Veteran Actor Meghanathan Dies at 60: A Look Back at His Career in Film and

Malayalam cinema lost a cherished talent as actor Meghanathan passed away on Thursday at the age of 60. The veteran actor, who had been undergoing treatment for a severe lung condition, died at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Meghanathan was the son of the legendary actor Balan K Nair and had been battling respiratory issues for a significant time. The funeral is set to take place on Thursday in Shoranur. Meghanathan's last film appearance was in 2022, marking the end of a career that began in the 1980s. He initially entered the Malayalam film industry with a minor role, quickly earning recognition for his acting skills and compelling performances. Following the news of his passing, many in the film fraternity expressed their sorrow and shared heartfelt condolences. About Meghanathan Meghanathan's career was not limited to the big screen; he also made a significant impact in television. Reports indicate that he passed away at 2 AM on Thursday. His journey in the film industry began as a studio assistant in the movie Astram, directed by PN Menon. His final film, Kooman, was released in 2022. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Meghanathan was the third child of renowned actor Balan K Nair and Sarada Nair. He leaves behind his wife, Susmitha, and daughter, Parvathi. Notable Film Contributions Throughout his career, Meghanathan was part of many well-known Malayalam films. Some of his notable works include Panchagni, Chamayam, Rajdhani, Bhumi Geetam, Scepter, Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, Praikkara Papan, Udyanapalakan, Ee Puzha Kaandam, Ullasapungattu, Rashtram, Kudamatam, Vasanthi and Lakshmi, I, Vastavam, and Action Hero Biju. His health had been declining for the past two years due to his respiratory illness. Meghanathans TV Legacy In addition to his film achievements, Meghanathan had a noteworthy presence in the television industry. Over his 40-year career, he featured in several popular TV serials such as Sthreetvam, Meghasandesham, Kathayariyathe, Snehanjali, and Chitta. Kerala: Sabarimala Temple Opens for Annual Pilgrimage, Virtual Queue Fully Booked for 2-Weeks

Online taxi drivers union demands separate parking at airports in Kerala

KOCHI: Office-bearers of the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU), a state-level independent association representing drivers working with ride-hailing companies, have called on airport authorities in Kerala to allocate dedicated parking spaces for online taxis. All major airports across the country have established separate parking areas for online taxis, but this is not the case in Kerala. The online taxi service has become an integral part of the transportation landscape, and its usage is expected to grow in the coming years, said Adv T R S Kumar, chief patron of OTDU. Kumar added that despite submitting a formal request for dedicated parking spaces last year, no action has been taken. We strongly suspect that the authorities are favouring the traditional taxi mafia in the state, he said. The union also alleged that several conventional taxis operating at Kochi airport are using illegally obtained permits, but no action has been taken against them. We follow all rules and regulations, yet we are denied justice, Kumar said. Currently, nearly 10,000 drivers are employed in the online taxi sector across the state. Although the online taxi service has been operational in Kerala for about eight years, attacks on our members remain frequent, particularly in Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. The safety of online drivers has not yet been assured, said Jijo Zachariyas, general secretary of OTDU. Additionally, the government has drafted a bill to regulate online taxi companies, but it has not been presented to the legislature.

How to handle violence by persons with mental disorders

KOCHI: Severe psychotic disorders affect less than 1 per cent of the population. Those with a predisposition for aggressive behaviour make up less than 5 per cent of this group. However, portrayals of violent psycho characters in films and web series often perpetuate the myth that individuals with mental disorders are inherently dangerous. Sensationalised reports of isolated incidents of violence further fuel stigma. Aggression in persons with mental disorders typically occurs when symptoms are ignored or treatment is discontinued, and often only when triggered by specific situational factors. Genesis of aggression Violence in mental illness arises from psychopathology. For example: A person with psychosis may act aggressively as a defensive strategy if they harbour the false belief that others are trying to harm or kill them. Someone with schizophrenia experiencing hallucinations that command them to attack might act based on such delusions. A manic individual, driven by grandiosity and irritability, may easily provoke quarrels with others. What is the usual public reaction to a person with mental disorder reacting violently in public? Adverse comments or gestures. This will only add fire to psychotic fury. Many fail to recognise that they are dealing with an individual suffering from a neurobiological condition. De-escalate and facilitate treatment Aggression in such situations stems from symptoms of a disorder. Some individuals refuse treatment because they do not accept that they have a psychiatric condition. This can lead to behaviours that endanger themselves or others. To prevent harm, urgent treatment is essential. When a person loses the capacity for decision-making, it is the duty of their family or community to ensure treatment, even against their will, as part of their right to quality care. The Mental Health Care Act provides for supported and emergency admissions in such cases. Hesitancy to act often results in preventable violent incidents. However, all such admissions and treatments must be scrutinised by statutory bodies to prevent misuse and protect human rights. Mental health review boards, chaired by judicial officers, function in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur for this purpose. Tips to tackle A person harbouring delusional fears may become suspicious of anyone approaching them. Threatening stimuli can provoke defensive aggression. The following steps can help de-escalate the situation: Listen without engaging in an argument Use a calm, soothing tone of voice Avoid provocation or confrontation Adopt a positive and friendly attitude Express concern for the individuals well-being Offer food or drink Distract with a positive activity Remove dangerous objects from the area Use verbal redirection and set boundaries Maintain close observation Ensure personal safety and be prepared to apply physical force if necessary Important to avoid Large gathering of onlookers Unpleasant or chaotic surroundings Loud or irritating noises Intimidating eye contact Unnecessary invasion of personal space Confrontational or threatening gestures/messages Role of police When a person with a mental disorder refuses treatment and poses a threat to themselves or others, the police can initiate proceedings for their admission to a public mental health establishment as per the Mental Health Care Act. The police can also report cases of ill-treatment or neglect of mentally ill individuals to the magistrate, who can order their admission and treatment. Relatives or citizens can approach the police for assistance in securing professional help for an unwilling individual. Educating relatives about the illness is crucial. Practices like chaining, locking up, or dismissing the disorder as mere bad behaviour and depriving treatment are illegal. Police officers must be trained to handle such situations sensitively. Treat with dignity Symptoms of mental illness, no matter how embarrassing, can be controlled with treatment. Once individuals gain insight, they often understand the necessity of forced intervention during their illness. However, their past aggressive behaviour should not lead to stigma or marginalisation. They deserve to be treated with dignity. The writer is senior psychiatrist at Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, and former member of the State Mental Health Authority

Kerala: Kadalundi government schools wall transcends geographical boundaries

KOCHI: A wall is not just brick and mortar. It represents a regions culture and the technology employed in its construction. In a matter of pride for residents, a wall of Government Fisheries LP School at Kadalundi will adorn Wall House, a dream project executed by Vikram Divecha, a visiting assistant professor in Arts and Art History at the New York University in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Though the school was established in 1921, the wall selected for the Wall House project is only 26 year old. The building was constructed using laterite stone in 1999, but the authorities decided to demolish it as it was declared unfit. Wall House is envisioned as an indoor centre encasing hundreds of walls and facade sections extracted from buildings slated for demolition across the globe. In this undertaking of an urgent archiving of the present, each wall is selected by local communities and researchers, a process of shifting of authorship that challenges the notion of traditional museology, Vikram told TNIE. At its core, these walls are about people. Once released from architecture, they hold the potential of being reborn as a social object. Each wall serves as a starting point for expansive sociocultural mappings of time and place. The wall fragments stand in as bearers of histories of tenants, infrastructure, materiality, aesthetics, and culture. A gift to the future, these community of walls will become ambassadors of an alternative and inclusive cultural history, he explained. Vikram said he always knew a wall from Kerala will hold special meaning for Malayalis in the UAE. It was fate that I was approached by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation about salvaging a wall from a school in Kerala. This exactly fits my approach as I want local communities to select the wall. The removal and transportation of the wall is funded by Jameel Arts Centre, he said. The wall of Kadalundi Government Fisheries LP School being ransported in an open container Transporting wall took 8 days by road, cost Rs 1.4L Headmistress P Reena said it was a matter of pride for the school that a wall of its demolished building will be displayed at the Wall House in Abu Dhabi. We were approached by the foundation seeking permission to preserve the wall, when we decided to demolish the building. The wall features a picture representing Kerala culture, Reena said. Ceekay Global Trading Co in Kozhikode, owned by Kerala Exporters Forum secretary Munshid Ali, is transporting the wall. The biggest challenge was taking the wall from Kadalundi to the Kochi port, said Munshid. Though the distance from Kozhikode to Kochi is only 200 km, it took eight days for the trailer truck carrying the wall to reach Kochi. The 18-wheel low floor vehicle brought from Telangana had to take the Kozhikode-Palakkad route to avoid disruption of traffic. We decided to move the trailer only during night, but it was a Herculean task to remove the low-hanging power cables, he said. The normal fare to transport a container from Kozhikode to Kochi is `30,000, but Munshid had to pay `1.4 lakh due to the risks involved in transportation. The wall was loaded onto an open container brought from Mumbai by Sree Trans Logistics on Wednesday. Cargo vessel SSL Kaveri will set sail from Kochi port to Jebel Ali Port in UAE with the wall on Thursday.

Kozhikode City sub-district leads in revenue district school arts festival

Writer Benyamin hails the artistic tradition of Kozhikode

Bike of youth held on drug trafficking charge forfeited in Kozhikode

It was the second such forfeiture under Section 68 F (seizure or freezing of illegally acquired property) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 in Kozhikode city

Kozhikode Revenue District School Arts Festival begins with off-stage events

Writer Benyamin to inaugurate the festival on Wednesday

Medical negligence plaint against Kozhikode MCH after Perambra womans death

The relatives claimed that the staff took around four days to diagnose it as Gullain-Barre Syndrome. Instead, she was initially given medicines for psychiatric problems and orthopaedic issues

Sustainable green city model stresses on need to adopt eco-friendly infrastructure

ALAPPUZHA: The push for sustainable urban development has become essential for securing the future of our planet, with cities like Amsterdam and Oslo setting the benchmark through scientifically planned infrastructure. In a similar stride towards innovation, Abhinav Soorya and Alvina Vijilish, students of Higher Secondary School at Perambra in Kozhikode, have created a remarkable sustainable green city model. Showcased at the Social Science Fair held at St Josephs High School, Alappuzha, their model which has been crafted uniquely from arecanut leaves captivated the attention of social science enthusiasts. The project highlighted the pressing need for planning sustainable cities. Speaking about the inspiration behind the model, Abhinav emphasised the urgency for cities to adopt eco-friendly infrastructure. Vertical development is a major trend in modern cities, and currently, about 55% of the global population live in the urban areas. By 2050, this percentage will surpass 68%. At that point, only sustainable green cities will make urban life liveable, he said. Drawing attention to heavily polluted cities like Delhi and Mumbai, he pointed out that the only viable solution is to transition these cities to green, sustainable models. The proposed model includes essential features like a plastic recycling unit, biogas plant, vermicomposting facility, drainage water treatment system, rainwater harvesting, smoke filtration, and solar energy initiatives. Alvina said their aim is to shed light on the importance of such green innovations for the well-being of the generations to come. Other impressive exhibits at the fair included a model by Parvathi Pillai and Sangeetha S from Government HSS Poruvazhy, Sasthamkotta in Kollam, demonstrating the movement of the sun and planets, and its impact on climate change. Additionally, Arjun J K and Swathi V V of Government High School, Kasaragod, showcased a model of tectonic plates, illustrating how their shifts can cause earthquakes.

