Gulf Air Appoints Rajeev Nambiar as General Manager for India
Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air has appointed Rajeev Nambiar as the new General Manager for India operations based at Mumbai. He moves from Dubai, where he was General Manager for Dubai and Northern Emirates.A consistent achiever and winning performer, Nambiar has risen from the ranks of Gulf Air, having joined it in 1999 as District Sales Manager in Doha, Qatar from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
After a nearly three and a half years stint in Doha, he moved to Nairobi, Kenya on promotion as Area Manager for East and West Africa. In June 2004 he was elevated to the position of General Manager at Gulf Air headquarters in Bahrain, the biggest station of Gulf Air network, before moving to Dubai in January 2005.
A Bahrain-born Indian, Nambiar brings to the position a depth of knowledge and experience that will serve him well in this highly competitive market. "I am delighted to take up the new position in India, which is an important market for Gulf Air," says Nambiar. "Gulf Air is, and will continue to be, a major player in this rapidly growing travel market. I hope to continue with my undeterred spirit to further develop the market. I am thankful to Gulf Air management for their confidence.Regional General Manager Robin Middleton says Gulf Air's relationship with India goes back to the 60s when it started its first flight to Mumbai in 1960 - the first foreign airline to operate into India.
"It is one of the top five revenue producing markets for Gulf Air, and it continues to be one of the largest international carriers serving this important country, which is a rapidly-growing economy," he says.
"We are confident that under Rajeev's leadership and in conjunction with our GSA Jetair, Gulf Air will continue to go from strength to strength, not only in creating an even stronger profile with new innovative products but also by providing our Indian customers with our unique brand of Arab hospitality and culture, for which we are renowned.”
IRAQ
US Army releases Reuters cameraman after holding him for eight months
Reporters Without Borders voiced relief at the release on 21 January 2006 of Samer Mohammed Noor, a cameraman working for British news agency Reuters, who has been held by the US Army in Iraq since 5 June 2005. Noor was arrested at his home in the Tall Afar district in northern Baghdad during a routine Iraqi army search. His brother, who was arrested at the same time, was released shortly afterwards.
He reported that Iraqi soldiers had beaten the cameraman until he lost consciousness. He was then handed over to the US Army and was first held at Abu Ghraib prison before being transferred to Camp Bucca, near Basra."We are relieved at the release of Samer Mohammed Noor but we do not understand the reasons for keeping him in detention for more than eight months, particularly since there was no concrete evidence against him", the worldwide press freedom organisation said.
"The American forces should provide an explanation for this and if they have made a mistake they should apologise to the cameraman, his family and the media which employs him".
Reporters Without Borders added that it was also repeating its appeal for the release of a journalist working for CBS News, Abdel Amir Younes Hussein, who has been held without trial for more than ten months.Hussein, a cameraman for CBS News is still being held at Camp Bucca prison. The US Army arrested him in Mosul on 5 April 2005 and he was at first held at Abu Graib before being transferred on 7 July to Camp Bucca.
CBS News has several times condemned the continued detention of its cameraman and the legal confusion surrounding the case. The US military authorities have produced none of the evidence that they say they have against him. He has been denied access to a lawyer and refused visits from his family or employer.
16.01.2006 - US military frees two Iraqi journalists after holding them for several months
Reporters Without Borders voiced relief today at the release yesterday of Majeed Hameed, a correspondent for the pan-Arab TV station Al-Arabiya, and Reuters cameraman Ali Omar Al Mashadani, who had been held by the US military for several months in the Camp Bucca detention centre."We call on the US army to show more discernment and restraint in future in order to avoid arresting and holding journalists in an arbitrary manner," the press freedom organisation said.
"We reiterate our call for the release of two other imprisoned journalists, Abdel Amir Younes Hussein and Samer Mohamed Noor," Reporters Without Borders added. "The US military should quickly produce evidence to support their allegations against these journalists or free them at once."
