Officials in utter confusion.

Kerala CM Achuthanandan once addressing the annual conference of district collectors and other officials asked them to ensure the benefits of welfare programmes and development initiatives reach beneficiaries without any delay. Not many, only a few like Suresh Kumar, Joseph C Mathew, Anilkumar acted in accordance. Betrayed or not by Achuthanandan these officials are now in utter bewilderment.

Achuthanandan cuts a sorry figure by admitting openly before public that all his faithful have gone wrong. Is Chief Minister Ship so valuable for a man like Achuthanandan at the age of 85? How many years he could sail over contritely as CM by swallowing all his words which were once accepted common people?

K A Solaman

Hamas deserves it!

The killing of innocent people is condemnable, whatever the circumstances. Although Israel’s latest military action against the Palestinians in Gaza is deplorable given the number of innocent civilians being killed, one must also recognise the fact that Israel as a sovereign nation has every right to defend its citizens. For months now Hamas has been constantly firing Katyusha and other rockets into Israeli territories without any remorse. Thus, Israel’s latest retaliation is something that was unavoidable.

One must also not forget that Israel is surrounded by enemies. It cannot tolerate any activity in its neighbourhood that undermines its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens. It is to Israel’s credit that it values the life of each and every citizen of its country.

Nonetheless, there needs to be a comprehensive peace package to solve the Israel-Palestine dispute that is acceptable to all stakeholders.

KA Solaman

Birthday celebrations of Behenji

Birthday celebrations are often meant for blue eyed children and when it comes to poor , the parents, being illiterate, often fail to remember the date of birth of their child and hence no birthday celebrations. This is, however, inapplicable to ‘leader of the poor’ Mayawati of the UP. The would be PM of the country, after her ceremonial dinner with Left leaders at Kottayam in Kerala is facing a tough time in UP to sail over the present tumult shaped by her birthday partying. It seems no other leader of India has such large scale birthday merriment. This I say because one Manoj Kumar Gupta, an Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department was gruesomely killed by BSP MLA Shekhar Tiwari and his goons. The reason for killing Gupta is not for contributing Rs 50 lakh in the drive for collection of donations for the birthday of Mayawati on January 15.

It is a clear lesson to all executive engineers of all the states in the country who are handling projects worth over Rs 10 crore or above. Behenji was in Kerala to entrust this idea with her counterparts in the state. All public work engineers in Kerala too, hereinafter try to cope up with the ever-increasing demands of cuts by the ruling party leaders. If not possible read the story of Manoj Kumar Gupta.

It is a known fact that each and every BSP MP, MLA, coordinators, office-bearers and workers are given a target to arrange donations on behenji’s birthday. And this is an excellent lesson to all party men in Kerala too. If Mayawati could target to raise Rs 1000 crore through the donations on her birthday why can’t Kerala CM Achuthanandan target Rs 100 crore?

K A Solaman

Everything Happens For The Good -story

There was once a King who had a wise advisor. The advisor followed the King everywhere, and his favorite advice was, “Everything happens for the good”. One day the King went hunting and had a little accident. He shot an arrow at his own foot and was injured. He asked the advisor what he thought about the accident, to which the advisor replied, “Everything happens for the good”. This time the King was really upset and ordered for his advisor to be put in prison. The King asked his advisor, “Now, what do you think?” The advisor again replied, “Everything happens for the good”. So the advisor remained in prison.

The King later went on a hunting trip, this time without the advisor. The King was then captured by some cannibals. He was taken to the cannibals' camp where he was to be the evening meal for the cannibals. Before putting him into the cooking pot he was thoroughly inspected. The cannibals saw the wound on the King’s foot and decided to throw him back into the jungle. According to the cannibals' tradition, they would not eat anything that was imperfect. As a result the King was spared. The King suddenly realized what his advisor said was true. The advisor also escaped death because had he not been in prison, he would have followed the King on the hunting trip, and would have ended up in the cooking pot.

Success Principles

It is true that everything in life happens for a purpose, and always for our own good. If you think about it, all our past experiences actually happened to bring us to where we are today, and it is always for the good. All the past experiences makes us a better person. So, whatever challenges that we may face today, consider it happening to bring us to the next level.

Avoid war with Pakistan

One is compelled to think that Pakistan’s formal General Parvez Mushaaraf is more an apt person to rule that country rather than Zardari. The present Pakistan Military Chief’s comment of three-minute attack on India is condemnable. The comment indicates Pakistan is still under military rule and democracy in that country is a distant dream. Zardari is seen voiceless before the new military chief of Pakistan. Their denial of involvement of its civilians the Mumbai terror attack is unsupported when India Government presents ample evidence. More interesting is the assurance of help by Taliban to Pakistan to fight against India. Taliban is the most notorious outfit in the world branded for its dastardly acts against humanity.

The Government of India should analyse the Pak undertakings at the border critically but never jump into a war against that country merely on the phony provocation of thoughtless Pak leaders. War of any kind would be detrimental to both the countries and hence India should seriously contemplate to avoid chaos in both the countries. It is true that Pakistan fears India. Moreover they have limited support from rest of the world countries. India, therefore, should make advantage of its support from world nations to bring Pakistan on its knee. And war is not a solution for any issue. Furthermore if UPA government takes steps for a war with Pakistan people should be obliged to think that it is for their political advantage in coming elections.

K A Solaman

How easy to become a World Hero!

To become a world hero is no too hard of-late. One could become a Guinness book record holder by eating a hundred ‘dosa’ in one second or making a single cake in X’mas by wasting eatables worth Rs Three lakh. A similar attempt was made by Muntadar al-Zaidi in Iraq to become an overnight hero. He has more takers in Kerala too as the ruling party is anti-US and anti-Bush. His condescending act of hurling shoe on US President George W Bush has been hailed by many as there are presently more takers for atrocious acts. I firmly believe that a good journalist could not commit such a terrible act. He was present there to report what was happening there. Journalists are news reporters and not news creators. Muntadar al-Zaidi has proved insolence to his profession.

If any head of any nation appreciates shoe attack on Bush, no doubt it would become a matter of mortification for him too.

K A Solaman

The name ‘Suresh Kumar’ is unlucky

Sir,

When one reads the name ‘Suresh Kumar’ in news papers he has to spend a little more time to identify which Suresh Kumar is in caption. The first Suresh Kumar is the IAS official who had done a noble job for the State of Kerala and the Chief Minister and faced a rushed suspension on the wrath of those neo-liberalist and ‘professional’ politicians with special interest in Munnar cool wind. And the other is the former CISF Commandant Suresh Kumar who went on imprisonment for 22 months and 13 days in a case defectively framed by the CBI. Both of them are now favorites of common people. However, an expecting woman would never contemplate to call her new-born as ’Suresh Kumar’ as the child may likely to face unforseen difficulties in future just becuase of the name.

