Less liquor, less damage.

Smoking in public places is prohibited in India but some do it in open. The law enforcing agencies often take don’t care stance in such occasions. However, the people have learnt about smoking hazards and its health risk. So they have a wariness to smoke in open. However, this kind of approach is not seen in the use of liquors. Kerala crossed the Rs.100-crore mark in the sale of Indian made foreign liquor during the last Onam period and in this Easter season also the case will not be different. The cash crunchy State coffers eyes at money from liquor sale along with the income from check posts and sale of sands. The sand sale from river plateaus remember us the famous Biblical teaching: “Remember, O man, that you are dust(sand), and unto dust you shall return”.

The illicit liquor and its sale through bars and other private places would estimate another hundred core. The Government that had recognized the health risk of tobacco has failed to take the blow of the ill-effects of liquor use. The Government has not evolved any effective step to create an awareness to reduce alcohol consumption instead permission is given to open more outlets for sale. In toddy shops what is now sold is not pure toddy but chemically poisoned water which is very injurious to health. If smoking brings a person a long term ailment the toddy now sold brings him immediate ailment and permanent handicap. Particularly, the young men are the victim to the evils of liquor consumption as they often find no opening to shed their extra energy. All the play grounds and public places have vanished and there is no space for them to play foot ball or hand ball. The only option for them is to watch live TV cricket in closed rooms and continue intake of liquor profusely.

An added handicap of liquor sale is worst law and order situation which is never a by-product of the smoking habit. The system of promoting liquor sales during Onam, Vishu, Deepavali, Christmas and Easter should be abandoned in the larger interest of society. The government starting rehabilitation centres along with Beverages Corporation outlets is a laughing stock. Consumption of alcohol is undoubtedly damaging to one's health, more damaging than smoking. Besides it consumes more money than that spend for smoking. If Rs 20 is spent for buying cigarettes then Rs 200 is needed for buying liquor. Serving liquor has become a bogus status symbol and is an integral part to societal gatherings. No meaningful awareness against this handicap has been taken by the government.

It is unwise to ban sale and purchase of alcohol as the base of most medicines is alcohol. A meaningful and sincere awareness programme should be envisaged for younger people about the damages done by liquor. If so the rate of crimes, accidents, domestic violence along with health hazards could be reduced.

K A Solaman

Mass march into retirement in Kerala

The Thuglakian Kerala model of retirement age unification has made on this March 21,000 employees to leave service at the same time. Some had wept, some cried and some even drunk thinking that there is not life after retirement. The most distressed are police men and college professors as the former to lose their chance to abuse the innocents and latter to lose the company or frequent cock tails. The weeping is heavy for police personals at sent-offs because if they resort to older habits at home they are likely to lose their lunch and supper as there would be none to care them.

I welcome all the 21000 retirees to our majority group as the life is simple and worriless after retirement. Of course you have no chance for getting extra money as bribe except pension and that too if Isaac’s coffers have that might. And of course your subordinates will not entertain you hereinafter as they did in the past.

I also bring your attention to the story of a Professor who demanded a sent-off when he was to go to Nigeria for five years money making break. He cried at the sent-off and just after one year he returned to the college as the condition in Nigeria was not as good as expected. He again cried at his actual sent-off from service and now he leads a happy life. Loneliness, loss, frustration, and grief are not in his dictionary. He now preaches people about eternal life and guides them to the noble way he thinks but often repents for the folly of crying at sent-offs.

Dear retirees you can think of the following for a happy retired life. Try to wake up early in the morning to realize that, it is not the usual day. You are retired. You should try to learn how to spend the day and give up the feeling that you are a worn out individual and should be placed in the corner of the house sitting idle most of the time. Don’t waste time by simply watching TV.

This period of life can be made fun and worth living to explore the unexplored.
There may be times in your life when you wanted to write a book on your experience and learning. But your desires where never fulfilled, because you were too busy at work or family. This is the right time to explore your hidden talents and fulfill your earnest desires. Here are few ways to stay active and make money after retirement. Work is the important way of coping with the niggling worries.