Mashadani was arrested after a search of his home during a routine sweep through his neighbourhood on 8 August. Hameed was arrested by US troops at the funeral of one of his relatives in Ramadi, north of Baghdad, on 15 September. Both were held all this time without any charges being brought against them. Repeated requests by their employers for information about the reasons for their arrests were never answered. Requests by lawyers, families and employers to visit the detainees were denied.
Hussein and Noor are two other journalists working for international news media who have been held for several months without any grounds being given. Hussein, a CBS News cameraman, was arrested on 5 April. Noor, who works for Reuters, was arrested on 4 June. Both are still in Camp Bucca.
Unidentified gunmen meanwhile attacked and killed Louai Salam Radeef, a cameraman with the satellite TV station Al-Baghdadia, on 12 January in Alshoola, north of Baghdad. They also injured his assistant, Amer Mohammed. Radeef was the 77th journalist to be killed in Iraq since the start of the war in March 2003.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of US freelance journalist Jill Carroll, who works for the Christian Science Monitor. Carroll was abducted on 7 January in the west Baghdad neighbourhood of Adel, while her Iraqi interpreter, Allan Enwlyah, was killed. A total of 35 journalists have been kidnapped in Iraq since the start of the war.
Phil Sands, a British reporter for the Dubai-based, English-language newspaper Emirates Today, was kidnapped on 26 December and was freed by chance during a US army operation five days later without anyone ever noticing his absence. A US central command spokesman, Capt. Eric Clarke, told the press: "It was an amazing case. No-one ever knew Sands was missing."
Kairali Pagentry Brochure released....
A Brochure on Gulf Pagentry was released in Alain on 19th January 2006 at Alain Top5 Hotel. Alain Malayalee Samajam President K.P Musthafa, presided the function. Mr. K.M Khalid – Manager K.M Trading Alain received the brochure from Mr. Jimmy George, ISC Alain President. Malayalee Samajam secretary Mr. Vimalan delivered the welcome address and Treasurer delivered the vote of thanks. Mr. E.K Salam introduced the guests. Kairali Gulf Associate Editor E.M Ashraf, ISC secretary Younus Khureshi, Vice President Naresh Shoori, Ashraf Pallikandam, Sasi Stephen, N.M Kutty, R.M.V Jamal, Madhu, Siddique Kattor, K.P Shahi spoke on the occasion. Seasons will be held on the 15th February 2006 at Al Buremi Hotel. Buremi.
Why are CPM Bashing Intellectuals Keep mum on UDF Mistakes?
DUBAI - The argument of having class struggles within the organization of CPM is really a part of deliberate attempt to insult a party which plays a role of leadership for the liberation of working class. The preceptors of globalisation are making every effort to implement their agenda. History gives ample evidence that only CPM can raise resistance against the evil effects of globalisation. CPM, as a committed and responsible party, is in the forefront of the figh to save the nation from the clutches of imperialism, says Mr.Veliyankodu Narayanan, a CPM supporter in reaction to the report quoting P.Surendran." Imperialism has very well diagonised the forces of resistance and the hurdles on their path. They are ready to go to the extreme level to divide such forces and suppress their activities. Imperialism made encroachments to the day to day lives, arts, literature and to the cultures of the world. By using all means of propaganda, money and position minstrels of imperialism attack CPM and the progressive fronts. Mr Surendran seems to be playing to the tune of these agents,' says the counter allegation from the CPM member..
The sCPM stand towards the doctrine of globalization is very clear. "The report of 18th party congress stipulated the same. Globalisation is the advanced state of Capitalism and hence it has to be analysed accordingly. During the process of such market based economy, centralization of capital will definitely occurr and this sort of centralized capital shall be deployed for more profitability. It was predicted by Karl Marx. In order to multiply the profit, definitely new market has to be explored. The products are to be sold freely across the border without any hurdles. They can not tolerate any kind of resistance from socio cultural organization or regulations of the governments," he said quoting party documents. He added that it is here that some basic reasons behind the attack on CPM is visible. " The proletaris are aware that they are fighting against imperialism within the system of a capitalist society. In such a system the working class is constantly exposed to exploitation. Knowing the truth people actively participate in struggles. They never surrender before their enemy and their ultimate aim is to make a change." Narayanan says.