K A Solaman

Cemetery: A blessed Place

Sir,
To a Catholic, a cemetery is a blessed place. Next to the church, no spot on earth should be so sacred and dear to a Parish. Ever since the Sacred Body of the Crucified Savior was reverently laid in a tomb, there to await the hour of its glorious resurrection, the Church has been most solicitous to cast about the burial of those who rise with Christ an atmosphere of deep Christian faith and profound reverence. In the cemetery are buried the mortal remains of the faithful departed, consecrated as temples of the Holy Ghost with the holy oils of the Sacraments. The cemetery speaks to a Christian of faith and hope in the resurrection of the body. Sensing the deep meaning of burial grounds, the faithful have called their cemetery significantly, "God's Acre." From his sacred soil shall come forth unto life eternal the bodies of the faithful who have departed this life in the Lord. Every Parish and Mission should be proud to possess a cemetery.
If a parish has its own cemetery, the faithful departed are to be buried in it unless another cemetery has been legitimately chosen either by the departed person or by those who are responsible to arrange for his or her interment. Catholics, first by law and then by tradition, have chosen to be buried in Catholic cemeteries, and this preference should continue. In this way, Catholics have the assurance that reverence and respect will be given to the remains of the deceased. Also, the Catholic cemetery, in reflecting the doctrines and liturgy of Catholic belief, maintains now in death the community of faith that was shared in life. Furthermore, the Catholic cemetery is a place of devotion and prayer for the souls of the departed. A visit to a cemetery stirs salutary thoughts of our own mortality, our debt to those who have gone before, the shortness of life, and the fullness of eternity.
However, in Alappuzha District of Kerala, at Kanjikuzhy village, the faithful of the Vanaswargom St Jude Church was denied their submission for a cemetery. Initially the District Collector was in favour of allowing one but due to interference from one local person who is interested in Abkari business, the Collector set aside the application stating that there were only eight families and pose health hazards to people living adjacent. Actually there are about 100 families belonging to church spread over fifty square km and these families face much hardships at the demise of their dear ones. One wonders how a cemented vault model cemetery could harm to local people. The reason for turning a deaf year to the genuine demand of the Vanaswargom parishners seems prying. So, in this connection I request the Hon’ble Minister to look into the matter and issue favourable orders. The demand for a cemetery by the Vanswargom St Jude Church is long over due.
K A Solaman

Shoe attack on US President

Shoe attack on US President George W Bush is a heinous act. Al-Baghdadia television reporter who had done this act should be severely punished. The Iraqi Government’s condemnation of the act is in the right direction and what is needed is an outright apology from them

K A Solaman.

Cloud 9 Hotel at Munnar!

Sheer waste of money by the Congress

The State Congress is all set for its state meet extravaganza at Kochi on the fifteenth. The greenish white photos of Madam Gandhi are far good for view than the inflexible faces of communist big-heads on blood-red background. This may be the reason for the Congress to spend several lakhs for cut-outs, flexi boards, and media coverage. And another several lakhs will be spent for conveyance of participants in the meet. Most of the participants for the show will be on daily wages. Rs 250 plus one biriyani is the standard rate. And for the public function several VIPs will be transported from elsewhere. The gallons diesel and petrol consumed for transporting ‘workers’ is yet another national waste. The total cost for the all exceeds several crores. One wonders for what all these show?

It is destined that the next rule in Kerala will be of UDF. The present Front has done that much harm to the people of state by this time. The prices of essential commodities found sky rockets and minister in charge of food and civil supplies stands for the mercy of traders to slash price. The elevated prices of essential commodities remain stuck-up at high even if the Central Government has slashed the petroleum price. The corruption in high level especially in Munnar encroachments, Kiliroor-Kaviyur sex scandals, the Lavelin has given adequate time for common people to decide the fate LDF in the coming elections. The sad picture is: common people are left with no choice other than to elect the UDF. And this selection is not based on the merit of the UDF but of the harm done by the LDF.
Why the UDF Chandy and Chennithala could spent some money for educating a few poor children, for making AIDS awareness, for cancer cure etc by dropping the state meet extravaganza? The State by this time has witnessed a number of group rallies and state meets. And all these ended in squander.

The hardships to the people of Kochi will be immense on the day of meet. Many a student and women employees will be stranded in the street due the act of unprincipled people gathering for the meet. The Congress party will lose a little of its credibility by sponsoring a show that requires a huge fund. Humility-the motto of the Congress, is the past story. Whether UDF or LDF, playing money politics is a dirty game and is against common people. More sensible leaders are needed in the top post of Congress in the state


K A Solaman

The fate of Munnar

The suspension of IPS official K Suresh Kumar, who had done a noble job based on the advice of Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, is seemingly cruel. Kerala has become a Kangaroo court by suspending Suresh Kumar before getting his explanation. Achuthanandan might not have stooped this much before the official faction of the CPM in the state. If not a cleverly drafted drama the CM should have shown the courage to own Suresh Kumar for doing the he-man effort for recovering state owned land and thereby protecting the image of the Chief Minister. And whatever be the reason for his suspension the charge levelled by him that Chief Minister’s private secretary S Rajendran had kept several important files including those on the Smart City project and the Kiliroor sex scandal hidden from the Chief Minister seems relevant.

The suspension for Suresh Kumar is a lesson for him to not trust politicians. And I think the suspension is not for his disclosure about CM’s office but for his reclaim of 3000 encroached forest and government land and demolition of over a dozen illegal multi-storied buildings. The official faction of the CPM is also upset with Kumar’s growing popularity. The UDF leaders are also worried after a holiday home owned by former revenue minister KM Mani’s relative was demolished. And according to official report, at least half of the large-scale encroachments in Munnar are benami properties owned by politicians cutting across the party spectrum. That is why all, the Ruling Front and the Oppsition need Suresh Kumar’s blood and it may be due to God’s grace this august officer still survives in this devil’s own country.

Suresh Kumar once said “The CM has promised a new Munnar with a new vision of tourism after three months. I would try my level best to achieve that.’’.And now CM’s vision blurred. Suresh Kumar can look for a posting outside Kerala and that is all in the helm of affairs other than common people, need. The fate Munnar will be decided by encroachers!

K A Solaman

Media morality

The terrifying TV images of the clash between police and agitators, and between opponents of different political parties are indicators of the declining media moralities. The unwarranted episode in connection with the visit of Kerala CM Achuthanandan to martyr major Sandeep’s house is yet another instance. People feel distressed about the lack of discipline and tolerance among visual media.

