State to launch mega campus placement mission

Vijnana Keralam Skill Pooram to be held on October 11 at Thrissur Govt. Engineering College

ED Raids Premises of Actors Dulquer Salman, Prithviraj

The searches by ED also covered certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam and Coimbatore

ED raids Malayalam film stars in luxury car smuggling probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, targeting a suspected luxury car smuggling racket linked to violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Prominent Malayalam actors Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salmaan, and Amit Chakkalackal are among those whose premises were searched. The raids, spanning Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, and Coimbatore, also targeted vehicle owners, auto workshops, and dealers allegedly involved in importing high-end cars like Land Cruisers, Defenders, and Maseratis through illegal channels from Bhutan and Nepal. According to officials, a Coimbatore-based network forged documents purportedly from the Indian Army, US Embassy, and Ministry of External Affairs to fraudulently register vehicles in states such as Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. These cars were then sold at undervalued rates to high-net-worth individuals, including film personalities. North Keralas love affair with luxury, vintage cars faces harsh reality check The ED suspects prima facie violations of FEMA Sections 3, 4, and 8, involving illegal foreign exchange transactions and hawala payments. The case stems from a recent Customs investigation, which also uncovered possible links to gold and drug smuggling. On September 23, as part of Operation Numkhor, Customs officials seized 36 luxury vehicles from around 30 locations, including the residences of the three actors. In a related development, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday allowed Dulquer Salmaan to apply for the provisional release of his seized vehicle. In his plea, Salmaan claimed he purchased the car in good faith, with documents indicating it was shipped by the International Committee of the Red Cross to New Delhi. He alleged Customs officials seized the vehicle without properly reviewing its documentation. (With inputs from PTI)

ED raids prominent actors, agents in Kerala luxury cars smuggling case

KOCHI: The ED on Wednesday raided premises linked to actors Prithviraj, Dulquer Salman and Amit Chakkalackal and some others across Kerala as part of its investigation into a recent Customs case related to alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles from Bhutan to India, official sources said. The searches by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also covered certain vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam and Coimbatore. A total of 17 premises are being covered, the sources said. The action is being taken under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in a recent case unearthed by the Customs related to alleged smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles and unauthorised foreign exchange dealings. North Keralas love affair with luxury, vintage cars faces harsh reality check The searches are based on inputs exposing a syndicate engaged in illegal import and registration of luxury cars such as Land Cruiser, Defender, and Maserati through the India-Bhutan/Nepal routes, they said. Preliminary findings, according to the officials, point at a Coimbatore-based network using forged documents (purporting to be from Indian Army, US Embassy, and MEA) and fraudulent RTO registrations in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and other states. The vehicles were later sold to high-net worth (HNI) individuals, including film personalities, at undervalued prices, they said.

Super League Kerala 2.0: New coaches, smart marketing & a competition raising the bar

KOCHI: Keralas homegrown professional football league, the Super League Kerala (SLK), has entered its second season and everything about it feels bigger, sharper, and more ambitious. From a full-fledged marketing blitz led by film stars and celebrities to a revamped scouting system and a new wave of international coaches, the league seems to be getting transformed from a promising experiment into a confident, professional spectacle. If last years debut was about proving a point, Season 2 is about raising the bar. The fan engagement alone tells the story packed stadiums across Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram, roaring crowds, and a record 21,903 spectators at the opener. The acceptance has been phenomenal, both in stadiums and online, says Mathew Joseph, CEO and director of SLK. This season feels like a movement. A major part of that movement has been the leagues focus on homegrown talent. Through Project Gamechanger, SLKs in-house scouting initiative, five young players have graduated into professional ranks this year. The first two assists of the season came from players scouted through Project Gamechanger Sangeeth Satish of Forca Kochi and Muhamad Sinan of Kannur Warriors, says Firoze Meeran, SLK managing director. With 100 Kerala players in the mix up from 90 last year the league is fast becoming the states strongest platform for nurturing future football stars. On the field, there is a new international flavour too. Every team has refreshed its setup with new managers, most of them from Europe and South America. D Arun Kumar of Calicut FC celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Forca Kochi FC Kannur Warriors retained their Spanish coach Sanches Murias, while Malappuram FC brought in Miguel Corral, Forca Kochi signed Miquel Plana, Thrissur Magic turned to Russian Andrey Chernyshov, Thiruvananthapuram Kombans appointed Englishman James McAloon, and Calicut FC, the defending champions, are now led by Argentine Ever Demalde. The arrival of ISL veteran Roy Krishna at Malappuram FC has further added to the star quotient. Behind the scenes, the marketing game has gone professional. A slick campaign featuring Basil Joseph, Prithviraj, Shashi Tharoor, and Sanju Samson has given the league unprecedented visibility. Social media campaigns, city-based fan drives, and an online prediction game have amplified fan engagement beyond the stadiums. When personalities like Tharoor and Sanju Samson back the league, it helps us reach a national and even international audience, Mathew says. Each franchise has used the Rs 2.5-crore spending cap smartly, bringing in key players and coaches to strengthen their squads. The league itself has expanded geographically, with Thrissur Magic and Kannur Warriors getting dedicated home turfs for the first time. Broadcast on Sony Sports Network and Doordarshan, with live streaming on Sports.com as part of a three-year deal, the 33-match season will culminate in a grand finale on December 14. With its mix of star-studded marketing, professional management, and a clear vision for nurturing local talent, Super League Kerala has evolved into more than just a state league it is Keralas bold statement in Indias growing football ecosystem.