1) Physical activity:
The best way to be healthy, independent and occupied is by doing some minor physical exercise such as walking and yoga. Daily one our walking is sufficient. Joining karate or kalari schools is not suited for many but can try joining laughter club. Being healthy will also help you be independent.

2) Meet friends:
Meet your old friends outside. There may be times when you missed out the most important events with your friend.

3) Gardening:
Gardening and vegetable cultivation are the best ways to keep you occupied. They are also great stress busters.

4) Help grandkids:
The grandkids may be busy with studies; however you can help them by joining their company

5)Go on a holiday:
Visit pilgrim or tourist spots, which you have always wanted to see.

6)Volunteer:
Be a volunteer to an NGO helping the society.

7)Join a course:
Join a course that interests you and fulfill all your desires. The universities like IGNOU are conducting many courses for the retirees.

8) Have a grip on your money.
Don’t spend money for schemes that are unknown to you. Have a free hold and don’t let anyone to have control on your hard earned money.

Remember retirement is the admiration given to your years of service. And your ‘age is the state of your mind.'

K A Solaman

Chivas Regal writers

Re ‘Voices that want to be heard’ by Shevlin Sebastian (TNIE 29 Mar 2010)
As mentioned in the write-up letter writing is a passionate hobby for many. But, the ‘Chivas Regal’ writers could not focus their attention on matters other than the length of Sania Mirza’s shorts or Serena Williams’ muscles. The candle light dinner is for elite class of writers and they are unlikely to spot the troubles of BPL men or those who are employed under NREGP.

Nevertheless, I appreciate the NIE assignment for the get-together of letter writers on the eastern side of Vembanadu Lake. Why can’t one convene an assembly of the writers on the western side?

K A Solaman

Spiteful teacher of Newmann’s college

The iniquitous teacher of Newmann’s college, Thodupuzha, who prepared the question paper that annoyed Muslim sentiments, is not a ‘professor’. He is only a lecturer but media calls him professor. Perhaps enthused with the new UGC package sanctioned to college teachers he did his sinful act. The police has issued a ‘look out notice for T J joseph , the question setter. My suggestion to the police is: “search him in any of the ‘Devine Ashrams’ where he may be probing his soul. He needs some counseling before being reinstated in the college.
His concept of god is nasty. If he has children the way he is bringing up them would be amazing. Surely he is not an AKPCTA man as this organization has abandoned him. The college authorities and the Diocese have taken a wise decision by apologizing for the mistake their teacher did.
K A Solaman

RSP is dejected

The LDF small partner RSP is seen dejected with the latest development in Kerala. The rival groups in RSP came separately in collision course with CPM. The RSP national general secretary TJ Chandrachoodan has made a scathing attack of CPM. Its Kerala secretary VP Ramakrishna Pillai said that LDF is in a sinking situation. For Pillai, it is of no doubt that the Congress-led UDF would come to power after the next Assembly election. This sort of plane speak has become a shock LDF bigwigs. However, the Pillai’s version of denial of Rajya Sabha seat to his party’s national secretary has no many takers. It is known that Pillai was playing all foul to deny seat to Chandrachoodan.
Formerly it was only a desire for UDF to acquire power in the next election. And now the RSP has approved it. The jubilant outfits in UDF such as Youth Congress and other partners started demanding their chunk. The silent Chief Minster or the media adversary Pinarayi does not see the sand that is eroded from under their feet.