Indian TV Channels have become fighters to sell their product, and for that they use advantageously deceitful politicians. What these oliticians discuss in panel meetings are matters suited to trash and their responsibility to common people is restricted in such discussions. Along with political parties communal outfits also find slot in TV channels to make harm in the society.

So in this context stern action should be taken against visual media for distorting the facts. The politicians often say it is the media that distorted the fact. Nevertheless they never dare to take action against the offenders. This should change. There is a need to identify wrong doers among TV channels and for that the government should act quickly.

K A Solaman

Military action against Pakistan is unwise

As military action is never a problem solver I suggest for no war against Pakistan which has refused India’s demand to hand over 20 terrorists now residing in Pakistan. History tells that all wars have given more misery to mankind than any benefit to a particular section.
Major divergence of opinion between the two countries can be resolved by negotiation.
It is a good advice to the Government for approaching the UN Security Council to increase pressure on Pakistan to act against the terrorist outfits operating from within that country. India Government could also build pressure on Pakistan with its propinquity to US.

K A Solaman

VS remark outrageous, but…

Sir—Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan’s comment that “even a dog would not have visited the Unnikrishnans’ home had it not been that of a martyr” is outrageous. Achuthanandan and Kodiyeri would have avoided the litigious visit as Sandip’s father did not endorse their visit. One could not blame the behaviour of Unnnikrishnan because of his state of mind at the time of deep sorrow. However the media hype in this sad episode is beyond any proportion. Some of them distorted the comment of VS denying his chance to further clarify the facts.

Opposition parties tried to fish in troubled water. Their patriotism grew beyond Everest because of enmity to wards the Chief Minister. They even led unwarranted demonstration by hiring an old dog and hanging on its neck the photo of Achuthanandan. The dog was tied to the gate of Secretariat and tortured. This display alone is sufficient to charge case against the demonstrators for torturing animal. However, the police in charge of law and order and who are bound to prevent cruelty against animals remained mute spectators. The disrespect to Kerala’s CM shown by the so called patriotic demonstrators is somewhat harder than that made by Achuthanandan. Do they apologise if CM he takes a similar stance towards slain martyrs’ father?

K A Solaman

Messiah of the OBCs

Sir—The ‘Raja of Manda’, the former Prime Minister of India, Vishawnath Partap Singh, is no more. Though the upper class reviled him for the Mandal Commission, he lives on in the hearts of millions of poor Indians. He was responsible for changing the political landscape of India by implementing the Mandal Commission’s report, which provided the benefit of reservation to the OBCs. He will be remembered for spearheading the cause of social justice and his efforts to uplift the downtrodden of India. The nation has lost a great leader. The Bihar Government declared a public holiday on November 29 when the former Prime Minister was cremated, but no other Indian State did. Is this the usual way of observing the last rites of all former Prime Ministers of the country?

KA Solaman

Alappuzha the pioneer 1 Dec 08

Equip fishermen

Dear Sir,

Mumbai debacle has ended killing 183 people and injured many. And it is time for the nation to take stock of the situation. The Home Minister Shivraj Patil has resigned on the ground of moral responsibility. Is there none other than him in the Cabinet who is also responsible for the disaster? What about the minister in charge of cross-border terrorism? What about the minister in charge economy that was hit heavily by the attack? What about the PM having overall controls? What about the Opposition particularly Raj Thackeray of Maharashtra for rekindling sensitive issues?
The politicians in India, of late, play communal politics and are interested only in vote bank based on religions. They are the main responsible ones for all terrorist attacks. They often disappear from scene when there are attacks and appear for the funeral rites of brave hearts in the NSG or Armed Force and that too for getting political benefit. The time has come for people of India to select persons of caliber and love to motherland in the helm of affairs. The future politicians should be ready to stand in the front of war fields and never be escapists.
Since the cross-border terrorism has changed its route through sea we need more coast-guards. However it is complex task to protect the 75000km stretch of Indian sea shore by coast guards. Hence it is time for government to think for armoring Indian fishermen folk with modern gadgets. Many fishermen have already fish tracking devices and if they are equipped with other communication device they will soon inform the authority the presence of ships and other doubtful vessels in the sea. We have a huge chunk of fishermen working round the clock in sea. If the Government so decides to seek the assist stance these poor people by spending a small sum correct information could be received in time and thus enormous expense of deputing coast guards in the entire sea stretch can be avoided.
K A Solaman

The demise of the “Raja of Manda”

The ‘Raja of Manda’, the former Prime Minister of India Vishawnath Partap Singh is no more. Though the upper class reviled him for his introduction of the Mandal Commission he lives in the hearts of millions of poor Indians. He was responsible for changing the political setting of India by implementing the Mandal Commission report, which provided for reservations to a huge section of Indian population. For being spearheaded the cause of social justice he would be remembered for his efforts for uplift of the poor and downtrodden. The nation has lost a great leader.

The Bihar government has declared a public holiday on November 29 when the ex-PM was cremated, but no other Indian states or the Central Government. Is it the usual way of observing funeral function of all ex-PMs?

Morarji Cola

Morarji Cola

Human urine or rather 'Moraji cola' is not a ‘total waste’. Researchers have observed urine can be used as a powerful healing substance and very suitable to eliminate allergies
The urine of allergic individuals contains the allergy causing antigen receptors and if re-introduced the urine back antibodies would be produced which would then stop the allergic response. That is allergies have been completely turned around with urine therapy. Using urine in this way to cure the allergy is a form of isopathy. However use of urine as a medicine or cola is not in the minds of a huge majority. If urine can be introduced into the body there arises the question of reintroducing other body wastes. This is quite unsafe and body will not accept it. So before starting urine therapy there may be a method to remove toxic waste from urine. And adequate awareness should be given to people to remove their antipathy in reintroducing urine back into the body.

Need an iron hand

Sir— Wednesday night’s terrorist attack in Mumbai that killed 100 people and and injured many more is shocking. It is indicative of the inefficacy of the country’s intelligence network. Since an organisation called the Deccan Mujahideen is behind the attacks, it is high time we ban all communal outfits in the country. We need tougher laws and an iron hand to deal with terrorism. Our security and intelligence agencies need to dramatically improve in order to make sure such attacks never happen again.

KA Solaman Alappuzha The Pioneer 28 Nov 2008

Ex-cop’s death

Dear Sir,

Argument that the death of VV Augustine, the former ASI of police who had done the inquest of the Sr Abhaya’s body and prepared the FIR, is due to mental torture by the CBI is unbelievable. How could a hard-core police man who had done once several such enquiries be harassed by an investigating team? The posture that Augustine is unable to stand the pressure put by the CBI on him is ridiculous. The Kerala High Court’s observation that suicides are personal matters and such things should not influence the investigation is estimable.