Microplastics invade vembanad, traces found in bird droppings

KOLLAM: In what is the first such evidence, researchers have found synthetic fibres in the droppings of Indian cormorants and Oriental darters, both common fish-eating birds of Keralas wetlands. The study was conducted at Vembanad lake, a Ramsar site and the countrys largest brackish water ecosystem that supports thousands of resident wetland birds. Led by zoologist Sarlin Pathissery John and Sandie Morris, the study detected five major types of plastic polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in the bird droppings. Using advanced spectroscopic analysis, the team found microplastics in every single sample. These polymers are commonly used in carry bags, fishing gear, and packaging materials. The team adopted a non-invasive sampling method, collecting droppings from nests and roosting trees. On average, the Indian cormorants faeces contained 3.32 particles of microplastic per gram, while the Oriental darters had 2.27 particles per gram. Fibres were the most common form, indicating pollution from synthetic textiles and discarded fishing lines in the lakes waters. The presence of plastic fragments in bird faeces reflects the pollution profile of the region. Runoff from Alappuzhas urban areas and fishing activities is carrying microplastics into the lake. The faecal samples show that urban waterbirds are not just victims of this pollution but also vectors that spread it through their droppings, the study noted. Sarlin lead author and head of zoology department at the Fatima Mata National College, Kollam told TNIE that the findings reveal the extent to which plastic has infiltrated Keralas wetland ecosystems. We are witnessing the full scale of plastic pollution in Vembanad lake. Waste discarded from towns and fishing activities enters the river, is consumed by fish, and then by birds. Through their droppings, the particles return to the environment, creating a deadly loop, she said. Sarlin also warned of public health implications, urging stronger plastic waste management. Both humans and birds depend on the same aquatic sources for food. We fear that microplastics could be moving through shared food webs. These particles can cause hormonal and physiological changes in birds, but more conclusive studies are needed. Despite efforts to curb single-use plastics, current measures are inadequate. Stronger policies are essential to control plastic waste in our lakes, she added. The co-author, Sandie, is a chemical engineering student of Government Engineering College, Thrissur. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Challenges Elsevier, with the research carried out under the aegis of the Fatima Mata National College and the Kollam Birding Battalion.

