K E R A L A M O N I T O R . C O M.
Asianet Scribe Biju Abel Jacob Wins One More Media Award
Sex Racket Stories Boost Popularity of Gulf Round Up
DUBAI -The first Indian news based Television programme from the Gulf "Asianet Gulf Roundup " obtained one more recognition. Biju Abel Jacob, director and anchor of the Gulf Round Up has bagged the maiden media award from the Ajman Malayali Samajam. The Gulf based weekly TV show Gulf Round Up focuses on the Indian expatriate population from Kerala. Abel has earlier bagged prestigious media awards from the Dubai based Chiranthana Samsarika Vedi and Ormma Abu Dhabi.
"The award is given to Abel in recognition of the serious issues highlighted by the programme Gulf Round Up, the first news based Malayalam programme from the Gulf, which crossed 60 episodes. Started in January 2003, the programme single handedly perceived and directed by Biju Abel Jacob has created a major impact in the Gulf and Kerala by highlighting serious labour issues and severe problems facing the working class in labour camps," said Naseem punnayur , President and Rajan Mavelikkara general secretary of Ajman Malayali Samajam. The programme has been popular with viewers for airing the real living condition of ordinary Keralites working in the Gulf. Recently, the programme could initiate a serious discussion about sex rackets in which many Keralite girls are believed to be trapped.
For the first time in the history of visual media in the Gulf, Gulf Round Up Camera of Abel was allowed to shoot directly from the prison and air the miserable situation of ladies trapped by the sex racket. In an unprecedented decision, the prison authorities allowed Abel to interview about 30 young Keralite ladies who were arrested in various raids conducted in illegal brothels. As the story was telecast at a crucial time, awareness about sex trafficking trap is improved. "I believed that some of round up stories about sex racket have created a good awareness in Kerala, where the issue has become a hot topic of discussion now. As I got the award for telecasting the sad story of many poor Malayali girls who were trapped in sex racket in the Gulf, I dedicate this award for their liberation. I hope that the authorities will do the needful to release any other innocent girls who are trapped in such rackets," said Abel who also handles the Gulf News Bureau of Asianet. "Asianet will continue to encourage such innovative news based programmes from all over the Gulf region. Gulf Round Up has been well received by our viewers. Gulf viewers are keen to watch news programmes like Gulf Round Up. We are planning more news based programmes from the Gulf," said N K Sunil, Head of Gulf Operations, Asianet Dubai. Pramad B. Kutty, is the visual editor, and Ramesh Payyannoor and Manisha are narrators of Gulf Round Up.
From the beginning the programme highlighted miserable working and living condition of Keralite workers who live in various labour camps in the Gulf. It was Asianet Gulf News Bureau chief Abel who conceived the very idea of starting such an innovative programme. Gulf Round Up has been telecast without any break for more than one and half year. The young award winner, who hails from Kaladi, Ernakulam, joined Asianet team in the year 2001 as a reporter with the Thiruvananthapuram Bureau. The award will be handed over in a special function to be held in Ajman Al Rahyan Hotel on Friday. More Media Reports
Happening: Poetry Collection by Eminent Psychologist Released
DUBAI - "Happening", A Collection of Poems written by Dubai-based Psychologist Dr. George G. Kaliaden with a Prologue on "Teenager Dynamic and the Poetics of Human Transformation" was officially released here on Friday April 8 by Hon. Consul ( India) K.M. Venugopal by giving the first copy to Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of the Dr.Moopen's Group. The meeting attended by poets, writers, art critics and well-wishers was presided by Mr. Vivekanand, Chief Editor of Gulf Today. The book published by Institute of Professional Psychology (IPP) is a collection of poems written by the psychologist who has been practicing in Dubai since 1994. Dr. Kaliyadan's first book on child psychology - ( ) was well received by parents and children, said the dignitaries who attended the book release function organized by International Malayali Magazine, a monthly for Non Resident Keralites.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Venugopal said that even if he could not read all the poems in the book, it seems to be a good work by Dr. George who he said is "a well known psychologist with an impressive profile." Dr Kaliaden said that the collection is an effort to use poetry in psychiatric treatment. He spoke about the therapeutic function of poetry demonstrating the special uses of words. "Poetry and Psychotherapy share the same spirit and purpose: the power of the word to change and transform individuals and groups." He read out the first poem "Eschatos" to a captive audience. Happening is a collection of poems that the author wrote in the past.
