The way ends in a door !

Sita caught in Love Jihad!

Nayanatara

Diana Mariam Kurian








Love Jihad is not a phenomenon among Muslim friends. It is rampant among Hiindu brothers also. Top southern actress Nayanthara’s conversion from Christianity to Hinduism to marry her actor-director friend Prabhu Deva who divorced his Muslim wife Ramlet and abandoned two children is in this direction. The Arya Samaj,Chennai has done the job of rendering Gayathri Mantra and “Shudhi Kalasa” enabling Nayan to become the modern ‘Sita’.
Nevertheless, Ms Diana Mariam Kurian has no problem of Shudhi Karma or Gayathri rites if she ,in future, would like to return to her original religion where there is only a custom of spraying overhead one or two drops of holy water. And it is necessary only if she carry with her the certificate issued by Arya Samaj.
Unlike a few play back singers in Malayalam who pray in Parumala church and then do ‘homam’ in Sabarimala, it is better to embrace only one religion.

K A Solaman

Devaprasanam at Sree Padmanabha temple

It is very good to know the will of the reining deity of Sree Padmanabha temple by devaprasanam about stock taking of temple cellars. Besides it is highly significant to know whether deity is in favour of investigation so far done in the cellars. The followers of Sree Padmananabhan are eager to know the future disaster, if any that may likely to occur with the opening of the mysterious and the most valued B cellar. However, this devaprasanam should not end like one conducted in Sabarimalla years back by Unnikrishna Panicker who then saw in the prasanam that one woman had touched the deity. Later it was proved to be wrong.

Obviously, whether the expert panel constituted to evaluate the temple asset would stop their work on an adverse outcome of devaprasanam, is a curious question.


K A Solaman

‘ PM’ in Kerala CM's chair

It is a clear evidence of the poor security system in the Kerala Secretariat in general and CM’s office in particular that a stranger entered the chamber of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and even managed to sit in his chair for some time before he was taken into custody. The man was mentally challenged, according to the police. The whole episode is a serious security lapse nevertheless the stance of CM not to blame the police seems interesting.

It is high time to impose strict restrictions on the visitors to secretariat and no one should be admitted without proper identification documents. Those who are responsible for the present security lapse should be immediately replaced by honest officers.

K A Solaman

Right to Service Act to be applied to Universities also

This year’s Independence Day, is an auspicious occasion not because it is the usual August 15 but it is the day for states like Punjab, Bihar, Kerala etc to implement the Right to Service Act. With this Act government officials who do not perform common man’s jobs within a stipulated timeframe will face a fine that can go up to Rs.5000. With the implementation of the Right to Service Act, people will no longer have to run around government offices to get their work done, it is learnt. The officials who do not do common the man’s work within a stipulated timeframe should be punished.

This move to hasten the delivery of services should not be restricted only in government offices but to be extended to corporations, boards, colleges and universities etc where salary is paid from government coffers. For instance, I have to point out that in establishments like Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, it takes a year or more for approving the posts of assistant professors duly recruited by statutory boards constituted by affiliated colleges for the purpose. The candidate and his/her parents have to run pillar to post to get the post approved by the University Syndicate. The Syndicate is often ruled by some academics with political sponsorship and those privileged ones with political backing get their jobs done by the Syndicate immediately. And those with no political support have to go finally to judicial forums for get the job done. The cases lost by the University and now pending in the High Court are indications of the callous act of the University Syndicate. There is none to pin down the corrupt officials and one hopes that the Right to Service Act possesses adequate teeth to contain the corrupt. And in that case amount of fine should be enhanced from Rs 5000 along with sending the corrupt officials to prison.

I hope the Right to Service Act would be a big relief to people who run from pillar to post and are forced to pay bribes to get their work done in government offices.

K A Solaman
Deccan Chronicle published on 8 Aug 2011

Godse was not RSS activist.

It is history that Nathuram Vinayak Godse from the city of Pune, was the assassin of Mohandas Gandhi. Along with his brother Gopal Godse and six other co-conspirators, he executed a plot to assassinate Gandhi. Godse was an activist with the Hindu Mahasabha and there is no evidence available for the popularized claim that he was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist. Godse et al were particularly opposed to the separatist politics of the All India Muslim League.

The Hindu Mahasabha in which Godse was a member, was vilified and alleging connection with it the RSS was temporarily banned. However, investigators could find no evidence that the RSS bureaucracy had formally sponsored or even knew of Godse's plot. The RSS ban was lifted by Prime Minister Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1949. The RSS to this day denies any connection with Godse, and disputes the claim that he was a member.

So, in this connection what the former Supreme Court judge Justice KT Thomas said about RSS is correct. Nevertheless, Thomas keeps the habit of indulging in controversies that one never espects from a retired Supreme Court judge. There is no need, at present, to praise the RSS by invoking a controversial subject like Gandhi assassination as it would not yield any new result. Kerala State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala protesting the statement of Thomas is only a political gesture to show that he is a true Gandhian and a pure secularist. When Chennithala asks Thomas to provide proof for his statement in favour of RSS he can also provide proof for Gandhi assassination by the RSS.

Modern Gandhians are to speak only and not to act.

K A Solaman

Treasure hunt

The secured asset of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple has become insecure with the opening-up of the vaults. It would be difficult for the government of Kerala to protect this treasure. Two teams of armed police personnel were deployed to provide security. It is natural that the wealth would attract covetous eyes. The Supreme Court should decide the matter of the wealth’s ownership and guardianship really fast. It is unwise of the Kerala government to beef up security inside the temple by spending heavily from the state exchequer. The Supreme Court, which had ordained the assessment of the treasure, should give orders for its protection keeping in mind the interests of the people. The wealth would be well utilized if it is used for the development of the country.