Frustration mounts in Kerala Congress as AICCs Deepa Dasmunsi slams delay in party reorganisation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Upset at the prolonged delay in the reorganisation of state Congress, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunsi openly admitted before Kerala leaders that she has had enough. I am totally dissatisfied. What is the reason for the delay. Its unnecessary, she reportedly told the political affairs committee (PAC) meeting held on Monday. Multiple Congress sources who were present at the meeting confirmed to TNIE that Deepa was very upset at the unnecessary delay. However, she did not respond to queries from this paper. Meanwhile, according to party insiders, the AICC is likely to announce the new list of KPCC vice-presidents and general secretaries on Tuesday. The AICC considers Tuesdays and Saturdays auspicious for taking decisions, a senior leader said. Though there was demand for a total revamp, including that of KPCC secretaries, state party chief Sunny Joseph clarified that as they could not reach a consensus, it would be announced later. Former KPCC presidents Ramesh Chennithala and K Sudhakaran had approached the high command after the state leadership raised objections to the list the two leaders had submitted. It is learnt that Ramesh had submitted around 30 names and Sudhakaran 20 names. However, the leadership is of the view that it could not accommodate the full list. Almost all leaders who spoke at the meeting echoed the AICC general secretarys opinion, and urged the leadership to end the uncertainty and complete the reorganisation soon. The responsibility is with the leadership. It shows their incapability to implement a decision. They have been preaching about the reorganisation for some time, said a leader. Shanimol Usman and Benny Behnan were reportedly scathing in their criticism. Senior leaders P J Kurien and K Muraleedharan expressed dissatisfaction over accommodating tainted leaders in the new list. Kurien said he was not consulted before preparing the list from his district, pointing out that some tainted leaders names are included. Muraleedharan sarcastically told the meeting, It is said that in the new list there are names of leaders who had helped me in Thrissur in the last Lok Sabha election. I have no issue with it. I am also of the opinion that you should give them seats in the coming assembly election, so that I can also help them back. Sashi Tharoor, who participated in the PAC after a gap, said though this government is very unpopular among the people, that is not sufficient. We all know how unpopular they are. However, we could tell the people what we would do if we came to power, he said. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, agreeing with Tharoor, assured him that his proposal would be considered. Satheesan, however, came under fire for lack of communication with the Nair Service Society (NSS) on the Agola Ayyappa Sangamam. Leaders including Muraleedharan, Kurien, V S Sivakumar, Benny Behnan said the party leadership should have taken into confidence the NSS, which had always stood with the Congress and the UDF. For the first time, Satheesan revealed that the Congress had informed the NSS about the party position on Ayyappa Sangamam. It was a CPM programme. The government had organised it at the fag end of their term to manipulate believers. We as a political party took the position not to collaborate unless the government answers our questions, he said. Satheesan further clarified that the Congress was not in a fight with the NSS.

Thrissur man held after body found charred over unnatural sex dispute

THRISSUR: A 61-year-old man was arrested in connection with the discovery of a half-charred body at a rented room in Chowannur in this district, police said on Monday. The arrested accused, Sunny of Chowannur, has a past criminal record and was involved in two murder cases in 2003 and 2005, they said. Although the identity of the deceased has not yet been ascertained, police suspect the murder occurred following a dispute over unnatural sex. On Sunday evening, locals noticed smoke coming from the rented room where Sunny stayed. Kunnamkulam police rushed to the spot and found a half-charred body. Sunny, who had gone absconding, was arrested later that night from the Thrissur Sakthan bus stand. Sunny claimed he did not know much about the deceased. He befriended him at a liquor outlet and brought him to his room on Sunday, a police officer said. According to police, Sunny forced the deceased into unnatural sex. Following a dispute, he attacked the victim, who is suspected of having died from the injuries. Sunny then allegedly set the room on fire using inflammable liquid. We have recovered CCTV footage showing Sunny and the deceased together on Sunday. He lured the victim to his room on the pretext of consuming liquor together, the officer said. Police said Sunny had a violent past. In 2003, he was involved in the murder of a relative. In 2005, he committed a murder similar to the present case over unnatural sex. He was convicted in one of the cases and released from jail a few years ago, officials said. Sunny was recently working as a security guard at a shop in Thrissur. The Kunnamkulam police, who initially registered a case of unnatural death, said they have altered charges by including murder offence and arraigned Sunny as the accused. Efforts are on to identify the deceased, whose age is estimated to be around 35. CCTV footage has been circulated to all police stations as part of the probe. The body has been shifted to Thrissur Medical College for postmortem.