Presiding over the meeting, Vivekanandan said: " I have come across many professional doctors and engineers who have excelled in art, writing and painting. Dr. George is one such person with multifaceted talents." Mrs. Pratibha Umashankar, Journalist Young Times and Mr. .. Shastry of the British Embassy also spoke on the occasion. All the dignitaries appreciated the poetic style and inspiring themes presented in the collection. Quoting from poems "Wheels Aligned" and "Be Here Now" Mrs Pratibha emphasized how the poems could be cathartic and bring about healing energy in the readers. Mr. Shastry reviewed two poems: "Tabula Rasa" and "Your Smile Tells it All" andpointed out the simplicity in the language and style. The International Edition of the book priced $7. 00 is published by the Institute of Professional Psychology ( IPP Publications, Kakanad Kochi) and is distributed through Book Gallery outlets of Jashanmal in the UAE).
Dr. Joshi in International Who's Who USA 2005 More
Romantic Murders on the Rise in Dubai?
In Dubai it is a season of romantic murders? A 28-year-old Filipina was stabbed to death on Tuesday by a male colleague who claimed to be in love with her. A Syrian who worked in the same hotel stabbed a girl, after she refused his romantic gestures. The Syrian has been reportedly a new employee of the star hotel where the girl also worked. The other story of a Russian girl killing her boyfriend was reported because she refused to have sex with him. The boyfriends fault was that he tried to impose himself at the wrong time..when the Russian beauty was upset after a quarrel..
E.M Ashraf Returns to Kairali TV Gulf Regional Office
Dubai: Mr. E.M. Ashraf is taken charge as Middle East Administrator cum Associate Editor of Kairali TV. A seasoned journalist, he had worked as Special Correspondent in Gulf for Kairali TV. He will work from Gulf regional office situated in Dubai. He has published 8 books. Biography of Vaikkam Muhammed Basheer written by him achieved Parappuram Award. He achieved State Film Critic Award for Best film based article on Malayala Cinema, Film Critic Award and Central Govt. Fellowship. He was the member of Doordarsan Advisory Board and Chief Minister's press advisory committee. K.M.Abbas will continue as News coordinator of Gulf Region.
One More Victim of Sex Traffick from Kerala is Made Blind with Injections...
One more Keralite woman has been victimised by the Malabari sex mafia by injecting special medicines with the help of a Malayali doctor that cost her eye sight. The thirty two years old lady from Thiruvananthapuram was brought to work in Dubai as a baby sitter and one Jaleel from Kalicut who lived with her for a few months reportedly sold her to the sex racket. The thin lady was promised a healthy body and the culprits forced her to eat sixy tablets. As a side effect, she started developing health problems. The lady was taken to the Burj Murar clinics in Diera where the doctor injected a special medicine on her eyelids. Ultimately the lady ended up as totally blind. One lady left her near the Emigration jail where she is living a miserable life there. Mother of two daughters, she says her husband has been informed of the trap and her only desire is to go back home..She is convinced that her lost eye sight will never be returned. This is yet another victim of the growing sex trafficking gangs that operate from Kerala and Gulf countries. It may be recalled that a few months back another Keralite lady from Kottayam was send back to Kerala after she was paralysed due to physical abuse by sex gang. These ladies are forced to work in prostitution rings and those who oppose the forced prostitution are properly handled. Apparently these cases end with the victim being deported to India. It is hightime the UAE authorities controlled such mafia type gangs who target innocent girls from Kerala. Many of the Kerala politicians and businessmen, including the so called radical ones have links with the sex mafia....Prostitution rackets use goons to silence ladies and girls who are trapped. In order to continue business even during the mensus period, they are giving special medicines...which create health complications...Watch this space.