K A Solaman

Tension over question paper

How careless are some of our teachers? This I ask on the wake Thodupuzha in Idukki Ditrict, Kerala falling into tension following the aggressive dissent of Muslim organizations over the mention in a question paper humiliating the Prophet. The police had a tough time to contain the mob. It all happened when a less compassionate teacher of Newmann’s college, Thodupuzha prepared a question paper. He may, perhaps, be enthused with the new UGC package sanctioned to college teachers by the Kerala Government.
The teacher T Joseph in the Malayalam department of the college was the question setter and I think he is the sole person responsible for the grave mistake. A fellow teacher arguing that “Joseph could have prepared the question paper but it had been passed by others after scrutiny” seems pointless. There is no such scrutiny for any question paper and preferably the internal examination is not a big business in many of the colleges in Kerala. T J joseph needs some counseling before he being reinstated in the college.
However, the remarkable thing is the timely action of the State Administration. Education Minister MA Baby instructed the District Administration to register a case against the teacher. And that sort of action is never expected from Education department as we have previous examples of non-care approach. The incident of “Jeevan without religion’ is still in our mind. The college authorities have also taken a wise decision by apologising for the mistake which hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.

K A Solaman

Kerala govt backtracking from Bachchan invitation

Honestly talking, Amitabh Bachchan is not an apt celebrity to become Kerala Tourism Ambassador. As Kerala tourism is based on water bodies and boat race Bachchan has no role with them. Even Kalabhavan Moni is better suited than Bachchan as he knows how to swim and sing boat songs. By inviting Bachchan as Kerala Tourism Ambassador, the Tourism Minister Kodiyeri has made a stupid act. And it become more irrational as Kodiyeri developed a cold feet after initially inviting Bachchan to become the brand ambassador. Really it was a ‘petty act of cheap political convenience’.

It was a few weeks back; the Kerala government had invited Bachchan to be the brand ambassador for state tourism. Shortly after he accepted the offer, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury came out strongly against the move and the invitation was dropped. This humiliated Bachchan. Is Yechury the man to decide Kerala Tourism affairs?

This embarrassing situation could, however, be averted by further talks. The State govt. offer for the job with petty sum will not lure Bachchan. He, himself, has abandoned the job if the payment is less. The controversy now surfaced in CPM and the Government must have been warded off by a wise approach like this. However, the politically intolerant red brigades have no such patience to wait and see.

K A Solaman

No Athirapally project, please.

Athirapally is known for its bio-diversity and any move to scare it should be opposed. Kerala power minister A K Balan’s effort to set up a power project at Athirapally is wonderful. A strong adversary of the project once, now coming in favour of it is really amazing. Turning the bio-diverse area into a forest of cement and concrete would naturally bring Balan a good luck, he imagines.

Balan’s effort to set up a power project at Athirapally waterfalls would meet the same fate of the project at Silent Valley 25 years ago. Sensible people will not allow Balan’s dream to go off. Let the people have some fresh air a bit long.

K A Solaman

Meenachil bus tragedy

It is shocking to hear the death of ten persons when the bus they were traveling on fell into the river Meenachilar at Thazhathangadi near Kottayam. Five to seven persons were feared to be missing.

Recently we have been reading about the surge in road and river accidents all over in Kerala. The Kumarakom boat tragedy and the Thattekkadu mishap are just two in the immediate past. But we have not learnt yet about the immediate rescue measures that are to be taken at accident spots. It took more than two hours for rescue operators to hop into action at Thazhathangadi. The Fire force men came to the spot were without proper rescue gadgets. The navy men could not land their helicopter for the helicopter landing pad was not in condition. The result is innocent lives have been lost in the tragedy which could have been easily averted if due caution was taken both by the government and rescue operators. What is the use of a dozen ministers vulnerably gathering at the accident spot?

All regulatory bodies including State Transport Department, the PWD, and the Sate Electricity Board have their role in the Thazhathangadi accident. And if not rectified this negligence people have to see huge traffic disorder and more victims in future.

K A Solaman

Coke and other damages

The recommendation by the high-power committee constituted by the Kerala government to study the extent of damage caused by the Coca-Cola plant at Plachimada is highly warranted. The Coke Company has been asked to a damage amounting to Rs. 216.26 crore. And this compensation is quite inadequate for the damages caused by the company. A part of the compensation must be collected from those people who gave initial approval to install Coke plant in the drought-prone area.