Pushed into dump of development, elderly couple fear for their lives

KOCHI: The relentless roar of a busy National Highway 544 is a constant companion of the residents of a small house in Chirangara, on the Thrissur-Edappally section. For Thomas Kudiyappadan and his wife Thressiama, the cacophony of development has a ring of horror to it. Having entered the sunset years of their lives, the couple have seen their tranquil existence abruptly shattered, not by age, but by the construction of an underpass and its allied structures. Their house, at the foot of the highway, was once a quiet and cosy residence. Then came the underpass. Almost overnight, they found themselves engulfed by mounds of earth and the terrifying realisation struck: they were trapped. Their home had been completely cut off from the outside world. Nine-month ordeal For a painful nine months, the couple ran from pillar to post for access to the underpass. All this while, they literally used ropes to climb the steep face of earth to reach the road stretch. Finally, the contractor, PST Engineering Constructions, offered a grudging solution: a narrow, steep access path leading up to the road. It was a makeshift construction of compacted earth and a hasty pour of raw concrete, resulting in a flight of steps so daunting that for the aged couple has become a precarious climb just to leave their home. We live alone after we married off our daughter. Its very difficult to negotiate the steep staircase. But this we manage somehow..., 68-year old Thomas sighs. The difficult climb pales in comparison to the dread that befalls them when rain clouds gather in the horizon. Fear of flooding Thomas points rather nervously to the small drainage canal the areas lifeline against waterlogging -- that flows past their house. The contractor dumped concrete waste, generated when the old structure was demolished for highway expansion, in the drain. Our repeated pleas fell on deaf ears. Moreover, the rainwater outlet of the highway drains into our premise. The arrangement is very shoddy, rues Thressiama, 62. With the drain choked by concrete debris, a heavy rain is all it would take for the canal to swell and break its banks. For Thomas, the memory is still vivid. Ours was one of the houses that was completely inundated in the 2018 floods. Now, we live in fear of waterlogging all year round. While Guruvayoor Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (GIPL) is the concessionaire responsible for maintenance of the Mannuthy-Edappally stretch, the underpass and allied works are carried out by PST Engineering, which is engaged in construction at five locations: Chirangara, Koratty, Muringoor, Perambra, and Amballur, as part of eliminating black spots along the route. There are a couple more houses on the stretch with no proper road access. What will all the people living in them do in an emergency situation? National highways have very specific access regulations. This is a classic case of a contracting firm failing to meet mandatory Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards and giving scant regard to safety, said Denny Jose Veliath, a local resident and state vice president of the BJP Minority Morcha.

Traffic snarl-ups persist at Muringoor on NH 544

PALAKKAD: There is no end in sight to the traffic gridlock at Muringoor, a choke point on the Edappally-Thrissur section of National Highway 544, though the situation has eased in other underpass construction sites like Chirangara. Experts and local residents have blamed unscientific construction by the NH contactor, PST Engineering and Constructions, for the situation, with several mishaps being reported from the area. Unlike in big projects like the Kochi Metro construction, the Tamil Nadu-based firm failed to carry out adequate preparatory work such as widening and repairing service roads before starting underpass construction. The failure has resulted in heavy traffic blocks at choke points like Muringoor, with the High Court suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza. Later, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submitted that it carried out tarring and other maintenance of the service roads, even as the quality of the work has come under the scanner. The NHAI contractor carrying out the underpass construction is not adhering to the mandatory Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards. For instance, a portion of the service road at Muringoor, through which vehicles are being diverted, caved in. This after the firm attempted to build a retaining wall even when the site, excavated for a drain cutting across the highway, was filled with storm water, alleged Saji Raphel T, former additional government pleader and public prosecutor. Another reason for slow traffic movement is the initiation of construction activities simultaneously at all five locations. Three underpasses are coming up in a 6-km stretch, from Chirangara to Muringoor, alone. And there is no service road for almost three kilometres, from Divine Nagar to Koratty, he added. Newly laid concrete slabs cave in Meanwhile, multiple incidents were reported of newly laid concrete slabs placed over drains along service roads caving in, from both Muringoor and Chirangara. The latest incident happened last Thursday when a slab at Muringoor caved in around 7 pm. An examination of the broken slabs revealed they were made without using iron rods. The authorities had earlier promised the same could support heavy vehicles as well. But the inferior quality slabs are now posing a threat to vehicles as they ride over the slabs through the congested service road. Earlier, a two-wheeler rider fell into the drain after the slab broke. They have replaced the broken slab with an iron grill at one spot in Muringoor while the other damaged pieces were replaced with new ones, said Denny Jose Veliath, a local resident and vice-president of the BJP Minority Morcha. Construction waste dumped on service road Local residents are upset after the contractor dumped construction waste on the service road at the busy Koratty junction. The situation is set to worsen with the annual Koratty Perunnal (church festival) slated to be held in just over a weeks time. The authorities had promised to tar the passage near the widened road section, and make it motorable, during a meeting held in September 2024. But nothing has been done, and worse, construction waste has been dumped there, cutting the width of the service road by half. Multiple mishaps have happened in the night with vehicles unable to figure out the edge of the road, said Shaju George Meledan, a representative of the autorickshaw drivers in Koratty. The area has nearly 40 households, besides numerous shops. Now, only one-way traffic is possible through the service road left untarred. It is posing difficulty to the residents, and the shop owners have been hit by the dust issue, said Ouseph Veliyath, who runs a grocery shop. Shoddy job The Tamil Nadu-based firm failed to carry out adequate preparatory work such as widening and repairing service roads before starting underpass construction The failure has resulted in heavy traffic blocks at choke points like Muringoor, with the High Court suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara plaza