First Malayalam Satellite Radio to Start Broadcasting from Thursday
DUBAI - RM Malayalam Satellite Radio, the first Malayalam satellite radio from Asianet, the leading media group will start broadcasting from tomorrow. Initially RM radio programmes, made from the Dubai Media City Office, will be available in all the Asian countries, announced Dr.Rejimenon, Chairman Asianet. Full Report
Earlier Stories - Sex Racket in Dubai Special Report
Sex Racket Victim from Kottayam in Coma for three months
Young Nurse from a place near Kiliroor was physically assaulted, forced into prostitution racket DUBAI -November 1, 2004 Even as the victim of Thiruvarppu sex scandal victim is struggling for life in Kerala, another young lady from Kottayam, who was send to the Gulf to work as a nurse by the sex racketeers is struggling for life at a Dubai hospital. KM learns that a 26 years old widow, a Muslim woman, who was send to Dubai to work as a "nurse" ended up in the hands of the Gulf sex mafia which has close links to the Kiliroor sex scandal and the Kozhikkodu Ice Cream Parlour case. Due to severe physical assault and forced prostitution, the young lady has been lying in a state of coma for the last three months. It is understood that the sex racket has dumped her in a hospital, claiming that she sustained serious injuries in an accident. More
Indian Media Flourishing, Indian Media Forum Perishing?
Even though the Indian media in the Gulf, especially Malayalam newspapers and channels, are mushrooming day by day, the Indian Media Forum, the representative body of the Indian journalists in the region seems to become a passive organisation. The number of Indian journalists, read Malayali journalists is increasing. A number of forum members including its General Secretary Ahmed Sharief have assumed new assignments. Members are anxious to know the fate of the only informal assocaition that was intended to shield journalists from various pressures. P.Vivekanandan, the main force behind the forum activities seems to be too busy in his professional role as editor of Gulf Today. According to Sherief, the General Secretary of IMF, the forum activities have declined because there is no one to do the leg work. After he has assumed the coveted editor in chief position of Chandira Middle East, the general secretary has been busy launching the Middle East edition of Chandrika from Dubai. Many members are keen to see an active media forum, but no one is sure whether it will happen in the near future." After the high profile media get together organised a few months back, the forum has been almost inactive. There are no activities worth mentioning. It is surprising that when the number of Malayalam newspapers and newschannels from Dubai is increasing, the media forum is shying away from its initial enthusiasm. "It is not that we are inactive. Our main activity was organising press conferences and without approval from the Ministry it is not possible to be more active," says Sharief. Is it just a temporary lull before the storm? Deputy General Secretary K M Abbas says that after the General Secretary assumed the Chandrika editor's position there is no activity in the forum. "Some activities were taking place, but many activities including efforts to get affiliation from the Kerala Union of Working Journalists or the UAE Ministry of Information did not succeed. We may hold a meeting to revive the forum," said Abbas. Watch this space. Earlier Reports on IMF
KM Editor writes Column in Gulf Madhyamam, Seven Days English
Omans Information Ministry Undergoes Revamp as Said Bin Khalfan Al Harty Relieved from OEPNPA Chairmanship
MUSCAT - Omans Ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said who faced a major political opposition from an alleged covert operation issued two Royal Decrees which introduced drastic changes in the functioning of the Ministry of Information. According to the official news agency, Oman News Agency, Royal Decree No. 14/2005 enforces a job amendment at Oman Establishment for Press, News, Publication and Advertising (OEPNPA). "Article One of the decree transfers Said bin Khalfan al Harthy from OEPNPA to the Ministry of Information and appoints him as information affairs advisor with his current grade. Article two - appoints Abdullah bin Nassir bin Musallam al Rahbi, as OEPNPA Board Chairman with an undersecretary grade. The decree comes into force from its date of issue. Royal Decree No. 15/2005 appoints Abdullah bin Saleh bin Saif al Yaroubi as member in the State Council. The decree takes effect from its date of issue," it said. Said Al Harthy has been heading the Establishment which publishes the Oman Daily Observer English daily and Oman, the Arabic newspaper. Oman News Agency, the national news agency, is also under the Establishment. Apparently more crucial changes are expected.
Oman Government Bans English Malayalam Newspapers for Reporting Crackdown on Anti Government Political Move
Various English newspapers including Gulf News and Khaleej Times which reported about a crackdown on a political group of 100 people or more were not circulated in the Sultanate of Oman. Gulf News which reported the alleged move to subotage the Muscat Festival was not circulated and other leading vernacular newspapers -Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoomi and Gulf Madhyamam were not circulated. It is reported that between 100 to 600 political rebels from Oman's Nisza area were arrested for plotting to disurpt Muscat Festival, an extravaganza to boost shopping and tourism promotion. Some of the intellectuals from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) are believed to be the brain behind the subotaged subotage attempt. According to Omanforum.com, a leading internet discussion forum used by the English speaking sections of Omani society, about 600 dissidents were arrested. Gulf News reported the story quoting AFP. Now the papers are back in circulation..Watch this space. .