Globlisation has extended its arms into all walks of life. Progressive fronts all over the world realized the need of raising protest against the evil spirit of globalization and its hidden agenda. The strength of CPM lies in analysing this unmitigated development and identifying the enemies in the light of dialectical materialism. CPM has studied the present realities and set its goal with clear vision and definite purpose, he claimed..CPM and DIC-K Election Alliance
Mr Surendran’s sentimental approach on the issue of electoral understanding of LDF with Karunakaran’s DIC is a purposeful attempt of creating confusion among people. During the period of Emergency CPM and its cadres were brutally attacked, he says. "Many of its leaders were sentenced to jail without interrogation. The present secretary of CPM, Pinarayi Vijayan, was one among them. Mr Karunakaran’s sole intention then was to crush the party. Surendran’s aim does not seem to be different from that of Karunakaran. Years later, Karunakaran has realized the truth but Surendran is still groping in the dark," Narayanan said in a strong statement.." It does not need a deep knowledgeof politics to understand why CPM stands for what is the cause. Once the estranged AK Antony and Oommen Chandy had even made alliance with CPM. CPM always stands with the common populace and for their cause.There is absolute no doubt about it," he reiterated. "UDF is ruling the state for the last 4 ½ years. During this period the State economy has collapsed. Every sectors witnessed a setback - socially, culturally, industrially, politically. Why is it that Surendran and other intellectuals like him keep quiet about it? Have they not experienced it?," asked the CPM cader.
UDF and Public Sector Sellout
There are more than 125000 people working in the public sector. Instead of protecting the public sector, the UDF is more interested in making sales deed with private agencies. The debt of the state was Rs 23918 crores while UDF was assuming the office. The present debt is now estimated as Rs. 43154 crores and expected to shot up to Rs 50000 crores by the end of UDF term. Where did the money go and for what it is spent for?, he asks Surendran.
A wide propaganda was made when the UDF ministry came to power saying that 15 lakhs of job opportunities would be created. "However no progress has been made but, in reality, they made the situation worse. The number of employees has been slashed to 3.5 lakhs from 435 lakhs. Industries and agricultural sectors are on the verge of collapse. Why the flatterers of UDF keep mum about such a precarious situation?," asks the CPM cader.
"The Govt. hospitals are functioning only for name sake. No medicines, enough staffs or required amenities are provided. Educational institutions are shutting down one by one. Permissions for self reliance institutions are given lavishly without any criteria. Students from poor families do not cope up with the situation and commit suicide, as all doors are shut before them. Govt. treat the cases dispassionately," he says. "Social security schemes are totally sabotaged. The pensions of non employment and agricultural workers are virtually stopped. The arrears are more than 300 crores. At the same time expenditures and extravaganzas remain uncontrolled. Why Surendran and all give a deaf ear to this state? Do they have any explanations?." he repeats the crucial questions.Politics of Tsunami
"Tsunami was one of the worst catastrophe of last year and our State was affected very badly . Non Governmental organizations rushed, raised huge amount of funds and contributed to the State’s treasury. UDF could not bring solace to the people. Handling of such a lethal calamity was hopeless. The UDF Govt. misused the funds and diverted the same to meet other expenses. Chief Ministers and UDF is making hue and cry in the name of IT. Is it for developing the IT sector or do they have some hidden agenda?," added Narayanan, without touching some crucial issues raised by Surendran about the lack of innter party democracy within CPM. "What the State achieved for years of pro independence were made topsy turvy. The great values of renaissance were blown into wind. UDF is playing hide and seek with communal forces and fascists. Instead of raising hands against such groups of divisive and sectarian axis the whole energy is spent for attacking CPM. Is it not ruthless?," he added in his statement.