Munambam dispute: Thangal, Kunhalikutty hold meeting with bishops of Latin Church

KOCHI: In a significant move to ease the simmering tension over the Munambam land dispute, Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and P K Kunhalikutty, two most senior leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), called on Latin Catholic bishops at the Varapuzha archdiocese headquarters in Ernakulam on Monday. Representatives of the Munambam-Kadapuram Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti also participated in the discussions. After the meeting, they jointly stated that the onus is on the state government to find a solution to the issue in an amicable manner, and assured all support in this regard. The discussion, which lasted more than an hour, came ahead of the state governments high-level meeting on November 22 to resolve the land dispute at Munambam where about 615 families mostly from the Latin Christian community are fighting for rights to their land following claims by the Waqf Board. Sixteen bishops of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Bishops Council (KRLCBC), including Varapuzha Archbishop Mar Joseph Kalathiparambil, attended the meeting, which assumed political significance as it was held on the final day of the campaigning for the Palakkad assembly by-election. Sources said Thangal, who arrived in Kochi on Sunday night from Kozhikode, was planning to visit Munambam on Monday and discussed this with KRLCBC president Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal. However, the bishop invited him to the Varapuzha archdiocese bishops house for a meeting. According to KRLCC sources, the Church has been in contact with Thangal and Kunhalikutty regarding the Munambam issue. After the meeting, Thangal, Kunhalikutty and Bishop Chakkalakal told reporters that they want an amicable settlement to the issue and that the onus is on the state government to bring everyone together to arrive at alegally binding solution. The Munambam issue needs to be resolved at the earliest since it would become even more complex with each passing day, Thangal said. Call meet of all stakeholders immediately, says Thangal Everyone present at the meeting agreed upon the fact that there are both legal and factual aspects associated with the issue, Thangal said. The government must call a meeting of all the stakeholders immediately after the election to arrive at a permanent solution, he said. Kunhalikutty said there are some technical problems related to the issue, which can be solved only by the state government by calling a meeting of all stakeholders. Thangal had recently called a meeting of the Farook College committee and other Muslim organisations. At the meeting, they passed a mandate that this issue needs to be solved amicably. Even the Farook College Committee has expressed their desire for an amicable solution, said Kunhalikutty. Bishop Chakkalakal said Thangal, Kunhalikutty and various Muslim organisations have expressed their solidarity with the residents of Munambam. Thangal and Kunhalikutty told us that they will approach the state government to seek a solution to the issue at the earliest. The bishop highlighted how everyone is working to keep the secular fabric at Munambam intact. Thangal and Kunhalikutty are positive that the issue can be solved amicably. We too have the same belief. We have to maintain communal amity in our society. This is not a religious issue, he said.

Malappuram crowned science fair champions, Kannur came second

ALAPPUZHA: Malappuram emerged overall champions in the 56th State Schools Science Fair, which concluded in Alappuzha on Monday, securing 1,450 points in 180 competitions held over the past four days. Kannur came second with 1,412 points, while Kozhikode came third with 1,353 points. Agriculture Minister P Prasad and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian distributed prizes to the winners. This is the first time a trophy in the name of Education Minister has been introduced in the fair for the top district. In school-level competitions, Durga HSS, Kanhangad, Kasaragod, emerged as overall champions, scoring 140 points. Sacred Heart HSS, Dwaraka, Wayanad, was second with 131 points, while FMG HSS, Koombanpara, Idukki was third with 126 points. At the regional-level vocational expo competitions, Thrissur region was named overall championship with 67 points. Kollam was second with 66 points, and Ernakulam followed in third place with 60 points. MLAs P P Chitaranjan and H Salam, municipal chairperson K K Jayamma, District Collector Alex Varghese, Public Education Department additional director C A Santhosh attended the valedictory function.

Panamaram GHSS shines in Kerala cycle polo championship

KOZHIKODE: The Panamaram Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Wayanad has etched its name in the annals of Kerala sports history with a groundbreaking achievement in the state-level cycle polo championship. For the first time, a school has contributed five players to the Kerala state team, a remarkable feat that underscores the institutions excellence in sports. The state-level cycle polo championship was held recently in Idukki, where the Wayanad team showcased exceptional skill and determination. Among the 10 players from Wayanad, five were from Panamaram GHSS. The star players Alvin R, Nasala Fathima, Hanna Fathima P N, Hiba Thasni, Fathimath Fida P N secured spots in the Kerala team, qualifying to represent the state in the upcoming national competitions. Furthermore, Archana K, another student from the school, earned a place on the reserve list. This achievement is particularly notable as all five students belong to the tribal category, highlighting the schools role in nurturing talent from marginalised communities. This is not the first time the school has made waves in the sport. Last year, students from Panamaram GHSS represented Kerala in the National Cycle Polo Championship. The students owe their success to their sports teachers --Mohammad Navas T, Neethu K and Diyoof K -- whose guidance has been instrumental in honing their skills. The Wayanad district panchayat also played a key role by allocating 10 specialised cycle polo bicycles to the school as part of its One School One Game initiative. The support provided the students with resources needed to excel in the unique sport.

Rampant encroachments on footpaths by vendors hit pedestrian movement

Prime locations such as Palayam Junction, Kozhikode Medical College, and Nadakkavu are experiencing a growing presence of pushcart vendors, hindering pedestrian movement.

Kozhikode District School Arts Festival from November 19

Off-stage events to be held at Government Higher Secondary School, Nadakkavu, on November 19

Release of Kerala man on death row from Saudi jail delayed as Riyadh court postpones verdict

Kozhikode native Abdul Rahim has been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for last 18 years for murder of his sponsors son

Unregistered docs under medical councils scanner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Medical Councils (KSMC) have intensified its crack down on practitioners displaying qualifications not officially recognised by them, as they look to curb fraudulent and unqualified medical practices and safeguard patient welfare. The Council for Indian System of Medicine has been particularly active, investigating clinics and practitioners with unregistered or unrecognised qualifications. The law mandates that only registered practitioners can legally practice, said council president Dr Sreekumar T D. We deploy teams to conduct investigations, and based on their findings, decide whether to grant registration, he said, noting that such investigations often face resistance, leading to the involvement of police for ensuring compliance. Recently, the council acted against SJ Herbo Life Ayurveda and Siddha Hospital in Kozhikode following a complaint by Campaign Against Pseudo Science Using Law and Ethics (CAPSULE), a public health initiative under the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP). The clinics doctor-promoter was summoned for violating the Kerala State Medical Practitioners (KSMP) Act, 2021. Representatives from the Ayurvedic Medical Association of India too have expressed concern over illegal practices within the medical community, and are closely monitoring unethical and unregulated activities among practitioners. While the Council for Indian Systems of Medicine focuses on alternative practices, the Council of Modern Medicine has been taking action against doctors having unregistered qualifications. The council officials said there were multiple instances where doctors were found practising without proper registration of their MBBS qualifications or additional specialisations such as MD, MS, DNB, DM, MCH, and DrNB. Some doctors were also found displaying additional qualifications not recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which sets the national standards for medical practice. This is a violation of the National Medical Commission Act, 2020, as well as the KSMP Act, which mandates that all medical practitioners must be registered with the respective state medical council. Medical practitioners are required to display their council registration number, registered qualifications, and a legally attested copy of their registration certificate at the locations where they practice. Only qualifications and registration numbers officially recognised and registered with the state medical council should be used on prescriptions, letterheads, and seals.

Rahims release from Saudi jail delayed, family heartbroken

KOZHIKODE: The postponement of Kodampuzha native Abdul Rahims release from a Saudi Arabia prison has left his family devastated. Rahim, who has been imprisoned in Riyadh for the past 18 years, was expected to walk free soon after his death sentence was commuted. However, the Riyadh court has deferred the case for another two weeks, citing procedural delays. Expressing her anguish, Rahims mother Fathima said, I have waited for so long to reunite with my son. I was hoping this would be the moment, but it keeps slipping away. Please bring my child home soon. Rahims brother Nazir also shared his disappointment. We were full of hope today, but once again, we are left waiting. The lack of updates from the court only adds to the distress, he said. A massive fundraising campaign spearheaded by a legal aid committee collected Rs 47.87 crore for his release, which included the diya (blood money) payment of Rs 36.27 crore. Once the payment and the required documents were submitted, the court commuted his death sentence. Despite these efforts, the final release order has not yet been signed. Had the court approved it during the scheduled Sunday hearing, Rahim could have been released. Now, his release is tentatively expected to be considered again in two weeks. The legal aid committee has announced that the remaining Rs 11.6 crore in the trust account will be used for philanthropic activities after Rahim returns home.

Deep cleaning units getting ready under Kudumbashree in Kozhikode

The four units based at Kunnamangalam, Nochad, Narippatta, and Chengottukavu are trained at the Food Craft Institute under the Tourism department and had their practical training cleaning up the Government Guest House at West Hill

Congress hartal leads to tension in parts of Kozhikode

Workers of the Congress and the Youth Congress were seen engaging in arguments with the police, forcing buses to stop their services and insisting that shops down their shutters in and around Mavoor Road

Malappuram maintains lead in State School Science Festival

Malappuram leads with 968 points, followed by Kannur and Kozhikode districts which scored 935 and 922 points respectively

Congress workers forcibly close shops in Kozhikode city during hartal

Though some of the shops were open and buses were plying on the roads normally in the morning hours, the situation changed subsequently as Youth Congress workers objected to it

Traders raise strong protest against Congress hartal in Kozhikode

Merchant organisation leaders say any type of protests asking the forcible closure of shops will not be acceptable in the wake of the looming financial crisis in the local retail market

Unlicensed food ventures: Special squads to intensify checking under 13 circles in Kozhikode

Five special squads have been constituted to coordinate the inspection which will also expose the delaying renewal of FSSAI license

Talent speaks louder than words at school science festival in Kerala

ALAPPUZHA: As the allotted time for the work experience events was almost to end, Ajay Balu, a Class V student from Rahmania School, Kozhikode, was busy crafting items from waste materials. A regular participant at the State School Science Fair for the past three years, the visually impaired 10-year-old boy was thrilled to learn arts, attend the event and acquire more skills. I have learnt to make craft items from waste materials and made swings, tables, chairs etc here. I have been trained by my teachers for the past two months and am excited to participate in these events, says Ajay. What is more exciting is that Ajay was trained by a visually impaired instructor from Malappuram. Noushad T has been working in the field of teaching art and craft to students with special needs for more than two decades now. Being a visually impaired person, I was trained by several teachers in my school days. Now I am passing it on to these children, he says, adding that children with special needs are skilled in arts. There may be challenges. These children, however, show a talent for comprehending and completing tasks quickly. It is an advantage, he adds. As many as 957 students from 43 special schools across the state participated in the work experience category for visually and hearing impaired students in LP, UP, high school and higher secondary sections, held on Saturday. The competition was held in 22 categories. At another end of the hall was G Vishnu, a Class X student, making life-like sculptures out of clay which won him the first prize in the category. Vishnu, a hearing-impaired artist, had bagged the first prize in clay modelling competitions for the past five years in the State School Science Fair in the work experience category and was also the first prize winner in cartoon and painting competitions in the State School Arts Fest. Vishnu, a student of Fr Agotino Vicinis Special School in Kochi, has been trained by Kochi-based sculptor Stanley from a very young age. Training kids with difficulties is a task in the initial stages. But when they find interest in the craft, they grasp it quickly. Vishnu is an exceptionally talented student and you can see that in the art he made with years of training, said Stanley.

Public outcry as woman cop forced to apologise to youths at Koyilandi bus stand

KOZHIKODE: A controversial incident unfolded at Koyilandi bus stand on Thursday when a group of youths forced a woman ASI to publicly apologise after she asked them to leave the area during a police inspection. The police had intensified checks in the area following reports of rampant drug sales. ASI Jameela, while on duty, questioned a group of youths, including some in school uniforms, who were standing near the bus stand. After asking them to move, they initially complied but returned later. When she reiterated her request, the group claimed they were insulted and prompted a crowd to gather. Videos of the incident went viral, sparking public outcry. Though the police have launched an internal probe, no formal case has been registered. ASI Jameela said that her actions were aimed at protecting the future of the youth. She said she did not complain to higher authorities, as she considered the youths like her own children. The Special Branch is investigating the matter.