K.A. Solaman,

Parting shot

Rubber growers in the eastern belt in Kerala lead a comfortable life. Even a small farmer with ten rubber trees earns a good amount of money. On the other hand, coconut growers, coir workers and fishermen are leading miserable lives. Any threat to rubber growers hurts the government more than the Opposition.

However, the decision by the Centre to import 40,000 tonnes of rubber is likely to bring down prices. The move will benefit common people as rubber tyres are in great demand all over the state. The government should contemplate steps to stop the exploitation by tyre companies.

K.A. Solaman
The Telegrpah, Kolkatta 25 July 2011

Idle talk

The recent visit of the Pakistani foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, may go a long way in reducing the ‘trust deficit’ between India and Pakistan. The 37-year-old Khar, who is also a mother of two, won the hearts of all Indians with her charm and beauty. This easing of tensions could indeed help build a “relationship of mutually beneficial cooperation in conformity with the determination of the people of both countries to see an end to terrorism and violence”.

However, the prime minister, Manmohan Singh, must be careful so as not to be sidetracked from arriving at vital decisions concerning Indo-Pak relations. Talks between the two countries, although full of expressions of goodwill, cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely.
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Telegraph, Kolkata Aug 2, 2011

Morality haunts Kerala CPM

It is the time of heavy downpour of sex scandals in the Kerala CPM. The Ernakulam district secretary of the party Gopi Kottamurikkal has been removed from the party in the name of iniquity to women. And it was on July 3 the party had expelled former Kannur district secretary for sexual harassment against women. In Kerala sex has become a hot subject among party bigwigs. The chairman of both committees constituted to enquire about the sex scandal is LDF Convener Vaikom Viswan. And if this trend prolongs Viswan would get little time to do his job as LDF convener and the Central Committee member of the party.

Interestingly the enquiry committee of the three constituted for the purpose often contains a woman member. Last time it was P K Sreemathy, however she relinquished her assignment and now it is M C Josephine’s turn. Whether Josephine would complete this job or not is a pertinent question because questions that are to be placed before the culprits are often nasty and no respectable woman could proceed asking such questions.

And for one thing Kerala CPM is far better than the ruling Congress party. The Congress leaders in Kerala are seen wonder-stricken not at the acts of Kottamurikkal or Sasi but the ways in which CPM is inquiring the matter. In Congress sexual abuse is an added attraction for a leader and such a leader often becomes a Governor or a cabinet minister.

The once staunch supporter of Achuthanandan, abruptly turning as the Pinrayi adherent is the root cause of the entire episode.

K A Solaman

Temple treasure evaluation

It is actually a tough job for the Supreme Court-recommended five-member expert committee to assess the treasures that found recently in secret cellars of the famous Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram .

First of all they have to identify all gold and diamond ornaments and weigh them accurately to find its present value because activists like Sukumar Azhikode admit only its material value. The Committee have to approach international appraisers to evaluate its antique value which is often a hundred or thousand times greater than the material value. This I say because one sword of Tippu Sultan which was in possession by else who, was purchased for India by liquor baron Vijay Mallya by giving up a good fortune he amassed by making thousands of boozers inside the country.
The second matter is manual work and time needed for lifting and weighing the ornaments. If Kerala workers are asked to do this job it will end up nowhere. And if other state-workers are employed a huge sum should be paid as nokkukooli for Kerala trade union members.

Once the panel has declared the antique value for the articles chances for bidding them at higher price cannot be ruled out. The videographing and photographing of the articles would also cost much. The documentation agency should also claim a bit. And where this assessment ends up is no man’s guess.

K A Solaman
Published. The Deccan Chronicle on 2-8-2011

Bilateral talk between India and Pakistan

Pakistan ministerial charm and the mother of three, 37 year old Hina Rabbani Khar with her visit to this country, has conquered the hearts of all Indians. Seemingly her visit would reduce the trust dearth between the two countries and build a “relationship of mutually beneficial cooperation in conformity with the determination of the people of both countries to see an end to terrorism and violence” . However, the Prime Minister of India should be on vigil to see that her Indian counter parts should not prolong the bilateral talk indefinitely because of varied reasons.

K A Solaman
Published by the New Indian Express on 30-7-2011

President’s asset

The President Smt Pratibha Patil possesses only an asset in tune with rupees two crore and forty Nine lakh. This includes her house and land worth rupees 63 lakh and gold ornament of 1750gram. One could say only that this asset is too little. Malayalam cinema super stars Mammootty or Mohanlal, now in public eye due to Income Tax Department raid on their houses, could make more than President’s total asset by acting in a single film cornering a 13 year old girl!

K A Solaman

Murickan is not harmful as Mathamillatha Jeevan.

For quite long textbook row is ritual for political parties in Kerala. The former LDF government in Kerala had seen frequent protests by religious organizations and the UDF demanding withdrawal lessons like “ Matha millatha jeevanj( Jeevan without religion)” in school textbooks. Now it is the turn of comrades to demand deletion of portions causing distress to them. The whole episode resembles: history repeats first as a tragedy then as a comedy.

The Kerala comrades have started studying text books when UDF came into power and by this time they have finished reading up to standard six of the ICSE syllabus. When they started reading standard seven they have come across a serious mistake and found that a particular portion about land lord and farmer “ Murickan” is a distortion of history ridiculing the revolutionary land reforms movement initiated by the first communist government.

Interestingly the chapter titled Murickan was prepared by journalist TJS George, nevertheless, the comrades show no grudge to George because he is often the orator in many functions of party outfits like DYFI and SFI. Actually George’s claim about Murickan’s role in the reclamation of the Kuttanad farmlands was based on historical facts but comrades are not ready to admit it.

Any way the lesson is an opportunity for Amul bread ICSE students to hear about Rani, Chithira, Marthandam and EMS and it is not harmful as Mathmillatha jeevan.