Internal Class Struggle Intensifies within CPM: P. Surendran
The Communist Party of India, one of the well known Marxist revolutionary groups in the developing world, has been degenerated into a party of the elite upper class and big business groups in the state who are coming closer to the party leaders for their vested interests, said P.Surendran, writer and a former associate of the CPM literary wing . Expressing his regret that a popular leader like Pinarayi Vijayan, who himself was a victim of severe police torture during the notorious Emergency period under K.Karunakaran, he said the party leaders appear to be so desperate for power that they aligned the party with the Democratic Indira Congress Karunakaran (DICK). "Many party members were severely harassed and tortured by the Karunakaran Government and the assassination of .Rajan had created a havoc in Kerala politics. Even now Karunakaran does not regret his heineous crimes or has not apologised to the people of Kerala for the inhuman and uncivilized torture methods that killed many radical elements in Kerala," he says.
"CPM has already distanced itself from the poor and downtrodden, especially the tribals and lower class people because they are not part of the vote bank or cannot invest in the mega projets introduced by the CPM leaders. The party leaders are under the clutches of a a powerful business lobby who eyes lucrative construction projects and government contracts in the state. The Marxist leaders are so desperate for power, money and influence that they follow double standards in the state and natinal politics, by supporting the anti people economic policies of the central government on the one hand and organising demonstrations against selling off of valuable Public Sector Units, the so called Navaratnas, on the other hand he added. "The Lawlin case and the Sand mining controversy in Alappuzha are the best examples of the double standards followed by the party leader who gave the multicrore contract to a relatively unknown Canadian company, when the public sector company BHEL was ailing for work. If the party Secretary was keen to revive or protect the public sector units, he should have given the power project contract to BHEL and not to Lavlin company," he added.
"The party organs and mouthpieces like Deshabhimani and Kairali TV are filled with new intellectuals selected by a new recruitment agency run by M.A.Baby and company," he added. Pointing accusing fingures at the trios, Pinarayi Vijayan, M.A.Baby and Issac Thomas, he anguished man representing a large number of disgruntled members within the CPM said that the coterie of leaders is already under the influence of foreign capital and Indian big business. "While they conduct morchas and strikes against sand mining in Alappuzha, its leaders take heavvy advertisements from the same company responsible for the controversy. This is nothing but mockery," the leading writer and school teacher for two and half decades said.
"Coco Cola was given permission to exploit the ground water of Plachimad during the CPM rule and now they are conducting agitation against colonisation. Mercy Williams, the Cochin Mayar represents the upper class super rich business community of Kochi," he said, adding that such leaders without any prior interest in the communist movement are holding responsible positions.
"The degeneration of the Indian society and polity is well reflected in the current Money for Question controversy. It is nothing surprising because the Indian Parliament has tuned out to be an agent selling off state assets at throw away prices. It is pathetic that the elected representatives who are responsible for the people's welfare are selling off their own assets to local and foreign business. This is the worst form of decay that has set in Indian democracy," he added. "Everyone knows whose interest she is representing in the party. Communalisation of the party is also a dangerous tendency as the party is now acceptable to the Christian Church and other Orthodox groups, who are coming closer to the rouge party. The secret behind the electoral victories is the vote bank politics smartly played by the party leaders. While the Church and other orthodox elements havent changed, the party has become an acceptable entity for them," the radical writer added.
"There is a strong ideological conflict going on within the party, even at the grass root level. It was an ideological dispute that resulted in the splitting of Communist Party of India (CPI) into CPI and CPM. During the split most of the leaders were with the CPI, but the subsequent political events and rapid growth of CPM showed that majority of the people were with the CPM. A dispute between CITU, the trade union wing and the CPM was depicted as a group conflict within the party, which is not right. The ideological struggle continues and a new recruitment agency is trying to select intellectuals and writers. "There is no inner party democracy and party leaders want the followers only to praise them. Nobody likes criticism. Writers and intellectuals are offered big coverage in the party newspapers and channels, if they write something against M.N.Vijayan or other dissenting intellectuals. The same way E.M.S.Namboothirippadu, the veteran leader was silenced during his last days, the party does not require eminent intellectual and leaders like V.S.Achuthananthan, "he added.