The recommendation of the committee is a warning to all other polluting industries in the State. Many companies have violated various acts relating pollution Another typical example is McDowell company, Varanadu, Cherthala, where local people are now in collision course with the company. The company is polluting the entire area quite long. A recent survey in Thanneermukkom Panchayat revealed that one out of 100 men are prone to cancer in that area because of pollution from the company. The company waste dumped into Vembanadu lake has polluted the water bodies in the area and even fish caught from the lake is unsuited for consumption. The Government of Kerala should immediately constitute a committee to estimate the pollution level at Thanneermukkom caused by the illegal act of Ms McDowell and Co.

K A Solaman

Kodiyeri cosseted Kerala mundu culture.

It was my experience once in a KSRTC bus that my friend was being humiliated with Kerala Mundu culture. I and my friend are tutorial college lecturers then and every day we used to return home in the same KSRTC bus from Cherthala. Along with us there were dozens of tutorial college students, many of them are our students, and the bus was fully packed letting none to move a little inside the bus. We often dismount at Vayalar junction and it was very difficult for us to get out of the bus without avoiding reproach of fellow passengers. Once we just went out off the bus one of our students, most them are gentle and obedient because of holding 2-3 SSLC books, asked us: “Sir, take your mundu also”. Later it was a talk in our tutorial college and since then I keep no special attention in Kerala mundu culture.

This incident came to my mind after seeing the recent paragliding of Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri. Though he was tightly tied round with all the rope available on the glide his mundu was in awkward position. Though Kodiyeri’s act exalted the mundu culture of Kerala, true to say mundu is unsuited for paragliding and I think, all people who witnessed the event would endorse my finding.

Possibly there will be heavy public turnout for doing and watching paragliding at our tourism spots in Kerala. Nevertheless, if it is performed with mundu the fifty percent reservation group of India would naturally avoid watching the event. Does anyone need to make Wagamon, the most suited paragliding spot, a Sabarimala, where the beautiful set has no entry?


K A Solaman

Kerala Ambassador- The Indian Express

The LDF Government in Kerala has decided to go down from its plan to make Big B the tourism brand ambassador Kerala on silly grounds. Kodiyeri’s praise for Big B last week has become hollow. It is wonderful to see that not Kodiyeri but Yetchury decides Kerala Tourism matters.

Though Bachchan’s gaze may be different from that of average malayali it is quite unwarranted in welcoming him first and then denying the offer. The Kerala Government must have mulled over well before approaching Bachchan for the mighty job.
Amitha Bachchan keeps clean image after he left the Congress party and he is unmoved by any poltical tribulations. He sees Modi and Kodiyeri with the same amity and even corrects Thackeray. Is Thackeray a friend of CPM? What the Kerla Tourism promoters lack is the meaning the saying
“A man’s word is his bond. Never go back on your word.”

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, dated 22 Mar 2010

Bahujan Currency Party

Now only one understood why Mayawati’s party gets no root in Kerala though there is sufficient number of people belonging t o backward classes. It is very difficult for BSP workers of Kerala to make a currency garland in tune with one given to Mayawati in UP. It is wonderful to see that Mayawati has accepted two garlands of currency notes, one of value Rs 5crore with 1000 rupee notes and another one of value 18 lakh with currencies of lower denominations. Who said India is country of majority poor men who have never seen a 1000 rupee note? Mayawati not only a leader of the poor but aso a person of extravagance.


It is time to rename BSP as BCP(Bahujan Currency Party) as it knows how to fold and staple neatly Rs 1000, Rs.500 and Rs.100 notes in the form of garlands. The two garlands are likely to find place in Guinness book of world records for its notoriety. India's 'future prime minister' may likely to make Rs10000 notes and craft another garland to beat her own record in the Guinness. If 33 percent reservation is intended to give more power to women like Mayawati India will become one of the most corrupt countries in the world. A thorough probe by the Income Tax Department is needed in corrupt money garlands.