KM Exclusive: Bikram Vohra Triggers Massive Quake in the Newspaper Industry
Two More English Afternoon Papers Planned for Dubai Readers?
DUBAI - As the Emirates Evening Post, the first afternoon paper from the Middle East region, edited by the veteran Indian journalist Bikram Vohra is started a fortnight ago, two leading English dailies from the region have started preliminery steps to launch their own evening newspapers. Dubai is known for its media freedom and the plethora of publications from different publishing groups. However, the first afternoon paper has virtually hit the newsstand with a big bang. Despite the small beginning, the newspaper industry is literally shaken by the first evening paper which claims to proved news 12 hours ahead of the Rest. Bikram Vohra, a well known journalist in the Indian and Middle East media circles, and his team of journalists are optimistic about the paper launched in a market where a third English newspaper is yet to break even. "Two more evening dailies would come from Dubai soon as the leading newspapers have started feeling the pinch. The situation was more evident during the Tsunami crisis when the Evening Post virtually created a "Massive Earthquake" in the industry by attracting the English speaking Asian expatriate readers. It is said that the group got the first and last license to start an eveninger, but going by the UAE government's liberal approach, it will not be surprising to see more evening papers are launched. One paper has already started recruitment process and poaching is on to rope in efficient journalists... Vohra is not new to Gulf journalism. He has the unique advantage of having edited both the leading English newspapers from Dubai. Khasim Mohammed, the chairman of Emirates Post, had been heading a leading English daily for a long period. Reading Between the Lines, there is every chance that the established newspaper houses are all set to regain their slipping monopoly position in the English news market. Will they be able to take on the Post? --Watch this space.
Malayalis Labour Supply Company Sends Venkatesh's Dead Body with Rs.50,000!!!
Workers' TV Channel relocates journalist who reported Dubai Workers Suicide Story!
DUBAI - Venkatesh, the Tamilian Worker who hanged himself in the labour camp of Keith International owned by Bernard Raj, a prominent Non Resident Keralite and a close associate of Kairali Channel's Dubai operations has been given just Indian Rs.50,000. Despite media reports about the worker who committed suicide as the Malayali company refused to give him Dhs.50 to buy medicines. His family is indebted to the tune of Rs.90,000 due to the money raised to buy him a visa. "While the poor workers who are not getting their regular salary have raised about Rs.1 lakh to help the poor family, but the company has just given Rs.50,000," said one worker. The other employees who are not willing to work for the company are being harassed by the management by trying to pack the people who are in the forefront of protests. "Sixty people are not working now and the company has plans to send back only four workers in a month. We are already living without work and food as the company officials interfere with the hotels which give food on credit," said one worker. "Once they send back the workers who can speak in front of the managers, others will be silenced. We have to live in this inhuman conditions for several months before getting a chance to return home," added workers. Media which reported the case are silent and the situation facing Keith International workers is ..back to square one.