K A Solaman, The Deccan Chronicle published on 28-7-11

Azhikode puts chilly on burns!

For quite long writer-orator Sukumar Azhikode was in war of words with super star Mohanlal for selling the recognition and popularity that the latter enjoyed. Azhikode was against Mohanlal appearing in ads for jewellery shop and liquor brand. However Azikode was conspicuously not against Mammootty though latter performs the same job as Moahanlal.
With the raid by the IT department in Mohanlal’s houses and business establishment Azhikode said he is happy in seeing cine actors along with tax evaders and corrupts. He asked the Govt of India to withdraw the Lieutenant colonel ship awarded to Lal by the Indian Army. Azhikode, thus proved that he knows not only to write and speak but how to put chilli on burns.

K A Solaman, Published Deccan Chronicle n 29-7-2011

Dead rats in State coffers!

The decision of the Kerala UDF Ministry to withdraw the Thuglakkian model retirement unification scheme by the erstwhile LDF Ministry, is in the right direction. Pension unification was one of the worst decisions of the previous ministry by which the Finance Minister had performed some dubious deals to hold back the State’s development. It is unwise and undesirable to permit 55 plus men to serve in the government departments when many young well educated people are wandering pillar to post to get a job. There are many occupations, for those old men now working in government services because of unification, to perform including work guarantee schemes if they desire. They can also seek a fortune in politics where eighty plus men are earning adequately. The money spent as salary to those after fifty five should be taken back with retrospective effect.

“Flood after me” was the thought of former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and that was why he made empty the State coffers. When K M Mani, the present Finance Minister examined the Government cellar there is only empty beer bottles, fish skeleton and dead rats!

K A Solaman

Red tape biting in M G University, Kottayamമഹാത്മാഗാന്ധി സര്‍വകലാശാല

The Mahatma Gandhi University has erected bureaucratic hurdles against certain affiliated colleges by denying the approval for the post of teachers appointed in colleges under it. For instance, the approval all teachers appointed in St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam in last September is still under red tape in MGU. Is there any time limit for disposing a file in MG University?

The reason for denying approval of the post one candidate is obviously curious that according to University she is under aged. At the time of appointment, her age was below 23 (of course above 22) and as per University statutes the minimum age required is 18. The University denied the approval stating that the College which made appointment in 2009, has not complied with University statute amendment in 2010. How could an affiliated college or any other appointing authority make appointment anticipating the contents of future orders of the university? The University order issued in 2010 stipulates minimum age limit for appointment in affiliated colleges as 23 and the order has retrospective effect from 2006 according to University. This inquisitive order was issued by the University when the Government stipulates minimum age as 22 for appointment in Government colleges.

The action of the University has been a most frustrating experience for the candidate as she joined the college after giving up her CSIR fellowship and one year research work. The University modifying the requirements for approval of the post of teachers with an order that originated quite later is questionable and it would not stand before judicial review.

If our Universities are centres of discontent and red-tapism MGU is another one. This leads to academic excellence falling prey to fake administrative norms. And this sort of negative attitude will only discourage young intelligent individuals not to choose the post of teachers in affiliated colleges. I wonder why the MG University has made an unfounded order about minimum age of appointment with retrospective effect. The ludicrous amendment instituted by the MGU has created unnecessary pressure on a gifted girl, with first ranks in degree and PG and also with JRF and Gate score.

K A Solaman

Opposition wooing rubber farmers

I wonder about the sudden love of the Opposition party in Kerala towards rubber farmers of the state. They need tyre prices to remain high. It is all politics because except Suresh Kurup of Kottayam none from Opposition represent the rubber growers
Rubber growers in the eastern belt of Kerala lead a comfy life because of the income from their produce. Even a small farmer with ten rubber trees can earn a good buck and they elevate the prices of essential commodities. On the other hand the coconut growers of the state and the coir worke rs of the coastal belt are leading a miserable life. The day to day affairs of the fisher men are miserable.
It is really the head-ache of Chandy, Mani et al, to keep the rubber prize high and any threat to rubber growers hurts them more than the Left comrades. The decision of the Central Government to import 40,000 tonnes would bring down the rubber price and also the tyre prize. Eventually it is beneficial to more people as tyre even it is that of a bicycle, is used by more people. The so-called big blow to rubber farmers is a helping hand to vast section of the people. The Government should contemplate to restrict the exploitation of tyre companies.

K A Solaman

The death of T.P. Sunderarajan

The death of T.P. Sunderarajan, who approached the apex court requesting a stock taking of the gold and jewels stored in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, really pains everyone who is anxious about the recent affairs of the temple. I believe the retired I P S officer is a man of valour and believes in no false notion. He sought a judgment of the assets that remained unscathed for several years and that likely to be mismanaged by someone associated with the temple.

Though he was died of fever, chance for origin of new stories relating his death cannot be ruled out. I say this because some people still believe there would come heavy downpour, storm and flood of snakes if B cellar of the temple is opened.

May Sunderarajan’ s soul rest in peace.

K A Solaman

UPA’s tall talk -The Pioneer Daily

On November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks in Mumbai killed 164 people and left many injured. Again, serial explosions that ripped through the city on July 13 have left at least 18 people dead and many injured. In 2008 the attacks were carried out by Pakistani terrorists sent into Mumbau by the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba with the active support and help of the ISI. The perpetrators of the latest terror attack are yet to be identified. Of course, it reflects poorly on our intelligence network, notwithstanding the Home Minister’s blatant refusal to accept it.

It is high time the Government faced the reality and banned all communal outfits in the country. It must also revamp security and intelligence agencies in order to make sure that such attacks never happen again. The Government’s tall talk of having improved the internal security apparatus and put in place a stronger intelligence system in the post-26/11 scenario stands exposed.

KA Solaman
Kerala

Is deity a living organism?