Again, stapling, folding and garlanding of currency notes are against the Clean Note Policy of India. The Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India had decided to do away the practice of stapling and folding of notes since 1996. The garland making with notes is, therefore, an insult to the proper handling of Indian currency. Mayawati’s party has thus committed double crime by amassing unaccounted money and sullying Indian currency.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express March 19, 2010

“Unto sand you shall return”

“Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) says Bible. In one its Malayalam versions it is read as sand instead of dust. And this has been fully understood by Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac to find a good buck for the state revenue. He has determined to sell sand for making money. All the river sand available in Kerala will be sold immediately

Isaac recently is in a desperate bid for making money for the immediate payback of pension benefits about Rs 3000 crores for all the 25000 plus employees retiring on March 31. His innovative methods of money procurement such as all day state lottery, corruption free check posts and three times helmet fine did not yield much result. And now the only hope is sand. O man, that you are sand, and unto sand you shall return.

K A Solaman

Azhikode- a tailor made Gandhian.

That old Gandhian who eats fish and meat has decided not to spare actor Actor Mohanlal for he having called him an old man sans sense. Mr Azhikode has decided to fight against Lal unto death! So in this context I would like to say that Azhikode has crossed all the limits and what Lal said is convincing when Azhikode claims VS phoned him, Mohanlal phoned him, Defence Minister phoned him and wept. Is Azhikode’s phone number is known to all in the world and he is a celebrity above Angelina Jolly?

Azhikode is buying popularity at Lal’s cost. It is not Lal’s fault for Minister Elamaram Kareem inviting Lal as the brand ambassador for Khadi products in Kerala. Azhikode could also act as Brand Ambassador if Elamaram selects and in that Mohanlal will never come as criticizer of Azhikode. But what would happen is what actor Innocent said. The women folk will return the Khadi clothes sponsored by Azhikode.

Azhikode also criticizes a writer from Kozhikode as a payback for denigration against him and says he would advice writer’s wife for this. How could Azhikode advice wife of another person when he himself is afraid of keeping one at home?

Mohanlal should be congratulated for keeping his fans calm against all the undesirable gestures of this old man. Mohanlal did not misuse his Colonel status in the Territorial Army instead he has created a feeling of patriotism in young minds. Sree Sankara University is not the private possession of Azhikode to criticize it for conferring the Doctorate to Mohanlal.. The Government should take some action to keep this old man’s mouth shut otherwise it would turn out as a law and order problem. This country is not only for ‘tailor made Gandhian’ like Azhikode but also for people who work hard all the day for livelihood, consume one or two pegs in the evening and enjoy liquor ads by celebrities.

K A Solaman

No power with KSEB

Events are very shocking in Kerala Electricity Board that the people have to face a long term power cut or load shedding in the near future according to the power minister A K Balan. He often appears in channels and speaks in favour of power cut. I don’t foresee any election strategy in it to persuade people to vote in favour of his party in the coming election. I firmly believe that the people could relieve themselves if his threatening gestures through channels is frequently intercepted because of power cut.

While making aware the people the severity of power shortage he also says that he would take all the possible steps to contain power shortage. Does he mean that he will destroy all the electric bulbs, irrigation pumps, TV sets and computers available with people by sending high tension voltage for a while or by sending workers of Employment Guarantee Programme? The high voltage fluctuation is the mark of the KSEB because of poor, obsolete and uncared distribution system and many electrical gadgets are getting damaged with high voltage variation. The consumers of Kerala have given up their hope for getting regular supply even if it comes at a high cost. Paying high price for never received quality electricity and hearing the hullabaloo of the power minister is the fate of consumers of Kerala State Electricity Board. Why does this Board, with its 100 year old power technology, still remain in public sector when all other major establishments have been privatised?

K A Solaman

IPL fever hits examination halls

It is not restaurants, malls and movie theatres that are hit by the Indian Premier League but all examinations halls in Kerala and elsewhere are also hit by it. It is on the fifteenth about 4.5 lakhs of students of SSLC and Plus Two go for the examination in Kerala alone which lasts for 2-3 weeks and one can not rule out that these students would never switch on the channel to view the event.