ATM theft attempt foiled by alarm at Punjab National Bank in Thrissur

Hybrid ganja worth Rs six crore seized at Cochin Airport

KOCHI: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Cochin International Airport nabbed a Malayali passenger with a hybrid ganja worth around Rs 6 crore in possession, on Sunday. The accused has been identified as Abdul Jaleel Jasmal, a fashion designer from Kodungallur in Thrissur. The contraband was found concealed in special packets hidden in the Check-in baggage, said a source with AIU. Jaleel had arrived in Kochi from Bangkok via Singapore Airlines flight SQ 536, which landed around 12.10 am on Sunday. Based on a confidential tip-off received by the AIU deputy commissioner, officers of the AIU C Batch intercepted the suspect and conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the seizure. Preliminary investigations suggest that the contraband was sourced from Bangkok, though further details will emerge after a detailed probe, said the official. Meanwhile, this seizure comes nearly a month after a similar bust at CIAL, where a hybrid ganja worth Rs 4 crore was seized from Seby Shaju of Karuvannur, Irinjalakuda, who had arrived from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur.

INTERVIEW | I dont mind activist tag, but I am an artist first: Rima Kallingal

Rima Kallingal, one of the anchors of the Women in Cinema Collective, is now trying her best to balance the artist and activist modes in her personality. The actor, also an acclaimed dancer, reflects on her journey from stage to screen, the evolving space for women in Malayalam cinema, and her hopes for meaningful change, in a freewheeling conversation with TNIE . She opens up about the Me Too movement, the impact of the Hema Committee report, and why more women behind the camera can truly reshape the industry. Excerpts Your next project, Theatre, is ready for release. What can you tell us about it? The film follows a mother and daughter living on an isolated island, whose lives suddenly go viral on the internet. Their story spreads across the world, opening up questions about truth, perception, and social media. In this post-truth era, we wanted to explore how narratives form and spreadwithout judging, but by observing. The film invites discussion, not conclusions. What made you want to be part of this movie? Mainly, my character. The story resonated with my own experience of living both before and within the social media era. Weve all seen how blurred reality has becomewhats real, whats myth. Thats also the films tagline. You have taken a strong position against perpetrators. How did you decide to work with Sajin Baabu who was once accused in the Me Too movement? Honestly, Im selfish... I needed this film. As an artist, I need work even while fighting other battles. Another reason was that Sajin was the only person who publicly admitted wrongdoing and apologised during the Me Too movement. Thats a step forward, even if it isnt the end of the problem. I wasnt directly affected, so its not for me to forgive. But I saw his acceptance as significant. I cant create my own industry; I need to keep working. Actors, especially women, are often powerless in such choices. Still, I do feel guilty... but also pragmatic. Was this a lesson learnt? Definitely. By 2020, I became more pragmatic. I realised I simply need work to survive. In this industry, people with serious charges continue to win awards. The system protects them, not us. Its easy to sideline women who raise questionswere seen as difficult. But as creators, we have to keep imagining new spaces and keep going, even from the margins. Are you concerned about backlash for your choice? Yes. Its ironic that those who speak up are the only ones held accountable. Everyone else carries on. We become the problem, the ones under the scanner. But I know where my real responsibility lies and Ill continue doing what I believe in. You lost many opportunities in recent years. How did you deal with that? I was lucky to have Mamangam, my own space where I made all the decisions. My team of over a decade held me together. After the pandemic, we revived our creative energy through Neythe, a contemporary dance tribute to Chendamangalam weavers. Still, it was a difficult timemany of us faced severe lows and depression. Artists are always insecure but this silence was painful, especially when colleagues drifted away. Did this distancing start after your marriage or your association with WCC? Both (laughs). Many producers openly said they wouldnt work with WCC members. Directors discussed scripts with me. But once producers came in, Id be replaced. Even today, people deny that such discrimination exists. Denial is easyit keeps you likeable. I could do that too, but I chose otherwise. The struggle was real. I was once carefree and full of dreams, but the stress was immense. Thankfully, therapy, medication, and supportive circles helped us cope. Every new woman entering cinema today knows her rights. Was there ever a point when you decided to quit all this fighting? Never. Not once. Im proud of all of us for standing our ground. Weve no regrets only