The Kerala government, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple management and heirs of the Martanda Varma Travancore royal family have agreed before the Supreme Court that the unmatched wealth unearthed at the temple belonged to the deity and no one else can lay claim on it. This statement of the trio seems quite incomprehensible. Who is a deity? Is it a living organism like a man, or an animal? Is it capable for talking, demanding, writing and protesting? Can it sign a transfer document at any of the law houses? Can it appear before the Supreme Court to explain its position? The State Government, the temple management and the Royal family are trying to hoodwink even the Supreme Court. They need to keep all wealth under custody for ever and to remain unaccountable for any subsequent loss of this wealth.
The whole wealth belongs to the Government of India and Kerala and its prudent use demands suggestions from the Apex court. Strict guidelines are needed for the safe-keeping of the treasure. The items that demand antique values should be kept in the temple’s museum in strong vault and others should be converted into liquid cash. And this must be utilised for the progress of the country, for instance starting more medical colleges in Kerala.
The demand of some communal outfits having no direct link with the temple and temple asset until the middle of 20th century should be ignored. It is also unwise to spend huge sum for protecting the asset in temple coffers as we have sufficient number of bank lockers to keep the gold. The coffers of the temple are no longer safe at a time of explosions and shoot outs.
K A Solaman

Mumbai serial blasts.

Mumbai is again under terrorist threat. Explosions at four places killing at least 17 persons and injuring about 81 persons are shocking It was in November 26, 2008 Wednesday terrorist attack in Mumbai killed 100 people and injured many. It is indicative of the inefficacy of the country’s intelligence network. It was then Deccan Mujahideen behind the attacks and those terrorist behind present serial blasts are yet to be identified.

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 dramatic improvement in order to make sure such attacks never happen again. These explosions also indicate that the efficacy of our intelligence system has not improved much from that in 2008.
K A Solaman.

Utilise temple treasure for State's development.

It is unwise to argue that the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple treasure should be kept idle for years. The huge treasure belongs to all people of the country and not to any Raja, Temple or Hindus. The present day Christians and Muslims have an ancestral history related to Indian Hindus and hence the argument that the whole treasure belongs to Hindus is a non-sense.

By seeing the huge treasure in the temple cellars some have started praising the kings of erstwhile State of Travancore saying that they were magnanimous and great. A reasonable man could not swallow these hollow words because those kings were also human beings with virtues and wickedness like present day ministers. Perhaps this wickedness might have urged them to hide the wealth in the temple cellars of Sri Padmanabhan instead of utilising it for people’s development. And if the Governments of Kerala or India decide to keep the temple’s wealth idle it would finally fall into the hands of thieves. So, it is better to set up a trust to handle this wealth and it should be utilised partly for making a profit and partly for the growth of all people of the state.


K A Solaman

Begging for all the seven days!

Kerala Finanace Minister K M Mani , with his corrective Budget, in the history Kerala, announced to introduce daily draw for Kerala lottery. This act rather sounds that he has determined to make people capable for begging all the seven days. For those people with no health problem begging with lottery for all the days of the week, K M Mani will be the new saviour of the home.

And it is a farce to blame the budget saying that it is a pro Kottayam-Malappuram budget because former Finance mInister T M Thomas Isaac, with his trickeries like Vazhuthanlsavam, Malsyolsavam, Ayurfest, Meals with 101 curries, Vanitha Chenda melam etc, in Alappuzha made a substantial loss to the state coffers and that is what Mani is also doing. And all these for vote bank politics.

Further it is in poor light to say Mani has ignored the people of the coastal area. They are now equipped with H1N1, Dengu, Chikkun Guinea and what else. In addition there is abundant supply of brawny beverages.

K A Solaman

Maran is out, who next? Deccan chronicle

Now Minister Dayanidhi Maran is out from the central cabinet. The special suit in Thihar prison is ready for him too. He can stay there with kin Raja, Kanimozhi and others.
The CBI alleges that Maran forced telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell Aircel stake to the Maxis group considered close to his family. This means the tentacles of corruption reaches up to Karunanidhi who is the sole custodian of vast wealth siphoned out by his sons and daughters. The people of TN have taught Karunanidhi and company a lesson in the last election. However, the real punishment has not been started. The corruption should take Karunanidhi too Thihar. It is a total luck for Karunanidhi to get a balanced and timely food in Thihar at his old-age forgetting all hullaballoo of TN politics.

More and more ministers and leaders of UPA are likely to move into Thihar when Swiss Bank accounts of unaccounted money are out.

K A Solaman
Deccan Chronicle published on 8-7-2011

Foolish arguments- The Pioneer Daily

Following the discovery of a treasure trove containing gold, diamonds and precious stones, etc, at the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple in Thiruvananthapuram, security at the shrine has become a vital concern for the State Government. However, since the treasure was assessed by an order of the Supreme Court, in my opinion, it is the apex court who should also decide how the vast amounts of valuable assets will be protected. It is unfair to expect that the State Government alone will bear the enormous burden of providing adequate security at the temple, especially since there is already controversy over the actual owner of the treasure trove.

KA Solaman
Kerala
The Pioneer, Dated 6 July 2011

Commando security for Sree Padmanabhan

A three-tier commando security has been arranged for Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple as treasure in tune with more than Rs one lakh crore was found from the temple cellars. And in one facet Sree Padmanabhan has also become one like our crorepathi ministers in the cabinet, I mean NSG protection for both. When the treasure with Sree Padmanabhan is in His shrine, the treasure of ministers is with Swiss Bank!