Even about 1000 movie theatres in India have signed up so far to exhibit the league series and it will be a tough time for parents to keep their children out from these theatres and TV screens during examination days. When viewers of households and public places dance and cheer with cricket how could the poor children concentrate on studies

Speaking forthrightly the Education Ministry of Kerala has already identified this grave reality and that is why they designed a very reasonable style of evaluation and ranking. All students appearing for the examination would get a pass percentage for writing any rubbish in the answer sheet and this time there will be more liberalisation in wake of the IPL series.
Who said the ploy to make India educationally backward is worked out by International outfits? It is within the country the type disparaging advance is evolved to spoil the entire younger generation. Otherwise they would have arranged the matches in June or July when students are relaxed from examination stress.

K A Solaman

Not only FTV, ban more channels.

The decision taken to ban the Fashion TV channel by the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting for 10 days is highly welcome. FTV has violated requirements of the Cable Television Networks Rules many times. The frequent airing of obscene scenes of women is culpable.

The need to ban some other channels is also essential as they never care the sensibility of the viewers. They telecast the same obscene pictures of FTV saying that FTV has mistaken and in effect they are also doing the same thing. A person showing obscene gestures and another person imitating the same by saying the former had done like this is equally punishable.

Of late, one of the most disgusting acts in channels is the advertisements of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. What this department for? Is it for telecasting the dullest ads. Their ads for protecting people who are likely to figure out as drivers and house servants else where in the world, are worthless. In one of the advertisement, which repeated a dozen or more in a single channel goes like this: A cleaner in a fast running lorry says to the driver his desire to go abroad and take the job as a driver. The driver then turns towards him and says about the pros and cons of the job outside the country. The driver never looks to the front during his instruction schedule and it is by mere chance the lorry avoids a possible collision with an on coming vehicle. Alternately this advertisement can be advantageously used to make aware people the possibility of accident at a railway cross. All these repulsive ads should be withdrawn and no channel should be permitted to telecast more than once an ad in a single programme.

The Ministry of Information watches only national channels. They do not often bother about local channels. In Kerala it is a recent trend in channels to make vigour fifty plus men with what is called musli vitas. A dozen sex power vitas are available in channels and if its proliferation is not checked even women with fifty percent reservation could not hold back the over powered geriatric dupes.

K A Solaman

Kudos to politicians

The Women’s Reservation Bill has received awe-inspiring response from people all over the country. But it was not possible without the support extended to the Government by the BJP and the Left. The implication is that they can again unite in future on key issues. All women leaders and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh deserve credit for the passage of the Bill through the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, it is sad to see Ms Mamata Banerjee, a member of the ruling coalition, opposing the Bill. She must reconsider her stance.

KA Solaman
Kerala The Pioneer, New Delhi, Dated 12 March 2010

High reaction for Women Reservation Bill

The Women Reservation Bill has received an awe-inspiring reponse in and around the country. People from all walks of life have welcomed it. There were support from BJP and the Left parties to the Congress. The implication is that they can again unite in key matters in future too. All women leaders and the PM Dr Manmohan Singh deserve credit for passing the bill. The impediments put against passing the Bill by parties like RJD, SP and a section of the JD (U) are condemnable. Mamata Banerjee should learn more about the bill. It is distasteful to see a woman from the treasury bench standing against the women.

K A Solaman

Chemistry and Economics of T&T inc.