Augustine’s son who is ought to protect his ailing father seems ignorant of his father’s daily routine. He might have noticed the erratic behaviour of his father who wrote on his suicide note about future ownership of his wealth. The Knanaya Catholic Church are mudslinging themselves by placing allegations against he investigating agencies. And certain popular media also support the Church. Nevertheless truth will triumph without more ado.

K A Solaman

Let the truth come out

Sir—Praying for those who have been arrested in connection with Sister Abhaya’s murder is a matter of choice but it is extremely desperate for the Kottayam Archdiocese to issue a pastoral letter claiming that the three were innocent. If the Church is certain about the innocence of those arrested then it is its moral duty to provide proof of the same. It may be true that the Church has never tried to exert any pressure on the investigation into the case, but the laity and the politicians have. The CBI should expose the people who have tried to influence the probe. All people with the Church wish the truth to come out immediately.

KA Solaman

Alappuzha The Pioneer 25 Nov 2008

Our uneducated politicians

It is appalling to see that most of our politicians have little or no education. An uneducated crook with all his wickedness often outshines learned persons in politics. However, this cannot be allowed any more and hence it is suggested that a politician should be at least a post-graduate so as to comprehend the complexities of the emerging world.

KA Solaman The Pioneer 23-11-08

Face saver for the CBI

Sir,
Eventually the CBI saved its face by arresting two priests and a nun in association with the case related to the murder of Sr Abhaya. Congratulations to media for its untiring effort to bring this infamous long lagging case to a turning point. The case is one which proved the ineptitude of the Executive and the Bureaucracy. The arrests in the case made after 16 years of investigations prove the efficacy of Judiciary and the media. The pending nature of the case indicates how influential the arrested are. The confidence of the parents of Sr Abhaya that they would get justice in the case is commendable.

The officers of the local police who investigated the case and wrote it off as one of suicide should also be arrested. The doctor who conducted the postmortem and reported the case as suicide and the chemical analysts who tampered the laboratory results also should be punished. The role of local leaders in perverting the case also should be investigated.

K A Solaman

Welcome move

The pronouncement by Kerala SC/ST Development Minister A K Balan to make all pre-metric hostels in the state three star level is a welcome move. Most possibly his words would melt in this air and never materialize. The people need to know what the facilities the Minister are going to include in these hostels.
Actually in these hostels employees are insufficient to cater the needs of the inmates. . The unhealthy atmosphere as one noticed at Punalur hostel is primarily due to lack of staff. People on daily wages are working as cooks and watchmen in the hostels .The wardens often find a tough time to manage these hostels. The suspension of employees for menaces happened out of their reach further worsens the situation. Moreover the Tribal Development Department is notorious for suspending its own employees on ridiculous grounds and reinstating them after getting inducement. There is no other department in the state where bribe is accepted from its own employees. The Tribal development Minister A K Balan deserves to be congratulated on the move to make the hostel three star along with rectifying the shortage of employees. The media that are very fast in reporting the accidents associated with the hostels, find little time to attend the grievances of its employees. The employees are a lot suffered ones in Pre-metric hostels in Kerala

K A Solaman

Campus violence

Campus violence is a curse on all States. The clash between two groups of students in the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai, was certainly not an isolated incident.

Political and communal forces manipulate students for their ends. And the students end up becoming the ultimate losers. Teachers are helpless when students clash under the patronage of political bosses.

K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha
The Hindu Daily 18 Nov 2008

Politics hits tsunami victims

Sir—Though the kith and kin of the tsunami victims of the Alappuzha coastal belt have been agitating for compensation for the last one-and-a-half months in front of the Alappuzha Civil Station, the Government has been shamelessly ignoring them. Going one step ahead, Kerala Finance Minister Isaac Thomas has come down heavily on Alappuzha Diocese for leading the agitation. While condemning the latter in strong words, he was attempting to woo other Church factions. This was intended to disrupt communal harmony. Criticising religious leaders while believing in religion is the hallmark of all neo-liberal Communists.

K A Solaman
The Pioneer Daily 12 N0v 2008

Rotten policemen

A rogue police force is a curse that all States in India face and not just Tamil Nadu. What happened at the law college in Chennai is representative of the police in the entire country. Even in Kerala, which is supposed to be the most literate State, the situation is no different. Custodial deaths and incidents of police torture here are beyond belief. There were cases of deaths and police brutality within the last few months itself. No police personnel was found guilty nor any action taken in this regard. It has become a practice of the Kerala Police to use third degree methods during custodial investigations. A thorough change in the State Police Act seems imminent to protect those arrested. Also, those policemen responsible for such brutality should be severely punished. The National Human Rights Commission must do more to bring to light these cases of police violence.

KA Solaman Alappuzha The Pioneer 15 Nov 2008

Isaac would apologize soon.

Though the kith and kin of all the Tsunami victims of Alappuzha coastal belt are on agitation path for the last one and half month in front of Alappuzha Civil station the Government has turned deaf year to their legitimate demand. The attitude of the ministers to Chengara strike and Alappuzha agitation is in the match. Going one step ahead the Kerala Finance Minister DrThomas Isaac has come heavily on Alappuzha Diocese for leading the agitation. While condemning Alappuzha diocese in strong words Isaac had made a miserable attempt to woo other church factions. This is intended at disrupting communal harmony. Criticizing religious leaders while believing in religion, is a contemporary task of all neo-liberal communists. Education Minister M A Baby is the precursor in this watch.

Presumably Isaac will soon go in the Bishop's house, Alappuzha, through its kitchen doors, grasp the hands of the Bishop and apologize as most of his vote banks are not belonging to Malankara or the Marthomite. Isaac’s last victory from Mararikulam was footed mainly on coastal votes. And most of the Tsunami victims are from that area.

K A Solaman

Do you belive Lord Ayyappa?

Sir,
Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran says that the Hight Court appointed Devaswom Commission Rajendran is leading a lavish life in Sabarimala and he has no belief in him. Does the Minister believe in Lord Ayyappa?

K A Solaman

The panel discussion

Sir,
A non-sense panel discussion in a Malayalam TV channel runs like this.
A not-so cute girl asks the politically aggravated panel member: “What you say about the victory of Obama?” “Yes it is in the line what we expected. Don’t you know the story of hare and tortoise? Who won at last? And that is what happening in America. In our place tortoise is known as ‘ama’. They call it obama” The old aged member is enthused with the presence of the girl and her idiotic questions occasionally thrills him to forget about his wife for some time. And the girl seems satisfied in playing games with the old goose.