Kerala HC quashes NOC denial for Juma prayer hall

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ruled that opposition from one community to the establishment of a religious place by another does not automatically lead to disharmony or a breach of peace. The court issued the order on a petition filed by K T Mujeeb of Kozhikode, challenging the Kadalundy panchayat secretarys decision to deny an NOC for a Juma prayer hall on his property. The district administration had cited concerns of potential law and order issues due to objections from other communities. However, the court disagreed, stating that such concerns could not justify blocking the establishment of a religious site, especially when no evidence of a threat to peace was provided. The court emphasised that in a democratic country, the right to practice ones religion should not be curtailed based on mere opposition from others. The court directed the collector to reconsider the application in accordance with the appropriate guidelines.

Can't block religious place due to opposition by another group: Kerala high court

The Kerala high court ruled that opposition from other groups shouldn't prevent the establishment of religious places in a democratic nation. The court made this decision while reviewing a Kozhikode collector's order that denied permission to operate a Muslim prayer hall due to opposition from people of other faiths.

Cong. rebel faction backed by CPI(M) claims victory in Kozhikode bank election; Cong. alleges malpractices

All seven candidates put up by the rebel faction, along with four CPI(M) nominees, emerge victorious when results were declared

War of words over alleged administrative paralysis in Kozhikode Corporation

Mayor and Deputy Mayor term the allegations defamatory

Kozhikode city to host district school arts fest this year

Beypore-built 'uru', a symbol of Keralas maritime legacy, set to sail for Qatar

KASARGOD: In Beypore, a new 140ft-long luxury dhow is all set to embark on a long journey. Locally known as an uru, the traditional vessel has been painstakingly handcrafted by Sayoos Wood Works for Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, a renowned Qatari businessman, and will soon make its way to Qatar to be employed in luxury tourism. The uru will hit the water for the first time on Saturday. Led by master craftsman Abdurahiman, popularly known as Khalasi moopan,, the dhow was constructed at a shipyard along the Chaliyar river with a dedicated team of 20 workers. Sayoos Wood Works, under the ownership of P Sasidharan, built it using Malabar teak and other high-grade timber sourced from Nilambur forest. The vessel, which cost approximately Rs 3.2 crore, exemplifies traditional boat-making methods that have been passed down for generations among Beypores artisans, or khalasis. The 33-foot-wide, 12.5-foot-high dhow will be launched into the Chaliyar using a pulley-wheel mechanism to ease it into the water during high tide. Following its journey to Dubai for interior refinements, the vessel will be transported to Qatar. The uru is a cultural symbol of northern Kerala, particularly Kozhikode, and a testament to the regions 1,500-year legacy of wooden shipbuilding. Demand for Beypores vessels has persisted, especially among Arab traders, dating back to ancient maritime trade routes. Despite modern advancements, khalasis have preserved the traditional techniques, making Beypore a popular destination for visitors eager to witness the enduring craftsmanship of these iconic vessels. The new dhow will further cement Beypores reputation as a centre of traditional maritime expertise, with yet another grand vessel destined for Qatar in the works. Among the artisans who worked on the vessel were prominent carpentry experts Edathodi Sathyan, Puzhakara Sreedharan, and Soman Kidangath, whose knowledge of traditional methods helped bring the vessel to life. Expressing his pride in the craftmanship, Khalasi moopan Abdurahiman said, Building an uru is not just about wood and nails. Its about heritage, patience, and the hands of our ancestors guiding us. We worked with half the usual manpower, but our dedication to the tradition kept us going.

School in Kozhikode holds child development screening camp

53,290 immovable waqf holdings in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are 53,290 immovable waqf properties in Kerala as on November 13, 2024. Of this, 1,008 face litigation, reveals data accessed by TNIE from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Of the total, 10,841 properties are agricultural land. On expected lines, Malappuram district tops the list with 21,537 properties. Idukki with 227 properties comes last. Besides agricultural land, there are 936 buildings, 90 houses, 28,256 plots, three fishing ponds, 788 shops and 173 schools registered as waqf properties. As many as 12,000 institutions are registered as waqf in the state till date, Waqf Board CEO V S Zakir Hussain told TNIE. Registration (of new properties) takes place every day. These new properties include schools, agricultural land, shopping complexes, he added. BJP state prabhari Prakash Javadekar had recently challenged the LDF government in Kerala to reveal the details of waqf properties in the state. His remarks, made in the backdrop of the Munambam controversy, had kicked up a debate on the number and extent of properties managed by the Waqf Board. Only two properties are directly managed by the Waqf Board. As many as 39,708 are managed by management committees, while 11,752 are managed by Mutavallis. Administrators manage 478 properties. In 1,350 cases, no system is in place to manage the properties. Strictly speaking, the Kerala State Waqf Board owns no properties, Waqf Board chairman M K Sakeer said. The waqf properties are managed and registered in each district and we have 14 divisional offices. The board intervenes only when the properties are not protected under the Waqf Act, he said. Zakir Hussain said the campaign that the board evicts people on the basis of claims are not right. Once the board is convinced that there is merit in the petition of the divisional office, we start the process and send notices to the parties concerned. We hold a hearing and verify the documents. If we feel that there is alienation or encroachment, we forward it to the three-member tribunal headed by a sessions judge in Kozhikode. After the verdict of the tribunal, the parties can approach the HC for review. This process has been going on since 2022. The reports that the board has been serving notices in haste is not correct, he said. Going by the official data, there are 1,008 litigations in waqf properties. Of this, 457 are external (with members of other communities) and 551 are internal (with members of the Muslim community) litigations.

Rights panel issues notice to Kozhikode MCH Superintendent over postponing surgery

Cong. factions to fight it out in election to coop. bank in Kozhikode

The election to pick office-bearers for the Chevayur Service Cooperative Bank is scheduled for November 16

Forest squad nabs seven with smuggled sandalwood in Kozhikode

The squad seized 65 kg of sandalwood, apart from impounding three vehicles including a car fitted with KWA name board

Ernakulam court summons Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna in drug promotion case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court in Ernakulam has directed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Divya Pharmacy to be present in the court in cases filed by the Drugs Control Department. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kakkanad issued two separate orders in connection with the illegal drug promotions. The department accused both Ramdev and Acharya of violating Section 3(d) of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act in these cases. The court issued summons to the accused in one case on January 30 and issued directions for the production of the accused in another case on February 17 next year. Besides the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Thiruvananthapuram also issued notice to the same accused in another case filed by the department. The case is posted for November 21. The Drugs Control Department has filed a total of 10 cases against Ramdev-promoted Divya Pharmacy for publishing misleading advertisements in various courts in Kozhikode (4 cases), Palakkad (3 cases), Ernakulam (2 cases) and Thiruvananthapuram (1 case). The cases have been registered for violation of Section 3(d) of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable advertisement) Act 1954. Under the law, cure of 54 diseases listed in the schedule should not be advertised. The states drugs control department became the first drug licensing agency in the country to file a case against Patanjali Ayurved in a court for publishing misleading advertisements in April. The department found that Patanjalis Divya Pharmacy advertised pharmaceutical products for diseases, in which the cure should not be advertised, in more than 30 instances. The cases were initiated based on a complaint filed by Dr Babu K V, a health activist from Kannur.

Gulf countries to say cheers with Malayali beer

KOZHIKODE: Created by two Keralites based in Poland, Malayali beer, known for its Indian roots and unique flavours, is set to make its entry into West Asia. They have signed three-year distribution agreements with ADMMI for UAE and Africa and with Eastern for Bahrain, which allows Malayali beer to tap into a dynamic and rapidly growing consumer base in the region. By 2025, they hope to break into the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia markets. The move comes on the heels of Malayali beers successful entry into the UK market earlier this year, where it quickly gained traction and has been making waves with both consumers and distributors. Conceived by Chandra Mohan Nallur, who hails from Palakkad but was bought up in Kozhikode, and Sargheve Sukumaran, the brew is a distinctive blend of European techniques and Indian-inspired flavours. In preparation for its upcoming launch in the Gulf, Malayali beer recently secured a substantial investment of rs 9 crore from an angel investor based in the region. The funding injection will support the companys plans to scale up production and distribution networks as it readies for entry into multiple high-growth markets across North America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia over the next two years. Beyond its name, signifying my native land, the beer has several Indian-inspired flavours, which is central to its appeal. This differentiates it in competitive markets and helps build an engaged consumer following, Chandra Mohan told TNIE. At first, we thought Malayalis living outside India will be able to relate to it more. But as it turned out, we received wide appreciation from Europeans when it was introduced there, he added. In the first year, we sold around 50,000 bottles. We didnt expect such a response. Over the next year, sales jumped by at least 30%, he said, adding the name of the product reflects his love for his fellow Malayalis.

Pedal boating begins at Sarovaram Biopark in Kozhikode

Revathi Pattathanam held at Tali temple in Kozhikode

Welcome that drink with caution, say doctors as hepatitis A cases go up in Kozhikode

At least five to six cases of the infection being reported every day at the Government Medical College Hospital in recent weeks

No roadmap yet for better traffic signage system in Kozhikode city

Emergency signboards and lane markings near roundabouts have not yet been introduced to streamline the traffic management

Kozhikode Corporation to rehabilitate traders evicted from shop rooms below CH Flyover

Around 40% of evicted traders find alternative locations; Deputy Mayor urges others to wait for funds to be allocated, while traders offer to build shops themselves

ICMR seeks 'out of the box' ideas from Indian scientists to solve complex health problems

A health worker walks past Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Nipah virus mobile testing facility at a government hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. (AFP) A health worker walks past Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Nipah virus mobile testing facility at a government hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. (AFP) New Delhi: In an effort to encourage Indian scientists to come up with innovative ideas for finding solutions to difficult health problems, apex health research body ICMR has launched a new initiative The initiative-- First in the World Challenge -- aims to foster novel, out of the box, futuristic ideas, new knowledge generation, discovery or development of breakthrough health technologies (vaccines, drugs or therapeutics, diagnostics, interventions etc.) which has never been thought, tested or tried in the world till date. Over the years the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has encouraged researchers within and outside ICMR by providing funding support through various research schemes. To move ahead of the curve, ICMR is looking for innovative, out of the box ideas from researchers across the country, the call for proposals document said. Inspired by Chandrayan 3 landing on the south pole of the moon, making India the first country to do so, the ICMR is launching a new initiative 'First in the World Challenge' research grant, it said. The proposal must have bold research ideas with significant wide ranging impact and if successful should have potential 'first of its kind' biomedical and technological innovations for better health outcomes in the global context. Proposals aiming for 'incremental' knowledge' or 'process innovation 'will not be funded through this scheme, the ICMR said. It is a high risk, high reward initiative, odds of success may be variable; But ICMR considers it worth taking the risk to achieve something which no one in the world has ever done before. This program believes in taking big chances for big rewards. Every attempt may not work out, but the successes will bring about huge revolution in biomedical science, the document said. The submission portal opened on November 5. Scientist or faculty working at government medical colleges, ICMR institutes or universities or recognized research and development laboratories and NGOs, or other private institutions and NGOs (registered with the DSIR, Govt. of India) working as research organisations among others can apply. The proposals can be submitted by an individual or by a team of researchers, the document said.

IIM Kozhikode, Emeritus Launch Chief Product Officer Course

The programme is designed to help product leaders, new and evolving CPOs, business founders and consultants.