Meanwhile, the company owner who represented Kairali channel for sometimes in Dubai has used his influence to chuck one reporter from the Kairali channel for reporting the story. Kairali is a channel developed with the fund raised from ordinary workers and NRKs. One of the channel directors who has allegedly developed an unholy nexus with the group is keen that K.M.Abbas, the Kairali channel reporter is removed form the post. Paradoxically enough, a Kairali TV marketing officer was instrumental in killing the story from many newspapers and TV channels in Dubai. It is surprising that even though Kairali Channel claims that it represents the ordinary workers some of its directors have undefined nexus with some prominent NRKs who earn money through improper channels. "The decision to change my position as the head of Middle East News Division of Kairali Channel was taken one and half months back. It has nothing to do with my story on Keith Internaional ," said K.M.Abbas, Kairali Representative, when contacted by KM. According to him, the move to change the bureau is part of the Kairali channel policy to strengthen the Middle East News division. It is learned that Kairali is starting a news channel targeting the NRK community. However, KM investigation reveals that a director of Kairali channel, specialised in the legal profession, has tried to "influence" the Dubai News Desk to kill the story on Venkatesh's suicide case. This was obviously due to the yet- to- be-defined relationship between the company owner and one of the channel directors heading the marketing division. The director from a leading Bar Council wanted the Dubai News Bureaua not to telecast that sensational news, which was carried by all leading English dailies from Dubai. The director used a marketing manager of the channel based in Abu Dhabi to stop the story from being telecast not only in Kairali , but in other channels/newspaper as well. The marketing manager, close to the director, was frantically calling up newspaper offices and journalists, requesting them not to publish the story. Even KM editor who was the first jouurnalist to reach the spot for doing a story for the Khaleej Times and Kerala Monitor was approached through the Bureau Chief of a a leading Gulf based Malayalam Newspaper to kill the story. After the channel telecast the first story without mentioning the company name or the owner, subsequent follow up stories were killed and the journalist who dared to report the story is being given a shock treatment. It is learned from the labour camp that Kairali journalists did shoot the follow up story but it has never been telecast. E.M.Ashraf, the former Dubai representative of the channel is likely to stage a come back and work in coordination with Abbas. Deshabhimani, one of the leading Malayalam dailies, is also planning a Dubai edition. Some of the channel directors are upset about the anti-working class approach of some directors. It was earlier alleged that a faction of CPIM with close links to illicit business in the Gulf has hijacked the channel operations.
About an year back, KM Reported about such a case from Muscat when the channel representative distorted a labour related story about the then Indian Ambassador in Oman Talmiz Ahmed who was denying workers protesting in front of the embassy even a drop of water. At that time the channel representative gave a misleading news item, terming Keralamonitor.com as a communal portal in order to take revenge upon the portal for reporting about the biased story. Even though an explanation was sought from the channel director John Brittas in writing, he remained silent. "They (Workers) are agitated about various news reports in the visual and print media, which glorified the Indian Ambassador and Embassy officials. We were shocked to hear a Kairali channel report on February 21, 2004 that the Indian Embassy officials managed to solve all the problems facing 55 stranded workers and that they would be send back soon. However, the reality is that the embassy officials are not allowingus even to take a bottle of drinking water from the embassy premises," workers told KM , in reference to the news item from Muscat Bureau. February 28, 2004. Keralamonitor.com..As people with vested interests have usurpted the workers channel, KM reproduces below the story that was the basis of labelling a "Communal" tag to Keralamonitor.com For our readers sake the story links are given below. Kairali Channel Joins Hate Campaign Against Kerala Monitor
Indian Ambassador prevents Social organizations from giving food and water to stranded Indian Workers.
Workers Cant Drink Embassy Water ; Have to leave with just a ticket: Kairali Channel Workers Channel hails the Ambassador for Sending Workers Home Empty Handed
MUSCAT - The fate of 55 Indian workers who are stranded in front of the Indian Embassy building here continues to remain bleak, as the embassy officials have failed to get any of their problems resolved. According to the workers, instead of lending a helping hand to the poor workers who are facing a grave situation in foreign country, the senior Indian embassy officials including the high profile Indian ambassador Talmiz Ahmed are allegedly acting in an inhuman and barbarian manner by preventing them from taking even a drop of drinking water from the embassy premises and not allowing social organizations to giving food, water or other support to them. More from Muscat
Keith International Workers Continue to Abstain From Work
Attempt to Intimidate workers in Police Custody fails, Malayalam Media in Silent Mode about Workers Problems
DUBAI -December 11, 2004 Despite some intimidation tactics and sweet offers to settle the payment problem, workers of Keith International continued to abstain from work. The company officials have been busy engaged in damage control exercise by advising workers to desist from strike and withdraw complaints lodged with the labour department. "The company's senior Arab official came with a bag full of currency notes and advised the workers to withdraw the complaint lodged with the labour department. However, workers have expressed their disappointed with the cool approach of the Indian Consulate officials, the "N" number of Indian social clubs and associations and part of the Malayalam visual and print media. KM could not contact the company officials. Full Report