gratitude. Today, Im in a much better space, with clarity and far less chaos. Do you think you succeeded in bringing change to the industry? Yes. Every new woman entering cinema today knows her rights. We created a handbook explaining how to raise concernssomething I never had. Back then, we normalised everything, even double-meaning jokes that made us uncomfortable. Someone had to start the conversation, and we did. Now, women know theres someone to talk to. I wish Id had that support when I began. Its true that youve created awareness, but the mindset of isolating vocal women still exists... Yes, but only for now. The next generation will question everything. Change is slow but certain... definitely within my lifetime (laughs). As Arundhati Roy says, On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing. Though Ritu is celebrated today, it wasnt fully accepted then. How significant is that film in your career? Everything about Ritu is precious to me. The way Shyam (Shyamaprasad) sir hand-held all of us newcomers is priceless. Before all that, how did your interest in cinema begin and what kind of films were you exposed to early on? I grew up in Ooty and Salem, so I watched a lot of Tamil films... Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth. Later, in Thrissur, I discovered Malayalam cinema. But I was mainly a stage performer; dance was always my dream. Cinema happened by chance. I was part of Thaka Dhimi and was a Miss Kerala runner-up. Abrid Shine, then with Vanitha (Malayalam magazine), saw me and offered a photoshoot, which led to (director) Lal Jose calling me for a look test. That film didnt take off but the same night Syamaprasad sir called me for Ritu. I auditioned and signed the contract the same day. It all felt unreal. Nothing was planned, everything was a happy accident. How did your passion for dance begin? My parents enrolled me for dance probably to tire me out (laughs). I had too much energy. I loved both dance and sports. I was even sports captain, but had to choose. I trained in bharatanatyam from childhood but couldnt pursue a solo career because its expensive. I discovered my love for group performances... kaikottikali, oppana... and the thrill of creating something together. Since you have always enjoyed being part of groups, how has an organisation like WCC influenced or changed your life? WCC changed me more as a person than as an artist. The women there are my strength. Im standing on their shoulders. They taught us how to find words for our experiences. That sisterhood, that assurance that someone will answer your call, means everything. It gave me belonging, hope, and faith that well find our way forward. What inspired the creation of the new space, the Progressive Filmmakers Association? Frankly, it happened by accident (laughs). We were just discussing the idea of creating a new, inclusive space and made a draft document. Then (director) Anurag Kashyap shared it online by mistake, and it went viral! It wasnt meant as a reaction or a union... just a fresh space for collaboration. It simply got out of hand. A perception is created of Rima as an activist rather than an artist. How do you deal with that? Its natural. There are many artists but very few who are both artists and activists, so all questions come to us. If everyone had spoken up, we wouldnt stand out. Not everyone feels safe to speak, and I dont blame them. The world isnt built for us. Every day is a struggle, especially for women. Im privileged to have a voice and I dont mind the activist tag, but I dont want that alone to define me. I work hard for my art and give it my soul. Even if its overlooked, Ill keep reminding everyoneIm an artist first. You once won a state award, yet people forgot you... It isnt the audience, its the industry that forgets. Wherever I go, I only feel love. Trolls existed, but they dont affect me now. I dont even need to respond anymore. Trolls existed, but they dont affect me now. I dont even need to respond anymore. After Lokahs success, Nyla Usha said the female superhero emerged from the efforts of Rima, Parvathy, and others The credit goes to the whole Lokah team... Dominic, Nimish, Santhy... and Dulquer for producing it on a big scale. Weve collectively created a space where such films can exist. The audience here values good cinema, regardless of gender. The real bias lies within the industryfemale-led films face smaller budgets though audiences pay the same. If the craft suffers, it isnt the viewers fault. We need equal financial and distribution support. Cinema itself is powerful... Im powerful only because of it. When did you realise this was your true passion? When I lost it. When film offers stopped, I felt a deep void. Earlier, I was moving from one character to another, always surrounded by creative people. Suddenly, it all ended... I cried myself to sleep, not knowing what hit me. Thats when I realised how much I needed this. Neythe made me see that it isnt just about films. I need a creative outlet. I simply cant stay still. You once said marriage didnt change Aashiqs life but completely changed yours Yes. Much of it comes from invisible