Veteran Congress leader M T Padma passes away at 81

KOZHIKODE: Veteran Congress leader and former minister M T Padma passed away on Monday at her daughters residence in Mumbai due to age-related health complications. She was 81. The cremation is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in her hometown, Kozhikode. Born in Kannur, Padma emerged as a prominent figure in Keralas political landscape through her dedication to public service. She began her political journey with KSU during her law college days. She served as the KSU vice-president, a role that marked her entry into active political work amid a highly charged period for student politics. In 1982, she contested in Nadapuram under the directive of K Karunakaran, the then-Congress leader, though she lost by a margin of approximately 2,300 votes. Her persistence paid off, and she successfully contested the Koyilandy assembly seat in both 1987 and 1991, marking a significant rise in her political career. During the 1991 UDF cabinet under K Karunakaran, Padma held key portfolios, including fisheries and rural development, where she advocated for the welfare of coastal communities and rural areas. Padma also contested the Palakkad parliamentary constituency in 1999 but suffered defeat, followed by another loss in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections in Vadakara, where she lost by a margin of 1,30,000 votes. However, her political journey was marked by resilience and dedication. She maintained a close rapport with K Karunakaran and briefly joined the Democratic Indira Congress (DIC) before rejoining the Congress party. Her contributions as an opposition leader in Kozhikode corporation and her ability to raise issues that affect the public, especially fisherfolk, were widely acknowledged. MP M K Raghavan described Padma as a leader who embodied sincerity, dedication, and a firm commitment to feminist ideals in public life. Raghavan highlighted her personal connection with Kozhikode, a city she devotedly served despite her roots in Kannur. He remembered her efforts in establishing the Koyilandy Fish Landing Centre and the Koyilandy Fisheries Technical School, initiatives that showcased her commitment to the welfare of coastal communities and Keralas development. Padma leaves behind a legacy as Keralas third woman minister and one of its most respected Congress leaders. Her work with KSU, her service as MLA, and her commitment to the uplift of the underprivileged earned her admiration across political lines.

Kerala: Polling begins in Wayanad LS seat

Wayanad/Thrissur: Voting in the bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Chelakkara assembly constituency in Kerala commenced at 7am on Wednesday People started arriving early in the morning at the 1,354 polling booths in the hill constituency of Wayanad where there are over 14 lakh registered voters, according to the Election Commission figures. #WATCH | Kerala: People queue up at a polling station in Wayanad to vote for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-polls pic.twitter.com/lBF0ykyJNn ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024 The Wayanad constituency comprises seven assembly segments of Mananthavady (ST), Sulthan Bathery (ST), and Kalpetta in Wayanad district; Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district; and Eranad, Nilambur, and Wandoor in Malappuram district. A bypoll was necessitated in the hill constituency after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad LS seat in the general elections held earlier this year, vacated it after he also won from the Rae Bareli constituency. There are 16 candidates in the fray for the seat with Congress-led UDF's candidate and Rahul's sister Priyanka, who is making her electoral debut, CPI(M)-led LDF's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP-led NDA's Navya Haridas being the top contenders. Polling in Wayanad commenced amidst tight security arrangements which included deployment of over 2,500 security personnel and live monitoring of the by-election process by an extensive webcasting system. Voting for the Chelakkara assembly seat in Thrissur district of the state also saw people turning up early at the 177 polling stations in the constituency. There are six candidates in the fray for the assembly seat, where a bypoll was necessitated after LDF's K Radhakrishnan -- who won from there in 2021 -- was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Alathur constituency by defeating UDF's Ramya Haridas who had won from there in 2019. Haridas is now contesting from the Chelakkara assembly seat and is pitted against LDF's U R Pradeep and NDA's K Balakrishnan. There were close to two lakh voters in the constituency during the 2021 assembly election in the state. Voting began in Wayanad and Chelakkara after a mock poll was carried out by casting votes in favour of all candidates, including NOTA, whose names are there on an EVM.

Jharkhand Assembly polls live updates: First phase of voting begins across 43 seats, bypolls including Wayanad starts

Polling for the Jharkhand Assembly elections has begun, with 43 of its 81 seats going to vote in Phase 1 today. The 43 constituencies include 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and six for Scheduled Castes. The remaining 38 seats will vote in phase two polling on November 20. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made elaborate security arrangements as 950 polling booths have been identified as sensitive across 31 constituencies. The mock poll began at 5.30 am and regular poll begun at 7am and will continue till 5pm. The voting will end at 4pm at sensitive booths. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a member of the opposition's INDIA bloc, will face off against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA allies in Jharkhand Assembly polls are All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and Janata Dal (United), while the INDIA bloc is represented by JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left parties. In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly election, Hemant Soren-led JMM won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. A coalition of the JMM, Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal formed the governmen, with Soren assuming the role of Chief Minister. Polling begins in Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha seat,Chelakkara assembly constituency Voting in the bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Chelakkara assembly constituency in Kerala commenced at 7am. People started arriving early in the morning at the 1,354 polling booths in the hill constituency of Wayanad where there are over 14 lakh registered voters, according to the Election Commission figures. The Wayanad constituency comprises seven assembly segments of Mananthavady (ST), Sulthan Bathery (ST), and Kalpetta in Wayanad district; Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district; and Eranad, Nilambur, and Wandoor in Malappuram district. A bypoll was necessitated in the hill constituency after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad LS seat in the general elections held earlier this year, vacated it after he also won from the Rae Bareli constituency. There are 16 candidates in the fray for the seat with Congress-led UDF's candidate and Rahul's sister Priyanka, who is making her electoral debut, CPI(M)-led LDF's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP-led NDA's Navya Haridas being the top contenders. Voting for the Chelakkara assembly seat in Thrissur district of the state also saw people turning up early at the 177 polling stations in the constituency. There are six candidates in the fray for the assembly seat, where a bypoll was necessitated after LDF's K Radhakrishnan -- who won from there in 2021 -- was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Alathur constituency by defeating UDF's Ramya Haridas who had won from there in 2019. Haridas is now contesting from the Chelakkara assembly seat and is pitted against LDF's U R Pradeep and NDA's K Balakrishnan. There were close to two lakh voters in the constituency during the 2021 assembly election in the state. Voting for six assembly bypolls seats begin in Bengal Polling for by-elections to six assembly seats in West Bengal started at 7 AM on Wednesday, amid tight security arrangements, an official said. Voting will continue till 5 PM, he added. The by-polls are being held in Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur and Taldangra assembly constituencies in West Bengal. Notably, five of these constituencies are in the TMC strongholds of south Bengal, while Madarihat remains a BJP bastion in the northern part of the state. Altogether 108 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed for the by-elections. The bypolls were necessitated following the resignations of MLAs who were elected to the Lok Sabha in the general elections this year. Both the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP have fielded candidates for all six seats. The CPI (M)-led Left Front and the Congress are contesting the by-elections separately for the first time since 2021, following a recent change in the Bengal Congress leadership. The Left Front has announced candidates for five of the six seats, including one CPI(ML) nominee. The Congress has fielded candidates in all six assembly segments. Voting begins for bypolls to seven assembly seats in Rajasthan Voting for by-elections on seven assembly constituencies of Rajasthan began at 7 am on Wednesday morning under tight security arrangements, officials said. Polling began at 7 am, an official of the election department said. The seven seats going to the polls are: Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumber and Ramgarh. The results will be declared on November 23. As many as 69 candidates -- 10 female and 59 male -- are in the fray in the seven constituencies which have a total of 19.37 lakh voters. More than 9,000 security personnel have been deployed across 1,914 polling stations to ensure a smooth voting process. Currently, the 200-seat state assembly has 114 MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party, 65 of the Congress, three of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), two of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), one of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and eight Independent MLAs.

Stray dog menace puts Railways, Kozhikode Corporation in a spot

A tourist from Germany was bitten by a stray dog at the Kozhikode railway station recently

Fee for OP consultation: meeting at Kozhikode MCH on November 21

Kerala HC quashes case under Waqf Act against postal officers

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has quashed a case against two former officials of the Department of Posts, Kozhikode Division, based on a complaint filed by the Waqf Board. The complaint alleged that the officials illegally took possession of Waqf property without obtaining prior sanction from the Board. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, delivering the order on a petition filed by K Sukumaran and K Prema, stated that the Department of Posts had occupied the property prior to the insertion of Section 52A in the Waqf Act. The court noted that the Post Office had been functioning on the property since 1999, while Section 52A, which mandates prior sanction from the Waqf Board to take possession of Waqf property, was only introduced in 2013. Consequently, the court ruled that prosecution against the petitioners was unsustainable. Waqf land dispute escalates to wider areas K Sukumaran, Senior Superintendent, and K Prema, Sub Post Master of Kozhikode Division in 2018, had filed a petition seeking to quash the case after the Judicial First Class Magistrate issued a summons. The summons was based on allegations that they committed offences under Section 52A of the Waqf Act, which states: Whoever alienates or purchases or takes possession of, either permanently or temporarily, without prior sanction of the board shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years. Advocate Suvin R Menon, representing the petitioners, argued that since the Post Office had taken possession of the property prior to the 2013 amendment, the requirements of Section 52A did not apply to his clients. CM Pinarayi promises permanent solution to Munambam residents in dispute over Waqf claim

Former Kerala Minister and Congress leaderM.T. Padma dies in Mumbai

Padma was an MLA from Koyilandy segment in Kozhikode between 1987 and 1991, and 1991 and 1996. She also handled portfolios of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Registration in State Cabinets led by former Chief Ministers Karunakaran and A.K. Antony during 1991-96 period