A strong mafia is controlling the party leadership and their influence is dangerous. Mafiasation is happening even in the literary field, where writers like Zakharia, T.Padmanabhan and M.Mukundan are becoming the favourites. Their earlier writings indicate their position against the party and the people, he claimed. Depoliticisation is going on in various fields including the youth and student movements. Student Federation of India (SFI) and DYFI will not be able to lead any powerful struggles now because the party leaders wont allow them to do so," he said adding that "nobody like to be criticised. Such a tendency is dangerous for the party and its caders. "All leading philosophers like Socreatese and Jesus Christ received bitter treatment from the powers that be. As part of depoliticisation, a number of foreign funded NGOs have mushroomed in the state. The multinational companies give a share of the booty by exploiting the local resources for the NGOs," he added.
Indian Media Forum Meet the Press with Justice B.Sreedevi
Political activism dead, Media silent, judicial activism vanishes as judges mock at people! More scandals and film rackets may flourish in Kerala..One time judicial activist seems to be enjoying the hospitality offered in Dubai by the powers that be....Watch this space.
Channel Far the People Buy the People and Off the People
The prominent writer P.Surendran has lashed out against the party channel Kairali and People which have become truely commercial institutions run purely on profit motive. The channel is far away from its declared status as the peoples channel, he accused. "Like other channels, Kairali is also propagating cinematic dance and other sexual and gender gestures that fill peoples mind with sex and body only. All the programmes and advertisements are commercially are sex and commercial oriented. There is an international conspiracy to convert the state into a hub of sex tourism and the channel is also silently encouraging that, he added. "The media is glorifying the sex workers writings. Most of the channels including Kairali are prompting people to think that only body and sex are the only thing in society. Due to the obsession with sex in the media, people will try to vent out their sexual urge by even resorting to rapes. The fact that in some of the recent sex scandals and campus rapes, the names of party leaders and caders appeared indicated the deteriorating moral standards in the party, he added.
"Peoples" Channel and Workers Head
Even when newspapers like Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Emirates Evening Post, Gulf Madhyamam, Middle East Chandrika and Arabia have published a bold statement issued by the International media watch dog, Reporters Sans Frontiers, some of the channels and newspapers did not utter even a single word about the journalists plight and the media watch dogs strong comments. While the stand of Malayala Manorama and Deepika is generally with the rich and powerful, a peoples channel's attittude proved once again that it not for the people, by the people or of the people, as it is generally propagated. Even when the Asianet Channel which received several millions from gold advertisement and sponsorship could give a brief news about the the arrest of a fellow journalist and the subsequent Reporters Sans Frontiers statement, Kairali and People remained tight lipped because the journalist in trouble was not among the writers who just praised its leadership. People learn where your channel stands. This once again reiterates the fact that Peoples Channel is toooo faaar the people, buy the people and far the people.The channel is more interested in pleasing the rich and powerful at the cost of ordinary employees who could not open their mouth . "Let them cut off their meesha or thala (head) we are not bothered. We are only interested in the Rs.60 lakhs advertisement from the merchant," uttered one of the channel's representative. . The Red channel which quite often quotes from the Reporters Sans Frontiers about "imperialist" plots to bomb Al Jazeera or killing Iraqi journalists, has developed a suddenn amnesia to talk about the same media watch organisation and the same issue of media freedom . As P.Surenderan rightly said, the channel is a commercial ventuere.. The affected journalists' family too own a few shares in the peoples own television channel. Except RSF, the media watch dog's within and outside did not even bark once! let alone bite. Hear the peoples voice loud and clear........ Read More
Seasons Set for Gulf Kairali Pagentry
Kairali Pageantry, which enthralled the hearts and spirits of art lovers of Gulf region some years ago, is again realizing back to the expat community of the region in a different style. The programme called “Seasons” takes you to the realm of the last 50 years of Kerala – showcasing the aesthetic beauty of its socio-cultural characteristics, to the history of its yester years, to the depth of nostalgic feelings. In short, the extravaganza “Seasons” is unique in its style and conduct.
