operate on all international routes except the Gulf countries, which has been kept reserved for Air India and Indian Airlines for a period of 3 years. Jet Airways and Air Sahara have been permitted to operate to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia and Singapore. Besides Jet Airways has also been permitted to begin to Belgium and USA. Budget Carrier In what will be a boon for expatriate Indians working in the Gulf region and South-East Asia, Air India has started “Air India Express”, a new budget carrier under the banner of Air India Charters Limited (AICL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India. This carrier has been permitted to operate flights to South East Asia and the Gulf (excluding Saudi Arabia) at substantially reduced fares effective from the summer of 2005. The first successful flight took place on April 29, 2005. Initiatives With the start of the summer 2005 schedule. Air-India has enhanced opeartions to a number of more destinations across the world. It is also starting flights that will connect places like Delhi and Amritsar with Birmingham and Toronto; Kolkata and Delhi with Dhaka and London; Mumbai with Hong Kong and Bangkok; Mumbai and Delhi with Seoul and Hong Kong; Mumbai and Mauritius and so on.In compliance of the announcement made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at Guwahati, Indian Airlines introduced a biweekly Guwahati – Bangkok flight from January 1, 2005.The Indian civil aviation sector is undergoing a sea change for the better. Air travel is no more reserved for the select few. The common man can now easily fulfill his dream to fly places. VISITOR NUMBERS AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET JUMP 12 PER CENT ON DAY ONE STRONG SHOWING FROM INTERNATIONAL BUYERS DUBAI-: 4 May 2005 Arabian Travel Market 2005, the region’s premier travel and tourism show, broke records on day one with visitor numbers up by 12 per cent. Global interest in the event, which runs until Friday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, posted an impressive increase. The number of International buyers flying into Dubai was up by four per cent on last year, and there was a massive rise of 22 per cent in GCC visitors. Tom Nutley, Chairman, of Arabian Travel Market organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), said: “The strong first day figures reflect the growth in the market and the key role this show serves for both inbound and outbound tourism. “We have already had visitors from 73 countries, who have invested a lot of time and money attending, demonstrating the strength of global interest in the show” The show’s specialist MICE hosted buyer’s sessions saw hundreds of exhibitors doing business with the 60 international and 10 regional companies at the evening event. Chris Chackal, Group Exhibition Director, RTE, added: “These early numbers represent unprecedented growth by any standards and visitors are extremely impressed with the scale of this year’s event and the fresh business opportunities it offers. “Visitors are very focused, know who they want to see, and yesterday they were getting in first thing in the morning and doing a full day’s business with the exhibitors they are targeting.” Meanwhile, Indian tourism looks set for a major boost from the event with exhibitors predicting they will do at least 15 per cent more business than last year. Prakash Jajoria, Regional Director (West Asia & Africa) of the Indian tourism authority, Incredible India, a regular exhibitor, said: “This year’s show is fantastic and business has been extremely brisk. “The Indian pavilion has seen more first day buyers than ever before and we expect business to be up by at least 15 per cent on last year. “The show is much bigger and I am confident it’s going to be a massive success.” Luxury India Holidays, making its first visit to the show at the pavilion has already decided to book its own stand for next year. Managing Director of the up market tour organiser, Monisha Makhija, said: “We were told this was a good place to do business and so far I am extremely impressed. “Our top of the range offering is generating a lot of Middle East interest already.” The size of this year’s event has also impressed E K Bharat Bhushan, Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism. He said: “The show is beautifully laid out and open. We met buyers from every GCC country on the first day and the signs are extremely positive.” And Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation also voted the show a success.Chairman, Neela Gangadharan, said: “We have been to London and Berlin but this is our first time at this show and I think the facilities here are the best. The number of people interested in doing business with us has been tremendous.” J & K Tourism of Kashmir, on its second visit to the show also expects a record year. Senior Manager, Rauf Shah, said: “This year’s show is a real eye opener. This is a great forum for us because people who come here know about India and know what they are looking for.” The show features 1,800 exhibitors, including 106 making their debut, from 64 countries. It covers 38 per cent more floor space than last year’s event. It is open to consumers on Friday from 4pm to 9 pm for just AED 5. All entry fees will be donated to the ‘Just A Drop’ charity to provide fresh water to communities damaged by last year’s Asian tsunami. Arabian Travel Market 2005 is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai Libya National Oil Corporation and Shell agree on major integrated gas deal May 3, 2005 The National Oil Corporation of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (NOC) and Shell Exploration and Production Libya GmbH (“Shell”) have reached a long-term agreement for a major gas exploration and development deal. The agreement covers the rejuvenation and upgrade of the existing LNG Plant at Marsa Al-Brega on the Libyan coast, together with exploration and development of five areas located in the heart of Libya’s major oil and gas producing Sirte Basin. The contract follows the Heads of Agreement signed in March 2004 between NOC and Shell, in which both parties agreed to establish a long-term strategic partnership in the Libyan gas sector. Under the agreement, Shell will rejuvenate and upgrade the Marsa Al-Brega LNG plant at a minimum cost of $105 million, rising possibly to $450 million, which will eventually increase the plant output from 0.7 to some 3.2 million tons per annum. Subject to gas availability, Shell will also undertake jointly with NOC the development of a new LNG facility. The agreement also grants Shell gas exploration rights in five blocks, covering some 20,000 square kilometres at a minimum commitment cost of $187 million. The exploration programme will commence immediately in the allocated blocks with the acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic data in 2005/6 followed by exploration and appraisal drilling. The Marsa Al-Brega LNG plant is operated by the Sirte Oil and Gas Production and Manufacturing Company (SOC), an NOC affiliate, with gas supplied from the Sirte basin. NOC, SOC and Shell will cooperate to detail the scope of work required for the LNG rejuvenation and upgrade project, which will be carried out in phases to suit gas availability.The General People’s Committee of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya has approved this agreement. Shell’s Executive Director for Exploration and Production, Mr Malcolm Brinded, said: “We are delighted to be back in Libya and honoured to work together with NOC to develop a modern LNG industry, and explore for and develop gas in the prolific Sirte Basin. This is another major opportunity to apply Shell’s LNG skills and leadership. I am excited about concluding this major agreement. Libya’s integrated gas industry has enormous potential, based on its large gas resources and favourable geographic location. I look forward to our cooperation and believe that this is the beginning of a new lasting and fruitful partnership with Libya.” An Engineering Student's London Diary by Ramdev Kunnappally Ramdev Kunnapplly,final year mechanical engineering student London south bank university makes an earnest attempt to write about the busy schedule of a working student. An interesting piece about the stress and pain of learning while earnign. There are nearly a lakh Malayali students who tries to find both ends meet. Ramdev is the son of Kunnappally Ramachandran, a famous Malayali journalist.Full Report