The Kerala pi story

KOCHI: The story of pi is one of great intrigue. On a cosmological plane, this natural constant is believed to hold secrets of the universe, evident in the spiral patterns of galaxies and the way matter is distributed. In quantum mechanics, pi offers insights into the subatomic world. Physicists such as Werner Heisenberg, Albert Einstein, and Johannes Kepler have depended on it for the Uncertainty Principle, the General Theory of Relativity, and the Laws of Planetary Motion. Pi is seen as an intrinsic part of universal geometry, governing everything from the macroscopic world to the DNAs inner structure. And its history spans ancient civilisations: the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Bharat. To a mathematician, pi is an infinite, irrational number often approximated as 22/7 or in decimal as 3.14159 extending into an infinite sequence of digits. Several cultures approximated pi to different decimal places. This mystery number has a notable Kerala connection as well. In the 14th century, Sangamagrama Madhava, a mathematician from Irinjalakuda in Thrissur, became the first to approximate pi correctly up to 11 decimal places. Madhavas achievements go beyond the value of pi. He developed calculus series for sine, cosine, and arctangent functions long before these concepts appeared in the works of 17th-century mathematicians James Gregory, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and Isaac Newton. This revelation has shifted traditional beliefs, as Leibniz and Newton are regarded as the fathers of calculus. Today, Madhavas contributions are recognised in the naming of certain infinite series based on trigonometric and calculus functions, now known as the Madhava-Newton, Madhava-Leibniz, and Madhava-Gregory series. Kerala School of Mathematics Madhavas work highlights ancient Keralas prominence in mathematics and astronomy, giving rise to the term Kerala School of Mathematics. This school includes scholars such as Parameshvara, Neelakanta Somayaji, Jyeshtadeva, Achyuta Pisharati, and Achyutha Panikkar. Among them, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, famous to Malayalis as the author of the devotional work Narayaneeyam, was a mathematical linguist who contributed significantly to the school. Madhavas work is referenced in the writings of these scholars. However, much of his original work has been lost, or yet to be unearthed. While outside Kerala, within India and abroad, Madhavas contributions have been well-celebrated, the state is now slowly embracing his legacy. And that brings us to Litty Chacko, a Malayalam professor at St Josephs College in Irinjalakuda, who has spent 15 years uncovering Madhavas life and contributions. In my college, the mathematics department was quite strong, and we hosted many international seminars. Many international speakers came because they had heard of Irinjalakuda as Madhavas birthplace. That intrigued me, she says, on how her research began. I have always had a passion for heritage. I wanted to learn more about him. I visited his ancestral home near Irinjalakuda, met many people, and explored numerous manuscripts. The journey has been incredible, allowing me to know more about him and related history that is nowhere in our textbooks. Litty had a clear goal: finding the eight books Madhava is credited with, as mentioned by his successors. It was during these journeys that I discovered Lagnaprakarana [an important astronomical text] for the first time. I found it written in a notebook, but it had several errors. I spent two years working on it, refining it, and eventually publishing it, she says. When the UGC called for new course proposals, Litty incorporated a manuscript management course alongside Malayalam. This helped establish a lab for manuscript preservation at her college. It also created a dedicated space for studying inscriptions, allowing her to deepen her focus on Madhavas work. She terms it as a calling. While maths was not my field, I felt a pull inside to prove Madhavas existence, compile his works, and promote the depth of his contributions, focusing on preserving his legacy and heritage, she reflects. Her next mission is to pin-point Madhavas astronomical observatory. It is widely believed that a temple and two stones, near the mana, mark the vananireekshanasalas (observatory) location. However, I found no concrete evidence there, says Litty. But there certainly must be an observatory associated with Madhava bringing clarity to this became my next goal. For this, she turned to the works of manuscriptologist K V Sarma, internet archives, and other resources. She plans to compile her findings into a resource for studying the ancient local heritage. It will gather studies in mathematics and astronomy for broader accessibility, she says. English education was promoted as superior Among the discoveries is Golavadha, considered Madhavas masterpiece. Sarmas research describes Madhavas disciples reverence for the work, yet no one knows what it precisely contains as it seems lost to time. Litty believes it may exist somewhere. If not here, it could be in Europe, as a foundational text likely influencing later mathematical works claimed by the West. They surely must have read this one, she says. The colonial eras onset accelerated the decay of Indian scientific heritage. Palm-leaf manuscripts were neglected, and the class system alienated knowledge from the masses, stopping these works from entering folklore or daily life. Sanskrit was largely inaccessible to the public. English education was promoted as superior, leading to the dismissal of traditional knowledge systems, Litty says. Littys searches in various manas (traditional homes) unearthed several unpublished and untitled works left to ruin. Through these studies and conversations, I realised Madhava could not be studied in isolation. It involves Malayalam, Sanskrit, mathematics, astronomy, Ayurveda, Tantra, and more. Such a multidisciplinary approach is absent in our syllabus, says Litty. I believe documenting branches of Asian science is vital for progress. I began with Ayurvedas Ashtavaidya tradition, and plan to proceed with Tantra next. My aim is to establish a foundation, paving a clear path for future researchers. Madhavas global recognition led to the creation of a collective called Madhava Ganitha Kendram in 2012. Since then, the Kendram, based in Ernakulam, has organised events and created programmes about his work. However, A Vinod Karuvarakundu, the Kendrams director, points out that the state is yet to establish a memorial at Madhavas birthplace. Just as Shankaracharya is globally recognised as a philosopher, Madhava should be celebrated as one of the greatest mathematicians, he says. We also need a robust research structure to delve deeper into Madhavas contributions. There is, however, a centre called the Kerala School of Mathematics, established in Kozhikode in 2007 by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and the Department of Atomic Energy. It aims to revive the glory of a similar school that flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries in Kerala. But, the centre is said to be focused more on current mathematics rather than historical research. Ironically, it was an English civil servant, Charles Matthew Whish (1794-1833), who first introduced the existence of the Kerala School of Mathematics and Astronomy to the West. Since Charles Whishs discovery, many scholars have explored Madhavas contributions. However, a systematic study of his mathematical work is still lacking, says Vinod. An ecosystem for decoding the manuscripts coded language and an organised inventory of available copies are necessary. Sooraj R S, who is part of a project cell at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, has researched how historians approach Madhava. He agrees the study should be multidisciplinary. My background is in Sanskrit, and I used historiography theory in my research. In-depth analysis of Madhavas work is limited here, as I am not very familiar with mathematical theories, he rues. Studies should consider figures beyond Madhava as well. This scientific heritage should be included in the curriculum. Too often, a trend emerges where interest in certain figures spikes, only to wane quickly. It would be unfortunate if Madhavas legacy followed this pattern. Rajasekhar P Vaikom, who has published an interpretation of Yuktibhasa (a treatise by Jyeshtadeva from the Kerala School), highlights two issues regarding traditional knowledge systems in India. There are two contradictory trends when it comes to traditional knowledge in India. One is to exaggerate it, and the other, a more malevolent one, is to trivialise it, he says. If we can encourage the younger generation to study these contributions scientifically and understand the pedagogies and derivations from different historical periods, an appreciation of these systems could ensue. Without this, all that is genuine also risks being labelled as superstition. Research institutions outside Kerala, such as International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, and colleges under Delhi University, have been organising seminars and outreach sessions on Madhava. Spurred by this, the Kerala government has taken note of the genius. Higher Education Minister R Bindu recently said at an international seminar organised by the Government Sanskrit College in March that there were plans to set up a mathematical research institute at Kallettumkara, considered to be Madhavas native place. History awaits. With inputs from Aparna Nair

Woman faces legal action after juvenile drives her scooter, moves HC challenging MV Act provisions

KOCHI: A 30-year-old woman from Kozhikode, who owns a scooter, found herself in legal trouble after her juvenile neighbour took her scooter for a joy ride. She has been charged with violating the Motor Vehicles Act. In response, she has approached the High Court challenging the provision that holds parents, guardians, or vehicle owners responsible for minors driving without a licence. Section 199 A of the Motor Vehicles Act states that if a juvenile commits a motor vehicle offence, the parent or guardian of such juvenile or the owner of the motor vehicle shall be made liable and proceeded against as per law and punished accordingly. Challenging the provision, Limna of Kozhikode, filed the petition and the court issued notices to the central and state governments. Under the provision, the registration of the vehicle which the minor was using can be cancelled for six months. Further, the juvenile wont be given a valid driving licence until the child attains 25 years. According to Limna, such use of power is unconstitutional as the provision itself is liable to be struck down. It provides for disqualification of a juvenile who commits an offence under the Act as well. The same violates a minors Fundamental Rights. The right to equal opportunity of the minor in employment will be affected by the same. In certain public employment where the age of the applicant for recruitment is 21 or above, he is qualified to obtain the job only if he has a driving licence. A person who is stated to have committed an offence under the Act will be unable to participate in the recruitment and earn a living until he attains 25 years of age. She said the vehicle so used is invariably made subject to cancellation of its registration whether the offence is committed in connivance with the owner or not. Such provision amounts to violation of the right under Article 300 A of the Constitution.

Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi wrap up Wayanad by-election campaign

The month-long Lok Sabha by-election campaign came to an exciting end in Wayanad. UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadr a addressed hundreds of people in road shows and announced in Malayalam that I will come back. Rahul Gandhi was also present with Priyanka at Sultan Bathery, and Thiruvambady in Kozhikode for the campaign finale on Monday. Rahul said that Wayanad will be the only parliamentary constituency with two MPs and together they will raise their voice for Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi spoke about Wayanad wearing a T-shirt which sported the message I love Wayanad. Hundreds of party workers participated in the Thiruvambady road show . Priyanka spoke in Malayalam waving at the crowd that had gathered in Thiruvambady to see her despite the heavy rain. You have accepted me like a family member. I will work hard for you. I travelled all over Wayanad and met farmers, rural employment guarantee scheme labourers and tribal people. I understand the problems you are facing. I will be here as long as I can, she said. Priyanka added that she would learn Malayalam and later announced in Malayalam that I will be back. Congress local leadership hopeful of comfortable majority in Chelakkara by-election The LDF candidates Kottikkalasam at Kalpetta also drew large crowds. Along with the candidate Sathyan Mokeri of CPI, Minister P Prasad and other leaders of CPI and CPM joined the huge crowd of supporters as the open campaign concluded. LDF candidate Sathyan Mokeri said that people want a person who can bring development in the constituency to be selected as MP and that will be reflected in the polls. The Sultan Bathery town was the centre of Kottikkalasam for the NDA campaign in Wayanad. Leaders including P K Krishnadas rallied along with the NDA candidate Navya Haridas. During the road show, Navya Haridas climbed on a crane and later joined party workers as they danced to the beats of drums and loud sloganeering. The government has declared a public holiday for all government and public sector institutions and educational institutions in Wayanad district on November 13, when the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls will be held. November 12 has been announced as a holiday by collector Meghasree D R for all educational institutions which are functioning as polling booths.

Coastal residents protest against KMBs beachfront parking project in Kozhikode

Residents raise concerns over disruption to fishermens work and the natural environment as KMB pushes forward with the project

IIM Kozhikode Launches New Management Programme For Working Professionals, Check Details

IIM Kozhikode General Management Programme: The 11-month course, which will commence on December 30, covers a wide range of business disciplines, including finance, operations, marketing, HR, and strategic leadership.

For Kerala women, migration a chance to break free

KOCHI: Women in Kerala view migration as an opportunity to challenge patriarchal norms and pursue personal growth, including the choice of partner and age of marriage, a recent study has revealed. The study, Middle-class Indian students: Migration recruiters and aspirations by Anand Panamthottam Cherian of George Mason University, US, and S Irudaya Rajan from the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMD), also highlights Keralas migration-friendly ecosystem, where over 50% of surveyed students aspire to move abroad. Rajan, chair of the IIMD and former professor at Centre for Development Studies (CDS), told TNIE that female students take migration as an opportunity to escape from peer and cultural pressure of getting married and having children. Going abroad makes it easy for women to choose partners of their liking and settle as per their choice. Parents are also accommodating of the choice of partners when their girl child is abroad, he said. The peer-reviewed paper written after in-depth interviews with prospective students in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode highlights that parents, too, are driven by the social benefits of migration, with many recognising its potential to elevate their family status. For instance, middle-class parents encourage children to migrate abroad, citing the respect and high social standing it would bring, it says. According to the study, women wish to migrate as they want to come out of the dependence they have had over the years and to avoid surveillance from family and relativesfrom going out to deciding what to wear. Many wish for a transition from a village girl to a cosmopolitan girl, it says. KMS 2023 supports trend of rising female migration Migration helps, especially women students, acquire the ability to provide new gendered possibilities for experimenting with speech and attire. It provides agency to women in a patriarchal society in a way that facilitates their empowerment, says the study. Rajan noted that the Kerala Migration Survey (KMS) 2023 supports the trend of increasing female migration, particularly among students. The survey reveals that 54.4% of student emigrants from Kerala are males while 45.6% are females. This shows a narrower gender disparity among student emigrants compared to the overall emigrant population from Kerala, where males comprise over 80%. KMS-2023 also reveals a significant surge in student migration from Kerala, with the number almost doubling in just five years. It adds that Kerala is poised to become one of the top states in terms of students pursuing education abroad. This reflects the Kerala students desire for high-quality education and better career opportunities. The survey estimates that 2.5 lakh student migrated from Kerala as of 2023.

