Report and Photograph by R S Priya

M.Mukundan Given Vayalar Award 2003 for Keshavente Vilapangal

Thiruvananthapuram Oct 27: In a grand ceremony held at the Tagore Centenary Hall here today, popular novelist M.Mukundan was presented with the prestigious Vayalar Award 2003 for his novel 'Kesavante Vilapangal'. The function was attended by prominent literary personalities which included O.N.V.Kurup, Dr.V.Madhusoodanan Nair and M.K.Sanu. In his welcome speech, O.N.V said that M.Mukundan portrayed the life on the banks of 'Mayyazhi puzha' through his novels and his award winning work 'Mayyazhi Puzhayude Theerathu is one such book which spoke of Mayyazhi Puzha.

O.N.V. said that outside India, Indian literature is mainly known as the literature of Vikram Seth, rather than the literature of Uroob or Antharjanam. At one time, Rabindranath Tagore was known as one of the greatest literary personalities in Indian literature. O.N.V criticized the concept of editing in literary works, and referred to it as 'a kind of interpolation'. He said that even with a small award a writer is noted, it is a great thing. Vayalar award, which is given in memory of the great writer Vayalar is one such award which will help to recognize a few writers who are really talented. Such awards help to draw more attention towards many great literary works and writers. The judging committee of the award consisted of Dr.V.Susheela Devi and Dr.Madhusoodanan Nair.

The Vayalar award judgement also consists of an electoral poll, conducted, in which mails were sent to around 240 people, of which around 161 people chose top 5 nominees from among the 130 works for judgement. These 5 nominees and their chosen works again would be sent for further judgement of which top 3 nominees and their works would be chosen. The judging committee consists of around 23 judges. Prof. M.K.Sanu was also wished on the occasion of his birthday today during the function. The function was attended by many prominent personalities like Adoor Gopalakrishnan and M.G.Radhakrishnan. -Keralamonitor.com

Indo-Australian scientific ties to look up

Oct 27: The scientific and technological cooperation between India and Australia to look up, after a gap of five years. This follows talks between the visiting Australian Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr. Brendan Nelson and the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science & Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi alongwith their delegations, over the week-end. Later, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for strengthening collaboration in frontier areas of science. Some of the areas identified include Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials and Agriculture, in which India has rich potential and expertise. Officials from the two sides will meet soon to identify projects for joint collaboration.

Agreeing that resumption of Indo-Australian scientific collaboration is essential not only for mutual benefit but also for the humanity as a whole, the two leaders directed their officials to chalk out the course of action. They felt that the MoU just signed would go a long way in facilitating this. The Australian Minister who visited some of the Indian educational and research institutions said he was very impressed by them and termed them as of high-quality organisations.

Under the MoU the two sides will establish a Joint Committee, which will review and identify programmes of cooperation, select priority areas with high probability for collaborative projects, monitor the progress of ongoing projects as well as decide on funding new projects. The MoU lays more emphasis on funding and both sides will put in place a Funding Mechanism, to support joint developmental, scientific and strategic research projects. Another significant aspect of the MoU is, that it also takes care of intellectual property rights. If necessary they may even conclude appropriate protocols for the protection of IPRs. -Keralamonitor.com

Shri Vikram Verma condoles the death of Colonel Hemu Adhikari

Oct 27: Shri Vikram Verma, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports has condoled the sad demise of Colonel Hemu Adhikari, legendary cricketer on 25th October, 2003. In his message he has said that Shri Adhikari is remembered for his courageous, stylish and dashing performance in the sport of cricket. May God give his family the strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude. -Keralamonitor.com

New varieties of wheat and barley identified for cultivation

Oct 27: Ten wheat varieties and two barley varieties have been identified for cultivation in different zones and agro-climatic conditions of the country. The wheat varieties are VL 832, HPW 155, PBW 502, HD 2824, MACS 6145, Raj 4037, GW 1189 (D), NIDW 295(D), UP 2565 and HD 2833. The barley varieties are RD 2624 and NDB 1173

A survey conducted on various diseases and pests especially on Karnal bunt has shown that the wheat grains in Maharashtra and Karnataka are completely free from Karnal bunt. Also, there are areas in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh where Karnal bunt infestation was not observed. Wheat from these areas can be considered more suitable for export purposes. -Keralamonitor.com