K A Solaman

Appointment in aided schools and colleges

I support Muslim Students Federation (MSF), favouring the appointment by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in aided schools and colleges of the State. As Federation pointed out, the criteria for appointments in the aided schools and colleges is money. Appointment in colleges by the committee established for the purpose often work in harmony with managements and that too after acceptance of management hospitality lavishly. The members of the Committee give even a dozen copies of the signed document to management for later manipulation. Lakhs of rupees are collected from candidates by managements who even speak the volumes of social equity.
However, I differ with the other point of view of the Federation that the members of the staff of the school and colleges should be given leave if elected to the Assembly of the State or local bodies. In my view, no teacher should be allowed to work with any political party and they should never be allowed to contest in the election. There are many unemployed people with dedication to serve the society. The first duty of the teacher is to teach students and not to lose time denying the right of students to learn. Most often, a teacher on leave is not substituted at the right time.
K A Solaman

Security in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The much secured asset in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has become insecure. It is a tough job for Govt. of Kerala to give security to this asset. Two platoons of armed police personnel were deployed for the security of the Temple . The temple has emerged as the richest Hindu Temple in India after the discovery of a treasure of gold, diamonds and precious stones.

These entire assets are owned by the Govt of India and it is foolish to argue the treasure is owned by one particular party. It is also unwise to take all security measures to protect this treasure by the State Government by spending heavily from state exchequer.

The treasure was assessed by an order of the Supreme Court and it is the concern of the court to arrange protection for the asset. The State Government with its limited source of income need not spend enormously for protection measures by maintaining two platoons of armed force. The treasure obtained from the temple should be used for the overall development of the country.

K A Solaman

Rs 1kg rice to all BPL card holders

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy assured that all holders of BPL cards in the State will soon provided Rs1 kg rice. And it is an extension of Rs 2 rice offered by the erstwhile LDF ministry. A sardine costs Rs 2, then why Government needs Rs 1 for a kg of rice. Why can't it be given free for BPL card holders? The two fronts - the UDF and the LDF weep for the poor. The recent street battle between SFI and the police of the State originates from the initiative of the LDF - UDF for MBBS admission of poor students in self financing private colleges.

Could one enlighten me how many poor students is available in the rank lists of medical entrance for admission to MBBS among BPL card holders? The Front in power and the Opposition should be kind enough to publish the list of eligible candidates for entry to MBBS from BPL card holders and then justify their claim. Do not try to fool all the people all the time.

K A Solaman

Kerala again to debt trap

The growth rate is reduced, the availability of Central funds and its use has decreased, revenue expenditures soared sky, financial responsibility overlooked and budgetary control has disappeared. The State of Kerala came into the trap of debt. The report of the Comtroller and Auditor General (CAG) reads in this line. No offices of local bodies or departments of the Government introduced the audited report and no investigation has been conducted on it. The CAG adds the provisions of the twelfth Finance Commission was not observed. Who is responsible for this pathetic situation of the State finance? Does Amartya Sen II of the erstwhile Ministry, then Minister of Finance Thomas Isaac owe any liability for this financial muddle?

The CAG could have put on the table its report two months before enabling Isaac for a channel debate with Satheesan or Mani.

K A Solaman

AMMA to form cricket team

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) realized the need to form a cricket team. AMMA President Innocent will be captain, actor Mohanlal will be the vice-captain. Thilakan, who recently joined AMMA will be former Captain and if necessary writer-orator Sukumar Azhikode will be considered as former referee and that too if Azhikode withdraws his petition against Lal.

Decision of AMMA to participate in the twenty 20 Celebrity cricket tournament proposed with the fifth edition of the IPL, April-May next year will be launched not only spoil the study schedule of all students appearing to the Board and the University examinations, but to launder black money available with them. IPL is the best way to convert black money white.

IPL curmudgeon should be banned with immediate effect.
K A Solaman

Roll back fuel price hike-The Pioneer Daily

This refers to the news report, “Diesel, LPG prices hiked” (June 25). Repeated increase in the price of LPG and kerosene shows that the Government has no concern for the poor or even the country’s middle class. The price hike has hit the common man like a bolt from the blue. In the past year alone, the Government increased the price of oil nearly 10 times.

Hence, the present hike in fuel prices will only add to the miseries of the aam aadmi who is already bearing the brunt of spiraling food inflation. That a hike in fuel prices will also have a directly proportional impact on the prices of other essential food items only makes matters worse.

KA Solaman

Kerala The Pioneer Daily dated 27 June 2011

Blood sport in Kerala streets.

Though the situation in Self Financing College scenario is not different, at present from that in month back, now only the SFI understood the need for an immediate agitation. They seem to be badly in need of blood-spattered agitation and that is one see in different places in Kerala. Young blood often craves for blood sport and hence the leaders of the Marxist Party are responsible for the present commotion. The persons responsible checking the youngsters arewatching eagerly the spoil sport. The Chief Minister Oommen Chandy too feels that the SFI leaders have forgotten the taste of lathi and grenade and hence they should be straight away made aware of the tang of lathi. The police also determined to use fiercely the gadgets with them to teach a lesson to their former little bosses.

The present commotion, in my opinion is due to the harsh attitude of the Inter Church council. They need to see more blood flowing in streets. How can one expect a wise and peaceful move from clergies who ask the faithful to procreate more and sent their children to Inter Church schools and colleges only.

May it be due to the wish for Ommen Chandy and company to please the clergies or Pinarayi Inc to teach clergies a lesson, it is students, policemen and media persons are the real losers. They are the people admitted hospital with severe injuries.
K A Solaman
Published Deccan Chronicle dated 28 June 2011

Oil price hike

The price of the LPG, which is used by all strata of people increased by Rs 50. In addition, the price of kerosene has also increased by Rs 2. Apparently, the Central Government have no concern out of the poor. Common people are in great difficulty by the rise in fuel prices.

Fuel prices are already high in India, and the current increase will serve the interests of the oil mafia. In the last year, the Government increased prices of oil 10 times. While the common man is bearing the brunt of price rise the Government now added fuel to the fire. On the increase in the price of diesel by Rs 3 a litre, it would have an effect on the prices of most products, including vegetables, cascading as they are transported by road.