Asianet Gulf Round Up Airs Exclusive Story on Gulf Sex Racket
Kairali Channel Scores over Asianet in telecasting Worker's Suicide Story
DUBAI - Nothwithstanding strong pressure from various corners that prevent some journalists from reporting seriious issues, Biju Abel Jacob, anchor of the popular Asianet Gulf Round Up Programme has filed an exclusive report about the pathetic situation facing Keralite women who are trapped in the multicrore sex racket in the Gulf region. The report which was telecasted in the Gulf Round Up Programme of December 19 2004 gave detailed account of various sex racket victims, some trapped by their own husbands and relatives. Giving deatiled interviews of Muslim women dressed in their traditional Parudah, Gulf Roundup Camera revealed the untold story of these helpless women and their children , who are stamped as bastards by our society. While KM sticks to its earlier reports that many forces have been at work to prevent sex racket stories from being published, the bold manner in which the new sex racket story was telecast by the channel warrants an applause - if it is not part of a clean up campaign to whitewash other sex rackets that rocked Kerala. K.P.Mohan, editor, Asianet channel was the first to congratulate Biju for doing the exclusive story. (Gulf Round Up Special)
Similarly, the Gulf Round UP has also aired the tragic case of Indian labourers who committed suicide in various labour camps. While KM can proudly claim that it was our reporters who reached the suicide spots and boldly reported them without any fear or favour, other media organisations, except the Kairali Channel (News Section) and Gulf Madhyamam did not follow up the story. While Gulf Madhyamam gave detailed report about the suicide episodes without mentioning the company name or its Malayali owner, Arabia edited by Sharly Benjamin was the only other Malayalam media which published the story in some detail. Gulf News and Khaleej Times reported the story without any cover up attempts. Even though Asianet and other channels were reluctant to report the story when the suicide actually happened, it was Kairali channel reporter K.M.Abbas who boldly gave the report. Asianet came with the suicide story after the issue is out of media focus, but Abbas deserves a pat on his back for airing the story prominently. Even though Keith International owner Bernard Raju has been associated with the channel and is the self proclaimed representative of Kairali channel, Kairali was the first to telecast the suicide story. However, follow up stories were missing and even the Gulf Diary of Albert Alex somehow did not find a slot for the suicide story.. Jeevan TV and India Vision are silent but the notable case is that of Deepika International, a newspaper which started publishing from Dubai recently. It is a matter of serious concern that some media organizations and journalists have judged the situation going by narrow religious identity of the company owner... The dilemma facing journalists is whether to be loyal to the profession or to be subservient to vested interests and religious and cultural affinity. Leading Malayalam newspapers with full fledged bureaus and offices in Dubai had to print suicide stories filed by a news agency quoting Gulf News and Khaleej Times. It is easy for journalists to escape from professional responsibility by showing the bogey of media censorship in the Gulf region,but for those want to report such stories there is no official restrictions. In this case the only problem was a few rich and influential Malayalis who silenced the press..Freedom of press is at stake because abkaris and shylocks are trying their luck in media business too..(KM)
Ummal Quain Malayalam Radio tunes to Taglog
IMF Reiterates Commitment to Self Protection and Integrity of Journalists
DUBAI - Dhadukum hall of Grand Hotel in Al Qesis here witnessed the first historic meeting of Indian Media Forum (IMF), a one-year old informal association of Indian journalists working in the UAE. Even though this IMF meet did no match the pomp and luxury of the International Monetary Fund meet held at the Dubai World Trade Center last year, the unique gathering of nearly 100 journalists - news readers, photographers, reporters, bureau chiefs, artists, singers and even editor in chiefs representing various media organizations was a unique experience..Full Report -
American Guardsman killed Iraqi after sex - George Family Leaves Muscat Airport as Sex Trafficking Continues to Threaten Innocent Kerala Girls
Are Journalists Mere Intellectual Slaves of Media Barons?
Dubai: Long working hours and lack of job safety are only some of the serious problems haunting many scribes here. While a leading channel is known to have delayed salary to its representative for several months, another channel gives its stringers a salary less than the monthly earning of a housemaid!!!. Even though the Gulf wing of the Malayalam media has been growing, there is no major improvement in the living and working conditions of journalists and non-journalist staff. Some of the media organizations are virtually squeezing their workers by giving peanut salary and forcing them to work long hours.Despite the glamour and status associated with the profession, actual living standard is like many other ordinary folks. Channels, which make a major chunk of their income from the Gulf region, don't give decent remuneration to even the editorial staff. .Full Report and More Media reports
KM Special
I just want to go on working all through my life, says Upendran Nair
by R S Priya
Thiruvananthapuram: Sixty seven years old Upendran Nair is an untiring man, who has worked all his life, without availing a single leave in his long period of dedicated service to the state government and wishes to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. The sincere government servant, who worked as a driver, chauffer and peon continues to work for the government. Energetic and always pleasant-faced, he had succeeded in creating a good rapport with government officials and ministers that he retirement has been postponed two times.