One Thomas is an ardent believer while the other Thomas is an agnostic, nevertheless both are Christian professors very much unsuited for a Hindu dominated country. If any doubt ask Mr Thackray or Praveen Thogadia. The first one kisses the hands of any Bishop on his way while the other scratches his designer beard at the sight of a holy man. The believer Thomas, a Minster in the Central Cabinet, is particularly interested in the eating habit of Keralites, the people of his State. The other Thomas, though dealing the State Finance, is very much interested in all affairs and wields an upper hand in the Cabinet. He would be the next CM of Kerala in 2016AD if IMF or ADB has not confiscated Kerala as a mortgage asset. The two Thomas’ were in the lime light in last January when they offered each other slapsticks at Thanneermukkom in a function. The doubtful Thomas presented a bottle of Mararikulam pickles to believer Thomas and in turn, it is said, believer Thomas invited his friend for a body massage to own village Kumbalangi.

And after just two months of time the two Thomas’ are again locked horns over the distribution of Rs 2 rice to ‘am adami’ in the State. According to Thomas from Centre all the rice to be distributed are issued by him but other Thomas refutes it by saying that the rice of Rs 2 is his. The State ministers are not servants of Central ministers; is the finding of the State Thomas.

The real problem is something else. The believer Thomas is a Chemistry professor who is unable to comprehend anything in the money matters of the other. On the other hand atheist Thomas is an Economic Professor who is incapable of finding anything truth in the Chemistry of the other. Actually the fault is not with the ministers but with the subjects they handle. Chemistry and Economics are entirely different subjects having nothing in common suited to common man.

K A Solaman

Women Reservation Bill

Every sensible person should endorse the smooth way for the Women's Reservation Bill. The women reservation bill should be passed without further delay. One wonders why Lalu Prasad and Mulayam Singh Yadav have demanded an all-party meet before the Bill came up for legislation. The bill has been delayed for 13 years by the unfeeling attitude of some Yadav leaders. This should end and the majority view must be accepted. .


It is pity that women in general are suffering from misery and discrimination for quite long. Politicians like Lalu cleverly uses woman, may be his wife Rabry, to sit in his chair when he is out from office to meet some legal necessities. Still he refuses to give the due share the women need.

There are women in this country who never came out of their houses. Many women still remain India without any formal education. In the most literate state of Kerala too women are denied entry to some temples. The female foeticide and dowry menace are in fact unfairness against women. The male dominated rule in the country has miserably failed to check this threat. If only women are given more representation in law making bodies this could be controlled. All women with strength can break away blockades and reduce corruption the country’s governship.

Female needs to be at par with male, no matter what it may be. Mutual respect and understanding are the key ways to progress and not the dominance of one gender.

K A Solaman

After budget ritual for people of Kerala.

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac’s red-green budget is really fascinating. Reverend Isaac has incarcerated the hearts of the faithful by slashing down the prices of rosary and other prayer items. Thanks to minister M A Baby for he being once an altar boy. New ritual for the Keralaites is as under:
Isaac in red apron during first budget: Smart city will be realised.
Isaac in brown apron during second budget: Smart city will be realised
Isaac in green apron during third budget: Smart city will be realised.
Isaac in blue apron during fourth budget: Smart city will be realised
Isaac in yellow apron during fifth budget: Smart city will be realised.
Has any one any doubt about red-green budget?

K A Solaman

Foul play by minister and bus owners

The bus fare hike by the government is an assertion of war against the people. It is presumably that the transport minister in collusion with bus owners enacted the foul play of hiking the bus fare. And in that regard BJP launched stir is highly warranted.

While accusing the Centre for price rise of essential commodities, with their anti-people act the Sate Government is adding fuel in the fire of price rise. There is no concrete step on the part of state government to contain price rise. It is time for people of all walks of life to protest against the policies of the State Government.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, Kochi Dated March 6, 2010

Old age ailments for Azhikode

Cultural supremo of Kerala Dr Sukumar Azhikode becomes more and more non-sensual with actor Mohanlal with his unfounded allegations about the actor. Azhikode blasted Mohanlal for using his army uniform to endorse jewellery and khadi products. He criticises Defence Minister A.K. Antony for the army honour for Mohanlal as Lt. Colonel in the Territorial Army. Azhikode with his thoughtless act belittles A K Antony too.