Rise in the price of fuel is unacceptable and an immediate cancellation is required.

K A Solaman, The New Indian Express, published on 27 June 2011

A white paper needed for private college recruitment.

The Minister of Finance for Kerala K M Mani when he has to say about the publication of a white paper on the state of the finances of the State, I was seeking the meaning of this paper. Now only I understood that it is a report that helps to solve a problem. White papers are used to inform readers and help people make decisions and are often requested and used in the technical and political sectors.
So is the case, I request the Government to publish a white paper on recruitment of assistant professors in all Aided colleges in Kerala, where the salary is paid from the State Exchequer. I place this before the authority because the management of the NSS College invited fresh applications from candidates for the appointment in colleges under it. Previous notification to this effect was only nine months earlier and the number of candidates that they have appointed is a puzzle. Unlike other management who collect Rs 500 or 700 as application money the NSS collect a nominal fee, Rs 235 per application which is quite affordable as it is equal to the cost of only kg a star fish. Nevertheless, the most intriguing question is no candidate of other beliefs is named in NSS College, even if the money from candidates of other castes is acceptable.
The experience of the candidate who went for the interview at Perunna has an interesting story to tell. He told me that when he submitted his certificate at the desk person handling it he said “Why do you waste money by sending such applications? Appointments, like other private managements, whether Inter Church and SN Trust, are done for a price and here it is reserved for only those names ending with a tail ‘nair, pillai, menon, kurup, panicker etc,.” “ But Sir, my marks, Ranks!” the candidate asked. “ Who need them?. Yes, you came all the way from your place to here. Take the coffee and attend the interview. The world never ends in Perunna. There are a good number of colleges and a few of them are not money mongers. Best wishes”.
The candidates, their parents and the vast populace are, therefore, eager to know what is happening in these colleges. Would the government ask these Managements to publish a white paper stating the names with caste of the candidates appointed in these colleges? Of course the money they collected is a business secret, nevertheless, if they publish the actual names of the candidates, the new aspirants could take a judicious decision about where to apply and when. Could a management, as a fund collection campaign, often issue notifications for appointment without making any appointment ? I hope a white paper in this direction would tell all the details.

K A Solaman

The UDF joke

Emphasis of Governor R S Gavai in the Assembly that his government (UDF) would be a transparent and corruption-free one, for the next five years is apparently inquisitive. This is quite evident from the discordant stand of Mani, Joseph and Jacob on one side for the Inter Church Council and some Congress and League leaders standing against them. One understood only now, Joseph who shared table with previous LDF Government for more than four years, is an ardent disciple of the clergies.
As the interest of the poor is petite, the Governor’s statement that “the outlook of my government will be to devise programmes for cautious development without sacrificing the interests of the poor'', is meaningful. The development is intended for the Front leaders.

K A Solaman

Raid in Village Offices

Recent raid by Department of Vigilance in the offices of Village in Kerala reveals that most of these offices are operating with a huge sum of money as bribe. The rates are fixed for the issuance of certificates of possession, certificate of income etc. in these offices. "First come, first serve base" is unknown to the village offices, where the services are carried out in accordance with the capacity of the client spending. And the people who are willing to pay more are served first. The case is not different in Panchayat and registration offices. The registration and road tax officials, however, do not directly collect money rather their agents do the job. Clients meet often huge loss in these offices because more money is needed in meeting commission of agents too. Computerization etc. arrangements in these offices have not given any good result.

And in some cases, the Government itself persuade officers to collect the money. For example, in every August Local Self Government and Registration officials are directed to raise funds through the sale of tickets for the Nehru Trophy Boat race. This is another case of taking bribe and in many cases; customers are obliged to pay the ticket without accepting the ticket. Nevertheless, occasional inspection by the Department of Vigilance would restrict some officials guarding the concern during such inspections.
K A Solaman

Police criminals in Kerala

When the Kerala High Court observes that the police force in the state should be decriminalised, it is a direct indictment to the government. This charge points its finger not to one month old UDF government but the LDF government which ruled the state for the last five years. The lack of invigilation by then Home Department worsened the criminalisation in police force and law enforcers have turned law breakers in Kerala. The criminalisation in police is an outcome criminalisation in politics.
The acts of police criminals extend from attack on journalists, custodial killing, rape case, money chain fraud, association with real estate and sand mafia and others. The internal vigilance mechanism of the police is poor and, of late, they ignore when goons fight before their view. There should be a mechanism for the direct involvement of the police if a crime has been reported.

Important junctions, bus stops, roads and shopping localities would come under police surveillance. Roadside vendors should not be allowed to mock folks particularly those from schools and colleges. The police should crack down on organised crime, beggary and burglary and that too even without written complaints from the victims. The trend of police association to protect their members involved crime should also be discouraged. The police force is, of course, an association of sincere people not to be set up on trade union tenets.

K A Solaman

Deceitful Self Financing College Managements.

Year after year the self financing colleges imbroglio is growing murkier and the govt. finds no way out from it. The govt often draws flak from the High Court because of its failure to tackle the situation. The Kerala Self-Financing Medical College Managements Association withdrawing from the agreement with the government and their decision for admissions to all MBBS seats in colleges under it from the entrance test conducted by their consortium prove that Self Finance college managements are untrustworthy and they are just doing a profitable business with scant regard to vast populace in the state. The entrance test by the consortium is a farce and is intended prevent meritorious students seeking admission in their colleges. The lack of determination on the part of government made the situation murkier and an easy escape from this embarrassing situation is not in the immediate sight.
The Inter-Church Council with words mouthful for the uplift of all now saying that there is practical difficulty in giving 50 percent seats to the government this year is incomprehensible. . The Govt. should shut down all the Self Financing colleges that are unwilling to give 50 percent seats to Govt merit quota. Never wait for settlement in next year as Self Financing Managements are seemingly unreliable.