A holiday, bandh, or hartal, for which the state is notorious will not prevent him from attending his official duty. Even if it is a relative's marriage, funeral or any family function, Upendran would reach the Secretariat on time and do his duty. He wouldn't leave his duty for any reason - for him duty always comes first. Any one who intends to meet him is sure that he will be in office. "Even for my only daughter's marriage, I didn't take leave. However I made sure that all arrangements for the marriage were in place. My family is really supportive and without them it wouldn't have been quite possible." he says. His family comprises of wife R.Thangachi. two children Thara and Ramdas. Thara is already married and Ramdas is a student in Mar Ivanios College.
What is the secret behind his obsession with work? He too doesn't know the answer. When he was young, he had a passion for exercising, bodybuilding, weightlifting and gymnasium. He was inspired by his father Parameshwaran Nair who was working in the Kerala police. Winner of prestigious titles like Mr.Trivandrum, he was a weight lifting champion in 1957 and won the title of Keralasree in 1958. "Even at this age, I love lifting weights and exercising though my wife would ask me not to do strenuous work in this age," he says Ever since he was 8 years old, he was never disturbed by any serious diseases, warranting a sick leave.. He didn't have to take leave due to any accidents. Although he had a minor accident, in which he sustained minor injuries he reached office after going to the hospital. "
"Work is a passion and forms an exercise for me. I just wanted to work and still want to continue working for the coming years because I love being active. Daily exercise and good food helped me in maintaining my health. I have never taken any medicine so far and the biggest disease that infected me is common cold," says Upendran. He loves drinking milk and non-vegetarian food like mutton. But the weak financial position will not allow him to go for it. He is also a teetotaler and non smoker.
Another passion of Upendra is driving. 'At a very young age, I learnt driving and drove without a license. Once police caught me, but knowing that I am the son of a policeman, they let me go with a warning ". "My father, who was in the police department was ordered by a senior official to physically torture a person to extract a confession. My father did not approve of it and resigned hi job. He didn't want me to join police", he added.
Soon after completing intermediate senior level from M.G.College, Thiruvanathapuram, Upendran started working in a temporary post as driver under the Directorate of Tourism in 1967 with a salary of Rs. 4 per month! In 1977, he got appointment through Public Service Commission with a salary of Rs.12.50. Ever since joining the government department, he has not taken a single leave. When he was about to retire in 1993, his addiction to work was the talk of town. Day or night, he is willing to carry files within the secretariat and in minister's offices.
Upendran and family.. KM Photo
He is only happy to do whatever job is given to him, something appreciated by all officials and ministers, who wanted him to retain in service. "As reward for his long service and dedication to work, his service was extended for five more years from his retirement age during the period of K.Karunakaran. His daughter's marriage was in the same year and he didn't have to take leave, as it was a state holiday following Muharam. A.K.Anthony, the former Chief Minister was greatly impressed by Upendran's dedication to his work and his service period was further extended. He is right now working under food and civil supplies minister Adoor Prakash.
Irrespective of the party governing the state, Upendran was always retained addicted to service. He served the state government under former Chief Minister Achyutha Menon and other ministers like T.K.Divakaran, Vakkom Purushothaman, Vella Eacharan, Baby John, and K.G.Adiyodi. He has never been member of any union in the secretariat and does not support any particular party. "I don't have political interests. Whichever party comes to power, I just want to continue to work and that is the only thing that I am interested in," he reveals. However, there was strong objection from the drivers union, when his name was to be sent to the Guinness book of world records.