The final outcome of the panel discussion is: Extreme rightists of America are becoming medium rightists and that too happened with the recent visit of Indian Communist party Politburo member Kodyeri to US. And most probably during his next visit all the Americans will turn into leftists.

K A Solaman

Navratna Lottery

The Kerala cooperative bank employees are considered to be a lesser group and they never measure up to their counter parts in nationalized banks where a hefty sum is dispersed as monthly salary. The cooperative bank employees by their customer friendly attitude attract money to the bank and thus it is sheltered. However the Government of Kerala is in no mood to protect the cooperative sector.

The major crisis in State Cooperative banks is mainly due to the failure of State Government to repay the Rs 495 crores it had taken as loan. And when the Finance Minister is thinking of availing another 2000 crores from elsewhere the repayment will likely to never happen. The Cooperative banks have to wait more time to tide over its fiscal problems and I presume it will not meet the fate ofthose 16 banks in the US.

Though, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Reserve Bank of India had banned the cooperative banks from extending loans to the State Government the Government is pressing the primary cooperative banks by directing them to deposit their funds in the treasury. In addition the bank employees are asked to sell ‘navartna lottery’ through bank branches. As all lotteries are unproductive the government decision to introduce it in State Cooperative banks is intolerable. The clients will likely to abandon cooperative banks as it has turned in to a lottery selling stall. Making Cooperative Bank employees State sponsored beggars is a licentious act by a Government which boasts in the high. The Navtatna lottery would meet the same fate of the lucky dip introduced by economist turned Finance Minister Thomas Isaac for every purchase of 1000 rupee or above. Introducing lottery to every sphere of life is the only kind of development in Kerala. Are those economists behind this utopian idea eligible for Nobel Prize in Economics?

K A Solaman

Killing Christians

Killing of more than 100 Christians and displacing more than 100,000 with in just two months sends dismal picture of the country to the outside world. It is relevant for the National Human Rights Commission to institute a special probe into the inhuman killing of Christians. There seems to be a larger conspiracy behind the attack on Christians and that needs to be investigated. Despite all Christian organizations have condemned the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Orissa's Kandhamal the country is witnessing unabated attacks on Christians.

It is undeniable that extremist elements are trespassing into the churches when the worship service is on. The Church properties are destroyed and priests and nuns are beaten up. The attacks are being made on the false conversion charges without any evidence. The attackers claim that they had blessing of Hindu outfits. It is high time for Centre-State administrations to act boldly.


K A Solaman

None to hoist the flag

Sir,

Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan’s congratulation of the space scientists of the country for their successful achievement in launching India’s first unmanned spacecraft to moon, Chandrayaan-I is rather ludicrous as he is the first politician in India who called the foremost brain of such projects Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as a mere ‘fire work ‘ man. His observation about the project that the scientists will hoist national flag in the moon is incongruous as the scientists have no immediate plan to hoist flag there. The spacecraft will only circulate in moon’s orbit and there is none in it to land on moon to hoist the flag.

K A Solaman

Chandrayaan-1

Certainly Chandrayaan-1 mission would appreciably build on India's technological capability to undertake inter-planetary missions in the coming years. The mission reflects ISRO’s strong competence, to raise India's stature worldwide.

However there arise a few apprehensions. Even Scientists say Chandrayaan's benefits will not become immediately apparent. It will take at least 30 to 40 years to do so according to them. A period of 30-40 years is far enough for people to forget all about Chandrayaan. Even generation would change by that time and there will be none presently working in Chandrayaan project to speak about the benefit of the mission.

Another claim of the Scientist seems quite ludicrous. According to them Helium 3, which is reported to be present on the lunar surface, is brought back to earth, it could help solve the energy crisis. Energy crisis of which country? Is it India? If one ton of Helium-3 can generate a year's supply of energy it would have been siphoned by other developed countries by that time and India could remain only as a mute spectator. Minerals too found on the lunar surface could be commercially exploited by other countries before India plans about it. Moon is owned not alone by India. Moreover Chandryaan mission is too expensive. Wasting resources for an uncovered project is a cruelty towards the starving masses in India. Many countries and international space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), Japan, China, the US and Russia have undertaken or in the process of undertaking unmanned exploratory missions to moon. Hence, there is nothing novel about India’s exploration of the moon

The cost of Chandrayaan-1 mission is Rs 386 crore. And this amount is too high for boosting the technological confidence of India without any material gain. The money spent for the project could have been spent on more constructive projects such as feeding India's poor and educating them. Our country accounts for 57 million malnourished children. Improvement in their condition alone will mean development. The much-acclaimed economic growth and its recession recounts only for the elite class. A national emphasis on wiping out poverty and malnutrition is more necessary than project Chandrayaan.

KA Solaman

Media’s hypocrisy

It is strange that one understands the value of human life only when a child falls into an deep bore well left uncovered by some callous people. The entire state machinery is moved to the rescue the hapless child. However, this rarely happens when hundreds of people are uprooted due to communal violence like in Orissa or when several innocent people are killed in ethnic clashes like in Assam. Why are these lives insignificant? Why doesn’t the electronic media give these stories the kind of air time that they would to a child stuck in a bore well? Isn’t this absolute hypocrisy?

KA Solaman

The Pioneer daily dated 22-10-08

Value of human life

One could understand the value of human life only when a child falls into an uncovered ditch made by callous workers of some multinational companies. The entire state mechanism along with the military would come in rescue of the hapless child who fell into the ditch. This is the scene we once again witnessed when the child Sonu fell down a deep bore well that was left pitilessly uncovered. Though the child died when rescue work was in progress the visual media gave wide coverage to the rescue operation. The way in which the State administration, the Army and the media handled the incident remind the value the human life in India. However this sort of approach is not seen when hundreds were dead in Orissa due to communal clash and several migrants of Bengladesh are dead in Assam

Why for the media and the Army the lives in Orissa and Assam insignificant?
The Governments in States and Centre hereinafter should contemplate to give the same preciousness to the lives of those unfortunates who get killed in racial clashes along with those tender lives which are lost in bore wells. This I say because we have yet to watch the last bore well death and the last ethnic clash death.

K A Solaman

Tactic boomeranged!

Tactic followed by ICICI Bank got boomeranged. It is their method to issue loans to customers and resort all inhuman tactics to get back the loan and that too with blade interest. The bank has now approached police with a complaint of economic terrorism and at least two text messages seeking to spread malicious rumours. The bank has accused some brokers of rumour-mongering aimed at beating its share price and spreading panic among investors as well as depositors. The bank had suffered heavy losses on the stock markets following report that it could fall prey to the global credit crisis because of its exposure abroad.