Wayanad: Down-to-earth issues plague high-profile constituency

KALPETTA: Crossing the Thamarassery Ghat road, which connects Kozhikode and Wayanad, is an exercise that calls for much patience and pluck. The stretch is prone to traffic blocks that can take hours to clear. The situation gets worse on weekends or holidays when travel plans can get totally disrupted. Delays can even be a matter of life and death for patients being moved for critical care to Kozhikode, for want of medical facilities in Wayanad. Alternative routes are the only possible solution and the Centre announced development of the 109km-long Purakkattiri-Kuttiadi-Mananthavady-Mysuru stretch at a cost of `7,134 crore last January. The project will reduce the impact of the night travel ban at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. An effective member of Parliament (MP) in Wayanad can help realise the project without much sweat. We have been agitating for various development projects in the district, including the Poozhithode-Padinjarathara road and an alternative Wayanad-Kozhikode route, says Babu Philip, a social activist from Mananthavady. For the past 25 years, we have been raising the issue of inadequate medical facilities in Wayanad, says C D Saraswathi, head of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients Association. There are 1,050 patients, including over 600 tribal people, in Wayanad district suffering from the genetic disorder. We still depend on the Ghat road to reach Kozhikode MCH during emergencies, she points out.Mananthavady has a government medical college hospital. But why are we still being referred to Kozhikode for treatment? We need a special unit in Wayanad, Saraswathi adds. Workers at a coffee plantation in Wayanad VIP constituency Lok Sabha elections in Wayanad used to be a tame affair until Congress leader Rahul Gandhi decided to run from the constituency in 2019. This placed Wayanad in the national spotlight. Priyanka Gandhi Vadras decision to contest the seat vacated by her brother, following his second win in the general election earlier this year, has accorded the constituency wider recognition, given that this marks her foray into electoral politics. And Priyanka has signalled that she is up to the challenge, surprising even her campaign managers with unscheduled house visits and interactions with people from all walks of life. Although such actions have generated a wave of goodwill and hope, the glitter and glamour of a high-profile campaign threatens to submerge the real issues of the constituency. Disaster sidelined Chief among them is the rehabilitation of the victims of the July 30 landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which left a trail of destruction in three wards in Meppadi panchayat. People who lost everything in the tragedy are still living in rented houses or government quarters. With owners of the estates identified to relocate them approaching courts, official rehabilitation plans have been put on hold. Everyone is focused on the by-elections, and this includes the government and the media. The search for the bodies of missing persons has been halted and problems related to issuing of death certificates for the missing victims havent been resolved. There are a lot of issues that require the urgent attention of officials, including speeding up procedures to debt write-off and comprehensive rehabilitation projects, said Shajimon, a Chooralmala native who now resides in Ambalavayal and is the convenor of the Chooralmala Jana Shabdham Action Council. Wild threats Tourists to Wayanad are left awe-struck by the scenic beauty that greets them. But for residents who live in the constant shadow of wild-animal attacks, life has not been enchanting. This year alone, such attacks have claimed five lives in the district. There are protests every time a human life is lost and authorities come up with assurances, but these have not translated into significant measures. Wild animals are also a source of frustration and anger for farmers in Wayanad, an agrarian district. Wayanad coffee is gradually becoming the global face of Kerala. Wayanad robusta coffee offers a wide range of opportunities. However, coffee growers are having to deal with regular wild animal attacks. We have also been demanding further relaxations for plantations under the Kerala Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, said Anoop Palukunnu, president, Wayanad Coffee Growers Association.

Sagar Parikrama IV: Meet the Navy's women sailors who led INSV Tarini to its first port of call

KOCHI: A little over a month after their flag-off from the boat pool in Goa, INSV Tarini, the Indian Navys flagship sailing vessel, has covered nearly 5,000 nautical miles to arrive at its first port of call in Fremantle, Australia. Onboard are two women officerslieutenant commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamyand their current mission: circumnavigate the globe relying solely on wind power. The duos arrival at Fremantle was honoured with a warm welcome. The dignitaries on the deck included the Counsel General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association, representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia, and sailing enthusiasts. Perhaps even compensating for the fact that the officers had spent their Diwali at sea, a cultural programme was also organised, with the Tamil Association of Western Australia taking the lead. It added a much-needed colour to what was otherwise a meet-and-greet occasion. The 38-day voyage to Australia saw smooth sailing for the better half. But just before Tarini made its turn to Fremantle, the winds started to play hide and seek, robbing the knots of the vessel. It wasnt until the arrival of Fremantle Doctor, the very wind that aids swing bowlers at the Perth cricket stadium, that Tarini picked up speed. But in an interaction with TNIE, the officers said that they were very much at home at sea. We had your messages. This buoyed us. Also, on Diwali, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, had sent a very encouraging message. This motivated us. Then, of course, there were sweets and biscuits to celebrate the festival, Lt Cdr Roopa A said. When asked what they did for lights given how Diwali is the festival of lights, the Pondicherry native said, We had the stars in the night sky. INSV Tarini at the Fremantle Harbour in Western Australia on Sunday. This stop at Fremantle is the first of only four stops that the duo will be making along this over 21,000-mile (approx. 40,000 km) eight-month voyage, which is part of the Navys ambitious Sagar Parikrama series. The real test begins on their leg from Fremantle, a Navy veteran told TNIE. Theres the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fiftieslatitudes where the sea waves can reach as high as 1012 metres. Then, of course, theres the three great Capes. These are particularly perilous and test even the most experienced of sailors, the veteran said. But ahead of the voyage, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (retd), whom the Navy had roped in to train the two women officers, told TNIE that the duo are quite well-prepared. Lt Cdr Dilna too echoed a similar sentiment during her interaction with TNIE. We are ready for it. We have trained hard, studied the weather patterns, and done extensive planning. So, we feel confident. What will be a big boon to the two is the fact that they are a solid team. We know each others strengths and weaknesses. Plus, we have trained on this boat, INSV Tarini, together, so we are familiar with it. All three of us are going to have an adventure, Roopa told TNIE. After Fremantle, the other stops are Lyttelton in New Zealand; Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands; and Cape Town in South Africa. Lt Cdr Dilna hails from Kozhikode in Kerala, while Lt Cdr Roopa is a Puducherry native. They joined the service in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The two officers were handpicked from a pool of 17 officers for this mission. They have over 45,000 nautical miles each to their names.

Thrissur Sahodaya takes home overall trophy in CBSE State Kalotsav

Malabar Sahodaya and Kochi Sahodaya come in second and third positions, respectively. Among schools, Silver Hills Public School, Kozhikode, became the overall champions

Kozhikode police plans app for real-time traffic updates and SOS alert

Inspired by Bengalurus AsTraM app, Kozhikode police plan an exclusive app with real-time traffic updates, SOS alerts, and easy fine payments for improved traffic management

Thrissur Sahodaya surges ahead in CBSE State arts festival

Kochi Sahodaya is in the second position with 481 points and Malabar Sahodaya with 478 points is in the third position. Among schools, Silver Hills Public School, Kozhikode, is leading with 72 points

Two Keralites make it to 2024 World Abilitysport Youth Games

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been a remarkable year for the cerebral palsy sports team of Kerala. After a stellar show at the recently concluded National CP Athletics Championship, two of its members have now made the cut for an upcoming world championship. Nikhil Manoj, 17, and Muhammad Afthab, 15, have been selected for the 2024 World Abilitysport Youth Games, a sports meet for young athletes with physical impairement, to be held in Thailand from December 1 to 7. The selection was made based on their stupendous performance at the national meet. Our team has won the national athletics championship title twice. This year too, we exhibited a good performance but the announcement of the championship is yet to be made. The selection of two of our team members for the Thailand Games has further boosted the childrens confidence. Besides, our children could participate in both sub-junior and junior events this year. A proud moment, indeed, said R Girija Kumari, team manager of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of Kerala (CPSAK). At the national athletics, the state team comprising 24 members won two gold, six silver and five bronze medals. Niya and Nived, both Kozhikode natives, won bronze in the 100m race, in the T37 category and the T36 category, respectively. Thrissur native Afthab won gold in club throw (T32 category). Melkey Sedel from Thrissur won silver in 100m and 200m (T38 category) and Vijesh clinched bronze in long jump in the T36 category. Nikhil Manoj from Ernakulam (T38 category) won silver in 100m and bronze in 200m. Sijo George from Thiruvananthapuram (T37 category) won bronze in the long jump. Muhammad Ajnas from Wayanad (T37 category) won silver in 100m and 200m. This years national meet was special as it brought forth a marked improvement in the childrens performance, Girija said. Regular training helped them improve their muscle control and movement. Those who participated in the previous years event could better their performance. Some who won bronze last year won silver this year while one of last years silver medallists could upgrade it to gold this year, she said. Sharon, a 16-year-old hailing from Kozhikode, was the one who could improve the most among the team members, she said. He had dragging legs when he joined the team. There were bruises on his leg. However, his leg movement improved gradually. This year, he won gold in 100m and silver in 200m in the T35 category. CPSAK could also provide better facilities to the children this year, thanks to a sponsorship. Kochi-based Buimerc India Foundation is providing sponsorship for the children. We could give them better facilities for training and take them on a third-AC coach to Gujarat where the national event was held because of this, Girija said. Moreover, VHSS, Chathiyara, is providing its playground for the children to train for free.

Police propose autorickshaw drivers committee to address development demands

The proposed panel, with representation from various trade unions, aims to prioritise development needs and expedite implementation of projects with the support of the Kozhikode Corporation and the Motor Vehicles department

Outsiders dominate Wayanad LS by-election race

Wayanad (Kerala): Kerala has a history of electing leaders from outside the state as Lok Sabha MPs, with former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi being the latest, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might join the list if the electors here give her the thumbs up in the November 13 by-poll. Apart from Rahul Gandhi, who represented the Lok Sabha segment before vacating it, several leaders from outside the state have served as MPs from Kerala. They are-- Muhammad Ismail from Tamil Nadu, G M Banatwala from Maharashtra, and Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait from Karnataka, all of whom were elected as IUML MPs multiple times from the southern state. Interestingly, a host of 'outsiders' are among the contestants for next week's elections. Among them is Election King K Padmarajan from Tamil Nadu, who earned the moniker following his over 200 unsuccessful electoral bids, including against top leaders and former Prime Ministers AB Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, besides PM Narendra Modi. Jayendra K Rathod from Gujarat, who ran against Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha polls, is among the 11 candidates in the fray from the hill constituency. Setting a new record of the highest number of candidates from outside the state contesting a poll in Kerala, the list includes Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is making her electoral debut. The other out-of-state candidates in the Wayanad by-election include Independent A Noor Muhammed from Tamil Nadu, Gopal Swaroop Gandhi of the Kisan Majdoor Berojgar Sangh from Uttar Pradesh and A Seetha of the Bahujan Dravida Party from Tamil Nadu. Also running are Independent Ismail Zabi Ullah from Karnataka, Independent Sonhu Singh Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Shaik Jaleel of the Navarang Congress Party from Andhra Pradesh, Duggirala Nageswara Rao of the Jatiya Jana Sena Party from Telangana, and another Independent, Rukmini, from Karnataka. CPI's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP's Navya Haridas are the respective parties' nominees. R Rajan, an independent, is the only candidate in the fray hailing from the hill constituency. However, the 63-year-old Kalpetta native said he is now working for the victory of Priyanka Gandhi. When asked why he filed his nomination, he said, I don't want to disclose that matter now. Many of the candidates from outside Kerala and their associated parties are largely unfamiliar to voters in Wayanad, who feel that most are contesting only to claim the credit of running against Priyanka Gandhi, a high-profile candidate. Their campaigns are barely visible in the hill constituency, raising doubts about their actual presence and efforts in the race. Rathod (40) from the Right to Recall Party (Gandhinagar, Gujarat), a post graduate in Cyber Security and Incident Response from Gujarat Forensic Science University, is contesting in Wayanad to protest against what he views as flawed education policies by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre. Currently I am in Gujarat as I have to return back from Wayanad due to some personal reasons. I will come back by November 11 and campaign for two days, he told PTI. I contested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2019 as a BSP candidate and garnered 64,000 votes. In 2024, I withdrew my nomination due to pressure from the BJP, he claimed. Seetha of the Bahujan Dravida Party told PTI she started her campaign on Wednesday. The party leaders will decide what kind of campaign we will carry out--whether it will be public meetings or door-to-door campaigns--in the coming days, said Seetha, a document writer from Chennai. She has prior experience in elections, having contested as a Bahujan Dravida Party candidate for the Tenkasi (SC) seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. According to her, the party seeks representation for Dalits and other marginalised sections in law-making bodies, which is why she is contesting the Wayanad LS seat in the November 13 by-election. Independent candidate K Padamarajan, 65, from Tamil Nadu claims to have contested 245 elections, including six for the post of president and six for vice president. I have even contested against four prime ministers: Narendra Modi in Vadodara in 2014, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow, P V Narasimha Rao in 1996, and Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha election, he said. When askes, Padmarajan, who is currently staying in Kalpetta, admitted that he isn't engaged in active campaigning. I have spent around Rs 1 crore on my election bids, he told PTI. Padmarajan, who runs a tyre-puncture shop in Tamil Nadu, also revealed that his election symbol is a tyre--an ironic nod to his profession. Interestingly, Padmarajan's email ID and all his social media accounts, according to his election affidavit, go by the name 'Padmarajan Electionking'. Political observers note that Kerala has a long history of outstation candidates. Apart from Rahul, several leaders from outside the state have served as MPs from Kerala. Muhammad Ismail, the former national president of the Muslim League, was the first outsider to win a seat in Kerala, representing Manjeri in 1962. He was followed by Sulaiman Sait, who represented Kozhikode, Manjeri and Ponnani between1967 and 1991. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from Kerala from 1960 to 1966. Banatwala, a former president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1967 and went on to serve seven terms in the Lok Sabha, representing Ponnani in Kerala from 1977 to 1989 and 1996 to 2004.