No one prevents Azhikode to promote the sale of Jewellery, Khadi or what else. He can even join the Territorial Army. However, the Army and the manufacturers of goods never need such worn-out horses. Azhikode now reads o the minds of Mahatma Gandhi about Mohanlal, who was born 5-10 years later to Gandhiji’s assassination. Shakespeare said: sans eyes, sans ears and sans sense at old-age. And that is now applicable to Azhikode.

K A solaman

Hardly a boon-The telegrpah

Despite claims to the contrary, this year’s budget is inflationary, bound to stunt growth, and not people-friendly. The hike in fuel prices will ensure rises in price in all sectors. It is hoped that Thomas Isaac, the finance minister of Kerala, will check the impact of the Union budget on the people of the state by bypassing the additional excise duties on petroleum products.


K.A. Solaman, The Telegraph, Calcutta,
Dated 5 March 2010

Iyer, please tell us the way out.

Global warming is potential reason for human extinction. The choices to reduce its immediate impact are: people must use less petrol, diesel, and coal, and resort to solar energy conversion in a significant manner. Protect trees, water bodies and non-polluted atmosphere are also ways to check global warming. Nevertheless my present subject is not this.

The learned jury V R Krisna Iyer says a case in a Court is like global warming. He asks AMMA friends and Thilakan-Azhikode duo not to take their rift with the courts because our court proceedings are like global warming. Does he mean that the court could not resolve this problem in a timely manner as in the case of global warming?

Of course, the citizens are able to solve themselves many of their problems without the intervention of the courts. Then what for these courts are meant? Was Krishna Iyer wasting some of his precious years in courts as judge? If yes, dear Iyer enlighten us with your noble thoughts to save us from the limitless procedure of Indian courts.

K A Solam

Mohanlal to sell khadi too.!

Kerala Industries Minister Elamaram Karim understood rather fully well the meaning of what actor Innocent told media persons in a press meet last week. He said: Mohanlal sells goods and not Sukumar Azhikode. If Sukumar Azhiokode appears as advertiser for gold ornaments the women folk would return the ornaments, was the finding of Innocent. And that may the reason for Karim’s to plead Mohanlal to become the goodwill ambassador of khadi and handloom clothes in the State.

Of late, it is a wonderful item in news papers that ministers and celebrities who had never used khadi clothes appear as promoters of the same. If money spent for these superfluous advertisements is advantageously saved it could be used for supporting many people working in the khadi sector. The finding that our cultural heritage lies in Khadi is a non-sense because our heritage lies in ‘Paalathaar’. The crisis in many village sectors is imminent in the emerging world and treatment over skin like this would not save any.

The present ambassadorship with Mohanlal discounting khadi user Sukumar Azhikode would create a little hue and cry over wearing khadi or handloom. It is the choice of the people to use low-priced clothes when khadi costs high.

K A Solaman

The RTI Act to contain corruption

None keeps unwell estimation about the significance of the RTI Act 2005. Nevertheless, many constitutional bodies refuse to comply with provision of the Act. The latest in this respect is he Supreme Court refusing to answer queries filed under the right to information act. The RTI questions, filed by activist Subhash Agrawal seeking a complete copy of records regarding Judge Dinakaran’s proposed elevation was denied by the Apex court. This is not an isolated case. The office of the Speaker of Kerala Assembly also took a similar decision denying document regarding an enquiry relating the speech of T M Jacob against the Oommen Chandy ministry. Even university-affiliated private colleges in Kerala, which receive grant-in-aid and money for salary of the employees from Sate Government took a similar stance saying that they are out of the purview of the RTI Act. This posture, however, has been quashed by the High Court.

I think a few State Governments are not aware of some of the aspects of the Act. The need of the hour is, therefore, a clear cut direction regarding the Act. None should be permitted to act above the Act. The difficulties faced by the people in receiving information from different departments at different stages should be reduced. RTI Act is aimed at containing corruption and to keep accountability in a democratic set up. To achieve these ideals, the Act should to be implemented in letter and spirit.

K A Solaman