So it is test time for bank to have a rethink of the policies that had taken so far. And it is the time for them to withdraw all the mind-boggling advertisement given in channels to woo the investors. If the financial position of the bank is so strong they should immediately payback the deposits to investors without further dialogue. Meanwhile they should learn lessons from other private sector and public banks who were not gone panic in the present crisis. .
The bank should also enquire whether ICICI officials had sold their holdings in the bank.

K A Solaman

CPI(M) failed Nano

Though West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Mr Ratan Tata say that the agitation by the Trinamool Congress against the Nano project in Singur was the reason behind abandoning the project, it is not entirely true. It is the callousness shown by the State Government in acquiring land for the project that is the real reason for the failure. Ms Mamata Banerjee’s successful opposition to the project is a warning to all obdurate politicians standing against the people’s will. If the CPI(M)-led Government is solemn about industrialising Bengal, they should take into consideration the will of the local populance. It would be better to revive old industries than haphazardly start new ones.
KA Solaman

The value

The value

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a Rs100 note. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this Rs 100 note?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the note up.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"
Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.
He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth Rs 100.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special - Don't ever forget it!

Veliyam's flip

It was K R Gouri Amma who once said the CPI State secretary of Kerala Mr Veliyam Bhargavan sans sense. And it has been virtually proved with latter’s latest comment on SEZ in Kerala. Veliyam Bhargavan somersaulted that SEZs were good for the State, after stating that Kerala would witness riots if efforts were made to set up SEZs.
The inconsistency in the words of Veliyam is not first of its kind. Sometimes people of Kerala think Veliyam and Coterie are good for the State and at the next moment they are compelled to think in the reverse.

A similar stance one could see in the Munnar demolition episode. When Achuthanadan’s brave cats demolished the buildings of land encroachers Veliyam and his group welcomed it. Nevertheless when the cats turned to Tata, Veliyam went red face. Tata was the highest donor for the ‘Janayugom’ re-release! And now the only hope in Veliyam’s party is Kaanam Rajendran who adopted a stand that SEZs were unacceptable. One could not say when Kaanam would start to think in tune with Veliyam.

Interestingly the CPI’s inconsistency in word and deed has been pooh-poohed by CPI(M)'s Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem. He said, "Veliyam’s speech does not have anything to do with the Government's decision on the matter." Does it mean that political speech is a non-sense talk? Hasn’t the CPI anything to do with the Government? All right thinking people should see that the present advocates of SEZ in Kerala are not going to bring any development or employment to the State. Their main motto is to sell land owned by either Government or private parties and thereby to earn a good buck.
It is time in Kerala to intensify struggle against the SEZs.


K A Solaman

Power minister threatens people.

Power minister threatens people.

Kerala Power Minister AK Balan once again threatens people saying that more controls on power supply would have to be imposed in the case of shortfall in the northeastern monsoon rains. For quite long the people of Kerala are being threatened by rulers about power crisis. Still they do not find any way out for the crisis. What on the earth prevents the power minister to divide the board into four companies?

The reason for power failure in the state is often curious. Most of the time it is the shortage of water in the reservoirs to generate power. And when there is no scarcity of water, the generators are under repair! The State is boasting for its IT development. Could this happen without power? The only business that multiplies in the State is Inverter manufacture and this in turn makes the plan of power cut pointless. And there is no concrete effort to minimize the distribution loss. Does the ‘different Balan’ have any statistics regarding distribution loss other the shortage of water in the reservoirs?

When it is very early to make a forecast on the rain availability during Thula Varsham, Balan started crying. Kerala doesn’t need minister to threat the people about power failure.

K A Solaman

The Brave CM of Kerala

The Chief Minster of Kerala is seen with a busy schedule in Munnar visiting buildings demolished by the special team and moving to places where government lands were occupied by private parties and inspecting buildings to which stop memo was issued by the Revenue Department. He has shown special interest in visiting the government land occupied by Tata, Harrisons Malayalam Plantation, Gloria Estate and the properties that were constructed on government land occupied by some other individuals. The very warning is that is he is in no mood to compromise with the reformists in his party and also those in the LDF who hold umbrellas for the encroachers. It is also commendable to hear from the CM that he keeps a scrap of love in his heart to those honest officers like Rishiraj Singh who accomplished their duty with the utmost satisfaction of the people of Kerala.
It is to be recalled that VS had once faced a violent opposition from Left partners and even an ultimatum from his own party demanding their removal of his earlier ‘cats”in Munnar. However, it is heartening to see that he still stands on his ground. The people of Kerala are firmly behind the CM. The encroachers should be severely dealt with.

K A Solaman

But India does love Bush!

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s comment that the people of India deeply love US President George W Bush was nothing but a clever piece of diplomacy. After all India does earn billions of dollars in foreign exchange reserves from the US. The Prime Minister recognises this and his statement is a reflection of growing India-US strategic ties. We should not read too much into the issue.
KA Solaman

There was protocol violation

It is to be asserted that there was protocol violation in receiving India’s Honorable Defence Minister A K Antony on Kottayam on 27 September 2008. The minister who is saluted by all the three military chiefs in India is humiliated by deputing only an Assistant Sub-Inspector for receiving him. The Collector and other top district officials were busy ignoring Antony and hence they are punishable under law for the sheer negligence. Perhaps the Defence Minister, because of his nature, may not react to this incident; nevertheless, it is an eye-opener to all those ruling politicians in the state. If not plucked in the bud they will also meet with the same misfortune in future. Political rivalry should not reflect in official functions. The purpose of inviting the Defence Minister for a function was to enable him to respond to the feelings and sentiments of the delegates and in that respect the state government has shown insolence to the NCC and the entire Indian Military.

In fact there was inadequacy in observing protocol while extending the invitation to the Defence Minister. A military probe can also be initiated in the issue.

K A Solaman

Victims of tsunami forgotten

Hundreds of people, most of them from Alappuzha’s coastal belt, line up everyday before the Alappuzha Collectorate for what they say is a genuine right. These people are the victims of the tsunami-hit areas of the coastal belt who were denied state assistance. The Marxist-led State Government has hoodwinked them by rerouting the amount sanctioned by the Central Government. As part of their agitation hundreds sit in front of the Alappuzha civil station from early morning.

The people of the coastal belt have been on the warpath for the last one year. Nevertheless, the ruling Left Front Government is fooling these people with false promises. The latter should immediately issue adequate compensation to them. Since the fishermen and their families are taking part in the agitation every day, their children are denied the chance to go to school. As the matter is one of human rights, if the Government is unwilling to settle the issue, the Human Rights Commission should take it up.
KA Solaman
Alappuzha

Weil's disease in Alappuzha

Just two years after the death dance of Chikungunea it is now Weil's disease playing its roulette game in Alappuzha. Any one may be hit any time but none cares.
Four persons died due to Weil's disease in the last three days, creating panic in Cherthala, Kuttanad, Harippad and Kayamkulam regions of Alappuzha district. The total number of people dead of Weil's in Alappuzha district this year has rose to 18. Figures available with the Health Department say that Alappuzha alone has so far witnessed 1136 Weil's cases and this had led to the death of 76 persons.