Thiruvananthapuram tops medal tally at school sports meet

KOCHI: At the end of the fourth day of the 21st Kerala State School Sports Meet, which saw athletics getting under way at Ernakulam Maharajas College ground in Kochi on Thursday, Thiruvananthapuram continued to dominate the points tally. Thiruvanathapuram tops in the overall score with 1,561 points, followed by Thrissur district with 596 points and Kannur with 551 points. A total of 27 meet records (23 in aquatics and 4 in athletics) have been broken since the start of the sports meet. In the track and field events, the first record fell when Muhammed Ameen M P of KKMHSS Cheekode in Malappuram sped to the finish line clocking 8:37:69. The others who broke the meet records in the sports meet were Mohammed Ashfaq of G V Raja Sports School in 400 m senior boys and Sivadev Rajeev of Mar Basil HSS Kothamangalam in pole vault senior boys category. Kozhikode wins senior boys volleyball trophy Kozhikode became the champions in the senior boys volleyball at the sports meet by defeating defending champions Kottayam. They won three sets to one. Sports ayurveda brings comfort to athletes The Kerala Institute of Sports Ayurveda and Research (KISAR) under the Indian System of Medicine and National Ayush Mission is providing on-the-spot treatment to those injured at the sports meet. The medical team is working at all 17 venues where the sports meet is being held. Around 200 staff, including 20 specialist medical officers and 60 medical officers, are on hand to treat the children. On the first day of the sports meet, 228 athletes sought treatment. It was 350 on the second day, said state convener Dr P R Preeta. TPuram boxers overcome injuries to win gold The smiles on the faces of Dhilkshith Ajay, Anandhu Sheejanand and Saikrishna E M of GV Raja Sports School erase the pain that these boys had to overcome to win the gold in the ring. They fought against the odds to come out victorious. Ecstatic teammates toss Kannur captain Sijil Shaji who scored six goals against Kozhikode in the senior girls football final at the Kerala State School Sports Meet. The Kannur team, which scored eight goals, was crowned champions Sadly, the autorickshaw that the trio was travelling in on Wednesday after the semi-final match was hit by a car. It was a miracle that these young boxers didnt suffer any serious injuries in the accident and could compete in their final matches. Dhilkshith, a class 9 student, won gold in the 57 kg junior boys category. Anandhu, a class 10 student won gold in the 54 kg junior boys category and 10th grader Saikrishna won gold in the 75 kg junior boys category. Kannur U19 girls champions in football Kannur won the under-19 girls football competition at the sports meet. The Kannur team, who played against Kozhikode became the champions by scoring eight goals. Kozhikode won the second place and Thrissur won the third place. Yummy food Right from the start of the sports meet, the famed chef of school youth festivals Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri and his team have been dishing up a delectable array of dishes. Around 300 people are working round the clock in the games kitchen. The food for everyone taking part and associated with the sports meet is being prepared at kitchens set up in six venues. There are 13 food counters. The food is being prepared as per the instructions provided by the nutritionist appointed by the Director General of Education. Besides rice and curries, the kitchens also make chappathi, chicken curry, beef curry, egg, milk and fruit bowls.

UL Space Club to launch space summit in Kozhikode on November 9

Over 200 students will attend the event aimed at igniting curiosity and a passion for space science among high school students across Kerala

'Want to serve Wayanad, just like mother looks after children': Priyanka Gandhi

WAYANAD: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is making her electoral debut as the UDF candidate in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, on Thursday said her sentiments about serving the people of the hill constituency are the same as those of a mother towards her children. Priyanka, on the last day of her second leg of bypoll campaign, said that if she was given a chance, she would fight for the people of Wayanad not only in the Parliament, but on every other platform. The Congress leader also referred to the love her brother - Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi - has for Wayanad and urged the people of the hill constituency to vote for her so that she can help them for the affection and support they have shown to her family. Priyanka also reiterated her accusations against the BJP-led Centre, saying that their politics has harmed farmers and small business owners in the country. Addressing corner meetings at Akampadam and Pothukallu in Eranad and Nilambur assembly constituencies in Malappuram district, she said even the farmers and small businesses in Wayanad were reeling under debts, despite the huge potential of the hill constituency, due to the lack of support from the government. The Congress leader claimed that the reason for this was the politics of fear, hatred and divisiveness being played by the BJP and said that politics of this kind was not needed in the country. She has been consistently raising these issues during the last four days of her five-day long bypoll campaigning in the hill constituency. The Wayanad constituency comprises seven Assembly segments: Mananthavady (ST), Sulthan Bathery (ST), and Kalpetta in Wayanad district; Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district; and Eranad, Nilambur, and Wandoor in Malappuram district. The by-election for the Wayanad seat became necessary after Rahul Gandhi, who won Lok Sabha seats from both Wayanad and Raebareli decided to vacate Wayanad. The bypoll for the Wayanad seat is set for November 13.

Iqraa Hospital in Kozhikode now a research centre of Manipal Academy

Kerala school sports meet: Thiruvananthapuram dominates swimming, tops tally

KOCHI: As the 21st Kerala State School Sports Meet completed the third day, out of 529 events, 348 have been completed. On the third day, Thiruvananthapuram continued to dominate the points table. The district led with 91 golds, 76 silvers and 79 bronzes. It has scored 853 points. Kannur followed in the second position with 49 golds, 37 silvers and 51 bronzes with a total point of 469. Hosts Ernakulam stood 6th with 286 points. The swimming pool seemed to have been taken over by the swimmers from Thiruvananthapuram. The swimmers from the district gave no leeway to others and continued to rake in gold medals besides breaking records. On the 3rd day, after 56 of the 103 swimming events were completed, Thiruvananthapuram swimmers bagged 41 golds and stood far ahead of other districts with 353 points. Ernakulam came a distant second with 8 golds and 101 points. In aquatics, MVHSS Thundathil continued to dominate the pool and came out as the top achiever with 89 points. Athletics begins today The fourth day of the sports meet will see athletes setting the track of the main venue Ernakulam Maharajas College Stadium on fire. The athletics competitions will get under way on Thursday. In all, 2,700 athletes will participate in athletics competitions. Registration for the competitions started on Wednesday. Competitions for teachers will be held on the last day. Senior boys kho-kho final between Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram in progress at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Thoppumpady The athletics events will begin with the senior boys 5000m walk. This will be followed by senior girls 3000m walk and the junior boys 300m walk. Then sub-junior boys high jump, 400m run, shot put, 4x100m relay, sub-junior girls 400m run, long jump, shot put, 4x100m relay, junior boys pole vault, hammer throw, long jump, junior girls shot put, 3000m run, 400m run, high jump, long jump and 4100m relay events will be held. Senior boys long jump, 3000m run, 400m run, pole vault, hammer throw, high jump, 4x100m relay, senior girls discus throw, 3000m run, 400m run, high jump, javelin throw and 4x100m relay will also be held on Thursday. Athletics competitions will be completed in four days. Meanwhile, to enable everyone to enjoy the sports fiesta, Kite Victers TV Channel has begun the live telecast of the sports meet. 14 counters for registration Extensive facilities for registration for the athletics competitions have been arranged at Ernakulam Maharajas College Stadium. 14 counters have been prepared, one for each district. 80 per cent of the athletes registered on Wednesday. For the rest, the registration counter will reopen at 6 am on Thursday. Handball champions In the handball competition at the Kerala State School Sports Meet, Malappuram and Thrissur became the champions in the senior boys and senior girls categories. Malappuram came first by scoring 16 goals against the 14 scored by Kozhikode in the senior boys handball competition.

Congress candidate for Palakkad bypoll, Rahul Mamkootathil denies black money allegations

KOZHIKODE: UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil on Wednesday took to Facebook Live after police searched the hotel rooms of Congress leaders in Palakkad citing suspicions of carrying black money for use in the byelection campaign there. Rahul, who was away from Palakkad since Tuesday till Wednesday afternoon, appeared live from Kozhikode Town Police Station at 2.30 am to reply to the accusations made against him. Both BJP and CPM supporters claimed that Congress leaders had brought a trolley bag filled with cash to a Palakkad hotel. Supporters of both parties alleged that Rahul was seen arriving with the bag. I was in Kozhikode on the day when the search operations were going on, and there is no cash in my bag-just clothes for a brief two-day visit, Rahul stated. I came here to meet Kanthapuram Ustad, he said. Rahul further suggested a coordinated effort by CPM and BJP to target Congress, questioning why both parties seemed comfortable with each others rooms being searched. If someone can walk into a central hotel with a bag filled with cash, what does that say about the role of law enforcement here? he asked, casting doubt on the intentions behind the search operations.