K A Solaman

Published: Deccan Chronicle Dated 22 June 2011

Red tape biting in M G University, Kottayam

The Mahatma Gandhi University has erected bureaucratic hurdles against certain affiliated colleges by denying the approval for the post of teachers appointed in colleges under it. For instance, the approval all teachers appointed in St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam in last September is still under red tape in MGU. Is there any time limit for disposing a file in MG University?

The reason for denying approval of the post one candidate is obviously curious that according to University she is under aged. At the time of appointment, her age was below 23 (of course above 22) and as per University statutes the minimum age required is 18. The University denied the approval stating that the College which made appointment in 2009, has not complied with University statute amendment in 2010. How could an affiliated college or any other appointing authority make appointment anticipating the contents of future orders of the university? The University order issued in 2010 stipulates minimum age limit for appointment in affiliated colleges as 23 and the order has retrospective effect from 2006 according to University. This inquisitive order was issued by the University when the Government stipulates minimum age as 22 for appointment in Government colleges.

The action of the University has been a most frustrating experience for the candidate as she joined the college after giving up her CSIR fellowship and one year research work. The University modifying the requirements for approval of the post of teachers with an order that originated quite later is questionable and it would not stand before judicial review.

If our Universities are centres of discontent and red-tapism MGU is another one. This leads to academic excellence falling prey to fake administrative norms. And this sort of negative attitude will only discourage young intelligent individuals not to choose the post of teachers in affiliated colleges. I wonder why the MG University has made an unfounded order about minimum age of appointment with retrospective effect. The ludicrous amendment instituted by the MGU has created unnecessary pressure on a gifted girl, with first ranks in degree and PG and also with JRF and Gate score.

K A Solaman

‘Never trust politicians’-is the lesson to all IAS officers.

If not a secret pact it is too cruel on the part of V S Achuthanandan to disown his close confidante K Suresh Kumar IAS by disapproving some of his actions during the 2007 Munnar mission. What Suresh Kumar done in Munnar was with the support Achuthanandan and now VS coming against him is incomprehensible to the people of the state.

Achuthanandan says Suresh Kumar had been given the mandate to nab big sharks who had encroached Government land in Munnar. Does he mean now that political parties that encroached Munnar land are too big sharks not to be dragged by eviction team? K Suresh Kumar, who had done a noble job based on the advice of Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, is possibly remorseful now not for his act in Munnar but for trusting politicians.

Kerala has become a Kangaroo court otherwise Achuthanandan would not have shown the pluck to disown Suresh Kumar for doing he-man work by recovering state owned land and thereby protecting the image of the former Chief Minister. Suresh Kumar’s action to reclaim 3000 encroached forest lands and government plots and demolition of over a dozen illegal multi-storied buildings were shocking for Achuthanandan’s party bid-wigs in Idukky and for the safe sailing of the post of Opposition leader he has to now disown Suresh Kumar. The official faction of the CPM along with UDF leaders were also worried about Sureshkumar’s job then.

According to official report, half of the large-scale encroachments in Munnar are benami properties owned by politicians cutting across the party spectrum. That is why all, then Ruling Front and the Opposition need Suresh Kumar’s blood. The Oommen Chandy Government has not even given a good posting suited to his calibre.
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 that CM became the Opposition leader and his vision blurred. The fate of Munnar will be decided by encroachers and fate of Suresh Kumar will be decided by he himself. Seemingly, no politicians would come for his rescue.

K A Solaman

Who said what?

It was really a puzzling time for readers to comprehend who said what in the exchange between actor Rajnikanth and DMK Chief Karunanidhi. Some news papers reported that it was Rajinikanth who advised DMK chief M Karunanidhi to focus on his health and nothing else, some other dailies reported in the reverse. Though Rajni congratulated Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for saving Tamil Nadu by making her party win the recent assembly polls he is not injudicious to ridicule Karunanidhi at this juncture. Karuna expressing happiness at the improvement of Rajni’s health is quite compassionate and is beyond any politics.

If Rajinikanth thinks that the state had been saved following Jaya’s massive mandate, one hopes that her police hereinafter never stop Rajni’s car and question him while on his way to home from shooting location.
K A Solaman

Stomach shrinking exercise of Baba Ramdev

With the demise of Satya Sai Baba, the people of India are in desperate need for another Baba. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev understood the gravity of the situation and jumped in the view as the saviour of all Indians. Ramdev’s fast against corruption turned into a shameful act and it has proven that his yoga is nothing else than a stomach shrinking exercise. It is estimated that a yoga practicing human could fast not less than 20 days without any food, nevertheless the yoga guru could not survive even 10 days. His heart rate dropped to 58 and BP reduced to 70/104. His claims that the yoga could cure cancer and AIDS even hasn't worked and his followers felt slaughtered at the miserable condition of their new Saviour.

However, his drama of fasting urged people to reflect on the corruption which is flooded over every nook and corner of the country and the panacea for its healing. If politicians keep in drawing a line under anti-corruption measures it would be detrimental for them in the future.

K A Solaman

Azhikode needs an alliance with KCBC.

Social critic and orator Dr Sukumar Azhikode is in desperate need for an alliance with KCBC(Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference) in the wake of Oommen Chandy rule in Kerala. Or else he might not have been called upon the church priests of Kerala to abide by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Azhikoke is toxically against pastoral letters issued by Catholic Bishops and asks church should be the voice of Christ. He reminds the church leadership of Christ's advice to the rich to distribute their wealth among the poor.