He hasn't got pension or other benefits for his extended service. Despite financial problems, Upendran he is able to manage day to day life. His only wish is to enter the Guinness book of world records. Though it is known to everyone in the secretariat that he had been under service for all these years, there is no evidence of his long service. "Old attendance registers have been destroyed. There is no evidence to prove that I have served without taking a single leave. But still, I wish to make it into the Guinness book of world records one day", he says. - Keralamonitor.com
Shree Vidyadhiraja School Imparting cultural values for three Decades
Thiruvananthapuram - ShreeVidyadhiraja Sabha with around 27 institutions under its fold has been progressing into the future imparting cultural values to the younger generation through its wide network of schools and colleges. ShreeVidyadhiraja School (SVS), Vellayambalam in Thiruvananthapuram was the first school started under the ShreeVidyadhiraja Sabha in 1975 with less than 10 students. Now around 6000 students study in SVS schools. There are three branches situated separately- the Nursery wing, the Upper Primary Wing and the Lower Primary Wing all having principals and heads. Every year the Sabha conducts a festival, popular as the ShreeVidyadhiraja Festival, at Theerthapadamandapam, which also belongs to the SV Sabha. This festival is a venue for the talented students of 22 schools under SVS to give cultural performances in traditional dance, music and literary fields. Full report
Kovalam Palace to be returned to M Far Hotels: High Court
State government to pay cost of litigation
Thiruvananthapuram April 8: High Court on Friday ordered the return of Kovalam Palace and the land adjoining the palace to be returned to the M Far hotels group. A division bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice K.S.Radhakrishnan and Justice Siri Jagan stated that the Kovalam Palace had been legally possessed by M Far Hotels Ltd, Kochi who is the owner of Ashoka Beach resorts, Kovalam. Following an executive the order of the government on September 25, 2004, the Thiruvanathapuram District Collector had taken possession of the property. High Court stated that the government could take possession of the land only through law and not through an executive order. The High Court also directed the government to pay Rs.10, 000 to the M Far Hotels and Kovalam Hotels as cost of litigation. The Kovalam Palace came into the possession of the M Far Hotels following a global tender in which they gave the highest bid and thus came to take possession of the Kovalam Palace. The High Court also stated that, the government can move legally in the direction, to take possession of the property. -Keralamonitor.com
ICDL program gets further boost with UAE Air Force Air Defence officers completing the certification
09 April, 2005 - The UAE Air Force Air Defence (AFAD) recently held a graduation ceremony for the officers who successfully completed their International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) training and examinations and received their official ICDL certificates. This follows the collaboration announced in July
2004, between AFAD and ICDL GCC Foundation to offer ICDL to all personnel. The graduation ceremony was attended by Major General Khalid bin Abdullah Abu Al Ainnain, General Commander of UAE Air Force Air Defence, Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation and UAE Air Force officers, at
the Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.Addressing the graduating officers, Major General Abu Al Ainnain stressed the need for acquiring IT skills for all personnel of AFAD and spoke about the benefits of the ICDL programme, which helps simplify the complexities of IT. “As computers help increase efficiency, accuracy and speed, they have become essential in every field of activity. However, in order to draw optimum benefits from computers, it is necessary to acquire the necessary skills to use computers and the common applications. ICDL is an
internationally recognised standard, designed to give you the stepping stone into the world of knowledge and we are pleased with the number of officers that have acquired the ICDL certification to date. We are confident this will enable them to enhance their performance in their area of work,” said Major General
Abu Ainnain.He also announced the launch of an e-Learning portal that will provide officers and their families with access to a range of online courses. He concluded by congratulating all graduating officers and thanked ICDL GCC Foundation and the Information Technology Department (ITD) Air Force Air Defence for their support in furthering IT literacy within the Air Force institution.“ICDL GCC Foundation is delighted to see the officers of the UAE Air Force Air Defence acquiring their computer skills based on the ICDL syllabus and international standards,” said Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation. “We believe that the ICDL certification will give each officer, the required competence to explore a world of knowledge and to advance their skills in using it not only on the job, but also in their day-to-day personal life.”
“As the country’s premier defence unit, the UAE Air Force Air Defence has shown tremendous foresight by adopting ICDL for its personnel,” added Ezzo. “This demonstrates AFAD’s commitment to enhancing the IT skills of all its employees. This approach will enable the organisation to introduce new technology with a greater degree of success, as the officers would be competent in computer skills.” Following last year’s agreement between AFAD and ICDL GCC Foundation, the ICDL program will be in the near future, required for new recruits and existing personnel of UAE Air Force. The programme is being administered jointly by ICDL GCC Foundation and UAE AFAD in a dedicated state-of-the-art training and testing centre based at the AFAD.