Will stand with people of Munambam: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

KOZHIKODE: As the row over Waqf Boards claim on the land by more than 600 families at Munambam in Ernakulam becomes a political hot potato, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the government will stand with the residents. The CM made the statement during a public function held as part of the Wayanad byelection campaign of LDF candidate Sathyan Mokeri in Kalpetta. The government will stand with the residents of Munambam. The issue is now getting wide media attention. A meeting will be held after the byelection and a decision will be taken accordingly, he said. Meanwhile, All Kerala Waqf Protection Committee came out against Leader of Oppn V D Satheesan for making irresponsible and reckless remarks on the Waqf land at Munambam for deriving political mileage from the controversy. Munambam land issue will be handled through legal channels: Waqf Board head Satheesans intervention is ill-motivated as the UDF wants to put pressure on the government. Satheesans consideration is purely political, said Abdul Khader Karanthoor, general secretary of the committee. Satheesan had recently said that the land at Munambam was not Waqf property. He had also alleged that the government and Kerala Waqf Board were creating a favourable political atmosphere for the Sangh Parivar by promoting communal polarisation. Different courts, from the munsiff court to the High Court, have categorically said the land is a Waqf property. The Ernakulam collector, after a detailed survey, also recorded it is Waqf land, Khader said. He said in 2019, the Kerala Waqf Board led by Panakkad Rasheed Ali Shihab Thangal had noted that the Waqf land at Munambam should be protected. The Nizar Commission appointed by the V S Achuthanandan government too attested to the Waqf claim on the land, he said. Munambam land row: Kerala HC asks state, Centre to file counter affidavit No party given right to represent Muslims on Munambam issue Satheesan had said the land could not be considered Waqf property on three counts: certain conditions are attached in the original deed, people were living in the area before the land was declared as Waqfs and certain portions of it were sold. Responding to this, Khader said: All these issues were addressed by the courts, which attested that it is Waqf property. Satheesan is either unaware of the facts or is trying to capitalise on the issue. The committee squarely blamed the Farook College management for the present crisis. The management did not care to protect the land given for the educational uplift of the Muslim community from encroachers. It sold 188 acres without informing the Waqf Board in 1990, he said. Satheesan now says the Farook College management has not staked claim on the land, to give credence to his argument. The management will not come forward as it knows its misdeeds will be exposed, Khader said, adding that the management should be asked to compensate the people who purchased the land to reclaim the Waqf property. Khader also questioned IUML leader P K Kunhalikuttys sincerity in solving the issue. He called a meeting of Muslim organisations in Kozhikode to buy their mandate. No one has given any political party the right to represent the community in this issue, he said. According to its leadership, Waqf Protection Committee is an independent entity with no political affiliations. Our sole aim is to protect Waqf properties across Kerala, Khader said. INTERVIEW| Waqf Board registered Munambam property without hearing anyone: K N Unnikrishnan MLA

Kerala faces rising snake bite threat, demand grows for viper anti-venom

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the backdrop of deaths resulting from pit viper bites in Kasaragod and Idukki districts, demands are rising to develop anti-snake venom for a variety of vipers found in the state. While the vipers in question -- Anamalai pit viper (APV), hump-nosed pit viper (HNPV), Travancore pit viper and Malabar pit viper -- are not highly venomous, they come under the category of venomous snakes. Experts claim that the recent deaths after HNPV and APV bites happened because of other ailments consequent to the snake bites. At the same time, the fact is that the current polyvalent anti-snake venom is only for the big four among snakes -- spectacled cobra, common krait, Russells viper and saw-scaled viper -- but not for other snakes. Initially, the vipers found in south India were categorised into five species -- Malabar pit viper, bamboo pit viper, horse-shoe pit viper, large-scaled pit viper and hump-nosed pit viper. Later, the Malabar pit viper was reclassified into three species -- Travancore pit viper (found in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam), Anamalai pit viper (from Pathanamthitta to Nelliyampathy in Palakkad) and Malabar pit viper (Palakkad gap to northern Western Ghats). While there are genetic differences, they look the same to an untrained eye. Hence, they are categorised according to the location. Over the past few years, Kerala has been seeing a spurt in the number of deaths due to HNPV bites. On October 24, Manjeshwar resident Ashok, 43, died at a private hospital in Mangaluru following an HNPV bite. The next day, an APV bite case was reported in Kallar in Idukki. According to the Facebook group Snakes of Kerala, over the past fortnight, at least half a dozen people were fortunate to have spotted vipers in the nick of time. Malabar pit viper According to Dr Sandeep Das, a leading herpetologist, polyvalent anti-snake venom is neither effective nor advisable in the event of a venomous or highly venomous snake bite. When a patient bitten by a snake is taken to the hospital, the doctor there treats them symptomatically. Anti-venom is effective only for the big four in India. So, administering anti-snake venom for pit viper bites is useful but at times it can also cause anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). Research is on to develop anti-snake venom for pit viper bites, especially HNPV bites, and it should bear fruit in the near future, said Dr Sandeep, a Science and Engineering Research Board national post-doctoral fellow with the Calicut Universitys department of zoology. Dr P Jayesh Kumar, professor and HOD, general medicine, Kozhikode Medical College, said if snakebite deaths were earlier caused by Russells viper and saw-scaled viper, now HNPV bites have taken centre stage. We wont give anti-snake venom for HNPV or APV bite cases, but provide supportive treatment. The symptoms shown are inflammation in the bitten area and coagulant failure. Renal failure doesnt happen. Its high time anti-snake venom for pit vipers is produced to save lives, he said. Research is on at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, on pit viper venom and probable treatment techniques. The development of anti-snake venom in Kerala would help bring down the chances of geographical variation, experts said.

Multi-purpose transit yard on the cards on Kozhikode North Beach

Kerala Maritime Board invites Expression of Interest to proceed with the public-private partnership project on its 2.5 acres of beachfront property in Kozhikode city

South Indian History Congress to be held in Kozhikode from November 8

Advisory panel to examine draft DPR for organ transplant institute in Kozhikode

KSRTC to offer free emergency medical care in select depots

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has started an emergency medical care unit in Thiruvananthapuram Central as part of its plan to expand healthcare networks in its depots. Inaugurating the event, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said it was the first such initiative by a state RTC in a bus terminal in India. The unit offers the service of a nursing officer round-the-clock. The treatment and medicines are provided free of cost. The facility can be used by the public too. People in a 1-km radius from the depot will benefit from it, Ganesh said. NIMS Medicity will provide support for the Thiruvananthapuram unit. Ganesh said KSRTC is planning to start medical check-up for all employees using CSR funds. The check-up package will include cancer screening for women. He also stressed on maintaining bus stations clean to keep diseases away. KSRTC is focusing on punctuality, zero cancellations, clean toilets, rest rooms and good behaviours of staff to attract passengers. We want to show that public transport facilities are attractive, he said. KSRTC plans to set up 14 such units in depots in Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kottarakkara, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Sultan Bathery, Kannur, Kasaragod, Neyyattinkara, Nedumangad and Thrissur, in association with the Society for Emergency Medicine India. Dr Shiju Stanley, president of SEMI (Kerala), said the emergency medical care units would help address the gap in providing pre-hospital treatment during an emergency. The units will also act as a centre for creating health awareness, he said.

Kozhikode Corporation to launch NOBEL on November 7

Project to encourage scientific skills of students

Address flaws in ECHS scheme, say ex-servicemen in Kozhikode

Ex-servicemen demand that authorities address issues with empanelled hospitals and improve treatment access within the contributory health insurance scheme

Relocation of pipelines: water supply in Kozhikode to be disrupted for five days

Old pipelines to be connected to newly laid pipelines to facilitate national highway widening

Protests intensify in Kozhikode as SilverLine project receives conditional green light

Kerala Literature Festival to have speakers from 15 countries

The festival will be held from January 23 to 26, 2025, at the Kozhikode beach; over 6,00,000 visitors are expected this year

Initial hiccups delay e-Health registration at Kozhikode MCH

Patients and caregivers endure long wait times for outpatient tickets as glitches in the new system hinder the registration process

Malabar Chamber of Commerce calls for improved rail facilities in Kozhikode

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews rail development projects during visit to Kozhikode

Udhayanidhi sparks controversy, compares NEET to Sanskrit

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin sparked controversy on Saturday by likening the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to the Sanskrit language, suggesting both are used to disadvantage candidates from backward, rural, or underprivileged backgrounds, The Hindu reported. Stalin claimed that in the 1920s, Sanskrit knowledge was required for medical education, excluding students from marginalized communities. Speaking at the Manorama Daily groups Art and Literature festival in Kozhikode, he highlighted the Dravidian movement's commitment to promoting Tamil literature and resisting Hindi imposition. He emphasized that the Dravidian movement has historically positioned Tamil as a symbol of cultural pride and resistance against attempts to impose Hindi, notably during the 1930s and 1960s. Stalin urged political parties in Tamil Nadu, excluding the BJP, to support the two-language formula introduced by the DMK to preserve Tamil Nadu's cultural and linguistic identity. Stalin also criticized Governor R.N. Ravi for using Tamilagam instead of Tamil Nadu and accused the BJP of pushing a uniform cultural and religious agenda. He called for unity to defend Tamil culture, language, and literature from these threats.

Progressive politics keeps fascism at bay in TN & Kerala

Chennai: Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala had successfully kept fascist and communal forces at bay because they were two of the most progressive states in India, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Saturday. Speaking at the Art and Literature Festival organized by Malayala Manorama, one of Indias oldest newspapers, at Kozhikode on Saturday, Udhayanidhi Stalin said the Dravidian political movement in Tamil Nadu, known for its strong linguistic and cultural pride, has long held literature and language as its foundational pillars. Speaking on the topic Literary and Linguistic Ethos in Dravidian Politics, he said this fusion of literary, linguistic, and political ethos created a powerful identity that profoundly shaped Tamil Nadus social and political landscape. The cultural, political, and linguistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kerala went back a long way and in literature, language, and politics both states had a lot in common. Our leaders invoked Tamil literature to propagate rationalism and promote scientific temper. Leaders like Anna and Kalaignar popularized Tamil literature that was rooted in human life and popular culture like Thirukkural, Silappathikaram, Purananuru, and Tholkappiyam among the people, he said. While Periyar spearheaded the Vaikom protest in 1924, Kerala born T M Nair was one of the founders of the Justice Party of the South Indian Liberal Foundation that created a political uprising in Tamil Nadu, he said. The self-respect movement, the forerunner of the Dravidian Movement, resisted cultural and linguistic domination by placing Tamil at the core of its identity and Tamil wasnt seen merely as a medium of communication but as the voice of a community seeking recognition, dignity, and independence from Hindi imposition, he said. The Dravidian movement recognized the potential of literature to serve as a cultural force and a vehicle for social change with Periyars writings, manifestos, and editorials condemning caste-based oppression, male dominant practices and rigid social structures. Leaders like C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi harnessed literature as a tool to connect with the masses and their literary work echoed the Dravidian Movements core values of equality, rationalism, and anti-religious belief. The impact of that literary and linguistic ethos on society had endured and was now reflected in Tamil Nadus language policies, cultural festivals, and educational curricula preserving the unique Tamil identity, he said. Earlier, Tamil Nadu's stand on linguistic insubordination was seen as divisive but after many decades, history had proved otherwise and the so-called nationalists who still wanted to impose Hindi on the non-Hindi speaking States were indeed divisive and a threat to national unity, he said. Tamil cinema that was Sanskritized and anti-scientific before the 1950s changed with the advent of the Dravidian movement which delivered socially conscious narratives and dialogues that resonated with the masses, he said. The DMK continued to champion Tamil pride in the face of policies seen as a threat to Tamil identity, such as the New Education Policy and initiatives for centralized educational standards like NEET, he said. Referring to a Speaker mentioning Udhayanidhi Stalin as one whose political career was built on a brick, he said he still had the brick with him and would return it to the Union government when it allotted funds for construction of the AIIMS in Madurai.

ADGP Ajithkumar meeting with RSS leaders a sin asks Ram Madhav

KOZHIKODE (Kerala), Nov 2: Senior RSS leader Ram Madhav has apparently defended ADGP M R Ajithkumars meeting with top members of his organisation last year, by asking how can it be a sin? A controversy erupted in Kerala recently over the ADGPs meeting with senior RSS leaders Dattatreya Hosabale and Madhav on separate occasions last year and led to the IPS officer being stripped of the high profile Law and Order charge. Madhav told the Manorama news channel that people [] The post ADGP Ajithkumar meeting with RSS leaders a sin asks Ram Madhav appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Thousands offer bali at Thirunelly in Wayanad

More than 10,000 devotees from the neighbouring Coorg district of Karnataka, as well as the Kannur and Kozhikode districts, visited Thirunelly for the rituals