Lack of rat eradication actions and pitilessness of the Health and Agriculture departments are the reasons for the spread of the disease through the water-bound areas. From Medical Entrance test to medical care the Alappuzha district is the most neglected place. Doctors from this area are scarce to meet the medical requirement of the people. What the people could relish in Alappuzha is the selling of poor quality vegetables under the title ‘organic vegetable’ through public distribution systems- an Isaacean way to siphon out money from state exchequer and thereby enhance minister’s hold in his constituency. There is no novel step from any side to save the people from misery.
Though, the officials in the Medical Department claim that regular works for eradication of rats in all regions have been going on without any problem people notice no such activities. Perhaps the work may be in papers and the present day crafty officials are capable of producing any account. Strict monitoring measures should only bring forth the desired result; nevertheless there is no mechanism for it.

The Weil's disease threat is now a complicated situation in Alappuzha district and hence government should take serious step to contain the disease. All government machinery should be asked to take part in eradicating the dreadful disease. Voluntary Health workers can also do a lot in this direction and it is duty of the government to encourage them.

K A Solaman

What prevents the division of KSEB into companies?

Heated debates are there regarding the division of Kerala State Electreicty Board into three or four companies. The Power Minister and the Chief Minister are deadly against the splitting of the board. This approach is rather aimed at political objectives than any advantage to common people. The entire consumers of the state and even the High Court keep displeasure at the manner in which the Kerala State Electricity Board is distributing and supplying electricity. People are faced with power shutdown in their locality several times a day and hence they lost the patience of reporting the same to Board authorities. It is to be asserted that the service of the Board is far from satisfactory and is rather dangerous to human life. The latest episode in Kadakkarappally ward number I, Cherthala, where a woman was charred to death only because of the insensitivity of the Board men is a pointer.

The board and its workers need to apply their mind in this regard to improve the distribution and supply of electricity or atleast to make it safer that what it is. What on the earth urges them to take protest against Central Government directives to divide the Board into one or two companies? It is a pity that officers and employees of the Board are not complying strictly with the electricity Act and Rules. They only care distribution system when there is natural calamity. And at other times they simply waste time under the presumption that electricity will automatically flow from high potential to low potential where no attention from the board employee is needed. A random check of the transformers should reveal that fuses were missing in many of them and electricity connection had been made directly which could be very dangerous to human life and property. The stay wires are tied without insulator couplings.

The Board could become profitable and a financially viable organization if managed properly. But undue influence of politics has turned it into Aegean shack. The board has taken no sincere measures to check the hefty revenue loss to it by way of electricity thefts. There are private business establishments having the strong patronage of political leaders belonging to both ruling and opposition parties to cheat KSEB to make it a loser. Until and until measures are taken, the KSEB will not survive from its present disarray. The division into companies is of course a panacea for the ailing Board.

Preserve communal harmony

It seems that attacks on Christians have become the order of the day. The atrocities carried out by Hindu fundamentalists against the Christian community in Orissa is a direct blow to our national unity and secular credentials. In Orissa hundreds of Christians have been chased away and many have been killed or are missing because of the violence. The situation in Karnataka is not different. On July 13, Hindu fundamentalists disrupted a morning prayer service at the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Davangere district and attacked the believers who were present. On July 20, another church in the same district was targeted. In both these States the police was completely inept in tackling the situation. The Union and State Governments should be more vigilant and deal firmly to curb this violence. There should be a concerted effort to create a cordial atmosphere wherein minority community members do not feel threatened.
KA Solaman

Attack on Christians.

In India attack on Christians and Christian establishments has become an order of the day. One could remember only with deep anxiety and shock the recent news coming out from Orissa. The atrocities carried out by Hindu fundamentalist outfits; against Christian community and their Missionaries in Orissa is a threat to our national unity and shame for our secular credentials. In Orissa alone, hundreds of Christians have been chased out of their homes and ransacked. Many were dead and many are missing. Nevertheless attack against the Christian community runs uncontrolled.

The situation in Karnataka is not different. On July 13, Hindu militants disrupted a morning worship service at the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Davangere district and beat believers present. The militants also destroyed Bibles and song books in the attack.
On July 20, another church in the same district, the Gypsy Prayer Hall, was attacked by a group of Hindu militants. The sort of incidents had been replicated in other places in the months of August and September.

In both states the police force were seen inept in tackling serious situations. The State and the Central Governments should be more vigilant here in after to deal with communal riots. Governments should to hold inter-religious meetings for promoting communal harmony and peace. There should be concerted efforts to promote a cordial and secure atmosphere in the violence–hit state so that people from minority communities could live without fear or anxiety. Above all there should be strict police vigilance at all sensitive places and those resorting to unlawful acts should be brought to book immediately.
The central and state government should contain all unfortunate attacks against the Christian community and also use the police force to spoil any other such incidents from happening, in the future. All secular and democratic forces of the country should express their solidarity against the attempts by divisive outfits that are organizing their long-held agenda of communal hate and religious fundamentalism. All people should stand for a united India, in which all communities could live along each other in total trust and harmony.
K A Solaman

Indian Financial Market

Indian financial market is in confusion for quite long. The initial euphoria shown by the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister in soothing investors during chaos in the beginning of the year lasted only for days. All investors have burned their fingers and they are left with none to console. The PM and FM are busy dealing with global phenomena sending the investors in lurch. The investors have now made up their mind to face an even larger crisis.

The Indian stock market has fallen sharply and sees no ways for a return. The ICICI bank is the worst hit as its UK unit registered heavy loss by the fall of Lehman Brothers. This setback of ICICI Bank was imminent as they opt unethical practices and torture methods to take out the loans they given to borrowers. Many court orders are pointers in this regard. The average investors should be more vigilant about stock market hereafter and never be flattered by the hollow words of Indian Financial Managers.