Azhikode knows pastoral letters are highly necessary for the priests to preach to the faithful about the spiritual dangers that are so prevalent today in the areas of humility and faith. The pastoral letter is a religious document intended to assist the priests in their responsibility to instruct their parishioners and any comment on it would attract the attention of clergies. Hence to avoid further argument, Azhikode believes, clergies would invite him for their functions.
Of late, Azhikode has not too many meetings for his oratory. The war of words with actor Mohanlal ended in disgrace. The SNDP has already abandoned him. The NSS is not much concerned in inviting him for functions and the Achuthanandan group in the Marxist party is next to Azhikode for he calling Achuthanandan ‘ a creature in the nest’. The godless parties, the advocates of “Jeevan without religion’, and a few thick-skinned congress leaders are the present takers of Azhikode, nevertheless the opportunity for his oral exposure is little.

And what is commendable with Azhikode is, of course, he praises the party that invites him for a talk on a price unlike ex-minister G sudhakaran who often scolds the organisers first.

K A Solaman

Lavish life of Defence Minister!

The monthly salary plus perks of a Cabinet Minister in India is not less than one lakh. The Defence Minister A K Antony who is number three in the Cabinet, is also earning the same amount. However, the asset disclosure statement puts only Rs 84000 as his total asset. What was then, he doing with all the money he earned? Was he playing the Wayward Son in Luke 15:11-32, of the Holy Bible? The Defence Minister gives no good lesson about earning and spending to the youngsters of the country.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express Published on 14 June 2011

Needed more Government medical colleges.

It is very interesting to see the UDF led by the Congress and the CPM led LDF are the birds of the same feather at least in the case of controversies concerning the admission in the faculties of medicine in self-financing colleges. The UDF, which had fought the self-financing colleges policy of LDF and the latter who stood against the same policies of the UDF are on the same lunch table for sumptuous meals. The two Ministers who have bought seats in PG medical and the head of the DYFI who has purchased a MBBS seat for his ward with hefty sums are sailors from the same boat. Now, they have given up the trade on a complaint and all that for the poor people of this State. So my question is: how poor people obtain their medical requirements if the youth leader and Ministers abstain from making their wards physicians.
The relevant matter is, when ordinary people strive hard to meet their both ends how these political leaders without legitimate source of income are spending money in tune of crores.

Initiative of the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to publish assets of Ministers seems ridiculous when they have unwelcome assets. The acts of Ministers Adoor Prakash and Abdu Rabb and DYFI leader VV Ramesan are only the tip of the corruption prevailing in the self financing college sector. It is high time to transform all the self financing private medical colleges into government colleges. The Government should also consider to start its own medical colleges to accommodate more students.
K A Solaman.
Published Deccan Chronicle, dated 13 June 2011

Not much tears for M F Husain.

(M F Husain's Bharath Matha painting)






The great artist M F Husain passed away at 95. Since he was not an Indian citizen now, there is not much tear for him inside the country. His love for female body is infamous and he portrayed Hindu goddess Saraswati in a nasty way hurting the feelings of many believers. He conjured himself as a secularist free spirit and found time to mock Hindu gods leaving behind the fundamentalist concept of his religion. While pretending as a true Indian he saw no ilk in getting citizen ship in Qatar. The man who brought fame for modern Indian art could have been more sensitive while cornering film actress like Madhuri Dixit saying that she is epitome of female beauty. It was really an insult to all world women prettier than Dixit. The old man's findings were then treated as insensible.

M.F. Husain bid farewell from our midst not much wept. Possibly may be due to the sort of whimsical fancies of the great artist.
K A Solaman
The New Indian Express dated 11 June 11

Cancer signal !

Though the World Health Organization officials are of judgment that mobile phones are a cause for health hazards ranging from vomiting to cancer the Indian counter parts are not convinced with it. They would present their paper only after a thorough study and when would they complete the study is known to none. Cell phone is a convenient gadget which makes life easy and (sometimes miserable too) nevertheless latest research in this direction are not at all favourable. The harmful radiation of microwave frequency or less might cause cancer in the brain. Why can’t one bear in mind the heating property of microwave oven where food stuffs are cooked by passing microwave through water soaked food material? The region around one’s ear contains blood and the microwave from a cell phone in fact cooks the flesh round one’s ear. In addition these electromagnetic radiations create cancerous cells in the brain.

The mobile phone companies by their lavish spending in channels and news papers keep media promoters friendly. And that is why studies adversely affecting the sale of mobile phones are not seeing light. However, in the wake of UN study the mobile users have make an introspection and restrict the use of mobile phones for their own health. What is the use a cell phone once the brain cells are tampered? It is unwise to depend on mobile phone manufacturers for remedy as they are never going to provide any solution for the radiation hazard.

It is not for the first time warning about radiation hazard is being published. However, this sort of warning took a dimension only now with WHO findings. If people are unwilling to give up their bad habit of extensive use of cell phones, they should alone bear the brunt.
K A Solaman

'Rathinirvedam' in the remake-Repost

The Malayalam Film industry is on its way to the worst. The latest in this direction is the remake of old adult only films. First of these species is "Neelathamara" remade last year. Next is the remake of movie "Rathinirvedam" released 32 years ago. It is awfully repulsive to make alert the younger age band about the sex lessons of older generation.

There should be some legislation preventing all not to remake old films

K A Solaman

Heaven, afterlife are beyond human mind

Stephen Hawking believes there is no heaven (No afterlife, no heaven: Stephen Hawking, May 17). The Cambridge-based scientist said that the belief in heaven or an afterlife is a “fairy story” for people who are afraid of death. Being a scientist, it is natural for Mr Hawking to look at everything from a scientific perspective. But death and afterlife are abstract ideas and are beyond the ability of the human mind to fully comprehend. The renowned astrophysicist’s observation is unlikely to affect the prospects of clergies and swamis who live by preaching about life after death and heaven.

K.A. Solaman
Kerala
The Asian Age daily, London 31 May 2011