The different feelings of love and separation coupled with the spring of dreams of a Malayalee when showcased on the stage, becomes a different experience for the expatriates, which they are going to witness. Of course, Kairali TV and People’s Channel are aimed to epitomize and entertain the people with such kind of a programme through this Pageantry.
While the last pageantry included performances of classical dances, musics and the most popular programmes of Kairali TV of that point of a time, this year the three-hour programme is going to unearth Kerala’s 50 years cultural aspects through different artistic ventures.
The mega audio-visual extravaganza, with the help of film clippings, dances and enchanting music will definitely give the spectator a feeling of ecstasy. Moreover, the comedy programmes, unlike the usual numbers of comedians, will definitely be a helping factor to heal the so-called mental stress…
The performances by charming personalities are the main attractions of the event which includes dance performances by Aravind (Nandanam fame), Vineet Kumar (cine star) and Group, the musical feast performed by famous play back singers like M.G. Sreekumar, Ranjini Jose, Nikhil & Nimmi and Fahad, Fusion by Sreeram, Folk Songs by Kuttappan, jokes and comedies to be performed by Kottayam Naseer and team etc.. Most importantly, the vast and mega extravaganza is directed by none other than Mr. Shibu Chakravarthy, the Executive Producer of Kairali TV and famous cine music in Malayalam film industry who needs no other introduction. The Pageantry begins on 2nd February and ends on 24th February covering 8 different venues of Muscat, Bahrain, Qatar, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah and Dubai.Al Nasr Leisure Land in Dubai will witness 2 shows which is scheduled to take place on 17th February, 2006 – at 3.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.
Noted personalities in the field of art and culture will adorn the stage at the inaugural functions in each venue.
P.Surendran Part of Imperialist Strategy to Destroy CPM: Veliancode Narayanan
Reacting strongly to the serious allegations made by P.Surendran, an intellectual giant, some of the ardent supporters of the rouge political party have issued a counter attack by stating that the author is just one link in the global imperialist conspiracy to weaken the most popular communisty party in India, which has always stood firmly to fight for the peoples right and country's economic independence. Veliyankodu Narayanan, a senior Gulf Malayali and member of Dubai Art Lovers has said in a statement that the article that appeared in KM is a deliberate attempt to insult CPM, which is the the only party in India that stands firmly against globalisation and economig recolonisation of the country. Such silly allegations are made in tune with the imperialist strategy to weaken CPM, the statement said. Justifying the marriage of convenience with DICK, the Karunakaran congress, the statement added that such misleading allegations are meant to confuse the ordinary CPM workers. While Karunakaran used his police machinery and torture methods to kill CPM and popular movement, reactionaries like Surendran are using other subtle methods to destroy the party, he said. While Karunakaran has learned a lesson from his past mistakes, intellectuals like Surendran are yet to learn lessons, it added.
The birth of the citizen journalist
M.N.Vijayan under Siege: Intellectual as Liability?
DALA's Dilemma of Groupism and Power Politics
Kerala Dinesh Beedi in Crisis Who Disowns the Working Class?
Shabeer Vakkom
The 36-year old Kerala Dinesh Beedi (KDB), one of the prestigious worker's cooperatives in India (and a role model for such endeavours in the entire Third World), has been in the throes of a severe crisis for the last several months. For the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), the challenge is formidable for two reasons. First, the KDB is its own brainchild and the management is still controlled by the CPI (M). Secondly, the KDB being one of the important traditional industries in the Kannur district, the current crisis may have tremendous implications for the two bye-elections scheduled for the month of June.