K A Solaman

Existing law good enough

Existing law good enough

BJP prime ministerial candidate LK Adavani’s stance on POTA is unacceptable. Though POTA might be useful in keeping many miscreants in custody, it will not provide a viable solution for ending terrorism. Instead it will be misused by those in power to settle scores with their political opponents. Existing laws are sufficient to combat terrorism in the country. The problem is that these laws are never strictly adhered to. The law enforcement agencies should show the courage to book anti-national elements in spite of their political affiliations. Also, political parties need to unite on this issue and not play politics for selfish gains.
KA Solaman

Anti-terror action
Sir,
BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Adavani’s stance on POTA is unacceptable. Though POTA is useful in keeping many miscreants under custody it would not provide a way out for ending terrorism. Instead it would be advantageously used by the ruling front to settle scores with political opponents. Existing laws are sufficient to combat terrorism in the country; nevertheless the law enforcing agencies never adhere to them strictly. The roots of terrorists can be found only with the support of the locals. The intelligence agencies should keep a bird’s eye at all nook and corners of the country. The ruling politicians should show the courage to book criminals irrespective of their political propensity.

To make anti-terror action a success, all politicians should prove themselves that they are not in one way or other related with terrorism-whether it is Hindu terrorism or Islamic terrorism.

Church-Baby new fight.

Church-Baby new fight.
Sir,
It is ironical that a person who had benefited much from an establishment often turns more hostile to the establishment. This I say because in the institution where I worked most of my time occurrence was of that sort. There were two categories of staff members-one group recruited on merit and the other on communal reservation or with special interest of the managing council members. The latter group was seen more inimical to the management at the fag end of their service.

The same story runs between Kerala Education Minister MA baby and his mentor the Kerala Catholic Church. Baby was once Altar boy and supposed to be a believer of the church. For personal gain or otherwise he abandoned church, became a communist and then a minister- a minister of controversy. He is seen most hostile to catholic church and the entire education system in the state is in shamble with his wickedness.

Recently Baby accused the clergy of setting eyes on profit in the education sector.
He said some Christian missionaries were seeing the education sector as a business which could help them make good profit on the capital they invested. Baby’s comment out rightly is obnoxious and unbecoming of a minister who bombasts for secular credentials. The money, if any, collected by church from rich persons for admitting their children without adequate standard are again invested for establishing more educational institutions and there by enabling more poor children to study. The Church spends no money for setting up amusement parks or star hotels. Why baby’s party with earnings in tune with that of a multinational company is not able to found an educational institution of repute? Why are sons and daughters party cadres not provided with opportunity that is available only for party top brasses?

No doubt, priests could claim more than any political leader in the state about enhancement of human values and the uplift of the poor.

K A Solaman

Yet another TV channel for Kerala

Yet another TV channel for Kerala
Sir,
After the CPI(M) owned Kairali, People and We channels and the Congress party owned Jai Hind TV, it is now the turn of the State unit of the Nationalist Communist Party (NCP) to launch a satellite television channel. On one aspect the prospects of this Janapriya Communications channel cannot be ruled out as Malayalees are ready to bear the burden of all. Not only that. The NCP State president K Muraleedharan is ignored by all channels and tried to portray him as a buffoon. And hence it is impending for them to start one. Truly channels in Kerala are selling matters of their perception and show little obligation to general public. For instance the Chengara agitation is not a matter of serious deliberation for any channel as it is carried out by ‘lesser people’ of the state.

However when one starts a new channel there are some significant question to be reckoned with. Firstly Indian Television has really past its prime. All have become more money oriented and they flash more advertisements than contents in their programmes. The majority programmes are film shots and due to high repetition the viewers are disgusted with them. Most often duration of ads is much longer than the content shown in the programme and there is no check about the vulgarity of the contents. How could a channel air an ad where a man makes an intercourse with a passerby woman just because of the scent of the cream he uses? Again news channels have become the investigating agencies and they play the role of judiciary. There is no control on the news reporters whose wrong coverage brings confusion and misery for innocent people.

There are programmes by TV channels to woo youngsters and for that they occupy colleges, of course with permission, and disturb classes for several days. The channel friendly principals having little academic commitment are ready to hire colleges for several days. If one channel steals two days for their programme in a college, how many days would be lost by entertaining all other channels? For many heads of the institutions NAAC accreditation criteria lie in extracurricular activities and not in academic actions. A student after very hard work securing a First Rank in University examination is a lesser human before a girl acted in an awful TV episode.
Realism is far gone away from today's television and most of their items are of no substance. Muraleedharan’s channel will not make any significant impact other than added disturbance in Kerala psyche.

K A Solaman

SEZ is not inevitable in Kerala

SEZ is not inevitable in Kerala
Sir,
The CPI of Kerala occasionally speaks for people. This is evident from their latest findings that SEZ is not essential for Kerala’s economic growth. The three-member committee appointed by the CPI studied the issue of sanctioning Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the State and has found that SEZs are not inevitable for industrial growth and development of Kerala. The finding is a death blow to SEZ savvy Industry Minister of Kerala Elamaram Kareem. Unaware or not of SEZ Kareem often speaks of SEZs in Kerala with special rules. Rules relating SEZ in India are not applicable to Kerala SEZs according to Minister’s rhetoric.

Kerala is a densely populated state and any decision to establish SEZ affecting people’s habitat is quite detrimental. Main aim behind the introduction SEZ in Kerala is Real Estate business hence it not inevitable for the State's growth. It is heartening to see that CPI stand as a corrective force against the wrong policies of corporate wizards in the official group of CPM in the state.

Mohanlal enters stock broking market

Mohanlal enters stock broking market
Sir,
It is stupendous to hear that Malayalam movie star Mohanlal is entering the stock market. He inaugurated his Hedge Equities office in Kochi for stock broking. After his successful venture in film production and distribution, hotels, and curry powder manufacturing, he is entering stock market where any amount can be transacted with in a second. Possibly his next venture will be in politics where the turn out is a bit more. Nevertheless his comment on Malayalees psyche that they are unwilling to become players in the stock market is not very correct.

Malayalees are not rich as their north Indian counterparts. The banks like Punjab National Bank with head quarters in north India are able to swallow almost all banks in south India like the Federal, South Indian and Dhanalekshmi. A single Marwaadi from central India is able upset all the trading of Malayalee business men in the stock market. Besides, the literate Keralites know how to keep safe their hard earned money. Still some of them lost money by investing in goat, manchiyam, and some Kerala companies. Mohanlal himself siphoned out Malayalees’ money with an aqua company under his directorship. Investors in Kerala never wish to memorize those unpleasant stories of disgrace. None other than the hapless investors concerned about the poor show of the aqua companies in Kerala. When the promoters of these companies, including Mohanlal, lead a prosperous life, the unfortunate investors of prawn companies were left in the lurch.

So, Mohanlal’s intention to attract more and more investors from Kerala into the stock market will not work. The common people will manage with Kuries of KSFE like cos. with limited but not uncertain returns. What Keralites expect from Moahanlal is good films and not money by investing in stock market through his broking company.

K A Solaman