conditioning passed down through generations. I realised I was role-playing... seeking validation for keeping a perfect home. It took time to see that the institution itself doesnt work for me. Its built by men, for men. I regret signing that paper. Love doesnt need official approval... Ill still love wholeheartedly, with or without it. Is it a problem between two liberal-minded people like you? (Laughs out) No, not between us. The problem is with marriage as an institution... it adds nothing and brings pressure instead. We love each other more now. We only signed because our parents wanted it, but its a trap of conditioning. Will Aashiq say the same about being married? No, hell have his own take. But we understand each other. Both of us are strong-headed, yet love holds us... not the certificate. Aashiq and I are very different. Hes into tech and AI while Im old school. I still write by hand and dont even know how AI works (laughs). We disagree creatively at times, and thats fine. Marriage hasnt erased our individuality. Were two people who just happen to share one signature (laughs). You once said Malayali audiences are very knowledgeable about cinema. Does that benefit artists and filmmakers? Absolutely. That awareness keeps us alert, its a healthy kind of fear. Our viewers can forgive technical flaws but never dishonesty in writing or performance. Theyll call it out, and that honesty is precious. Some say you continue to be successful only because of filmmaker Aashiq Abu... (Laughs) I dont need to. My journey speaks for itself. I arrived in Thiruvananthapuram with one suitcase, then to Kochi for Miss Kerala with the same one. I auditioned, worked, and built everything on my own. I met Aashiq in 2014, but Ive been in films since 2008. I never had a manager... I handled everything myself. When M T Vasudevan Nair offered me Sharathe Ammini (character in Neelathamara), my father told me to do it for free (laughs). Thats the kind of start I had. You were trolled for your fish fry comment, though everyone knew you were speaking about the system. Have peoples mindsets changed, especially online? Many girls told me, Thank you for the fish fry statement. Now we use it at home too! (laughs). It gave them a language to express something. Thats enough for me. You cant change the world, but you can communicate. I just used the space I have to speak my mind. Trolls dont matter. I said what I wanted to say. A role you aspire to do? I want to do mad, physical comedy. I saw Shobhana chechis performance recently... her comic timing was brilliant! We havent seen women get such space in cinema, except maybe Urvashi chechi. Id love to do full-fledged comedy. How do you choose your films? I go by instinct. If something instantly excites me, I do it. I cant approach cinema with pros and cons; it has to spark something inside. Most of your characters have been strong women. Do you feel typecast? Yes, thats the sad part. Even when I try something light, people cant see me that way. Those who meet me in person find me very different. Some even tremble while doing my makeup! (laughs) Strength and opinion are often mistaken for intimidation. Thats how the world sees women. You also said youd like to play a romantic role Yes, Im a very romantic person... but I cant say that openly (laughs)! I have many sides, but people love putting you in boxes like calling you an activist. Does the activist label feel like a burden? Not at all. Im proud of what I stood for, though it cost me a lot emotionally. Ive felt lonely and struggled, but I dont regret it. If wanting change and believing things can get better make me an activist, then yes, I am one. You once said you want to write and direct because only when you stand behind a project can you make changes. Could you explain that? True change happens only when you step into the creative space. When women start writing and directing from lived experiences, cinema transforms. Like when Shanti, Revathi chechi, or Ratheena made Puzha... those layers came from truth. We need more women behind the camera. The issue isnt talent, its trust. Once the industry begins investing in women, everything will shift. Are you exploring writing yourself? Yes. Cinema still feels magical to me, and I want to write and direct some day. But I often struggle with imposter syndrome. The Hema Committee report gave the Malayalam film industry a bad name. How do you see that? Its like how Kerala was reported on most during Nipah or Covid outbreaks... because were aware and vocal. Problems exist everywhere but we discuss them openly. That isnt shameful... thats progress. The question is, where do we go from here? Theres talk of a before and after Hema Committee. Do you see it that way? Definitely. Earlier, we didnt even know whom to approach if something went wrong. Now, every film set has an Internal Committee. Whether people use it or not is another matter. I expected more, but change takes time. Were dismantling centuries of patriarchy and that wont happen overnight. Still, things are shifting. Theres a growing demand for women leaders in the industry. Whats your expectation? I dont expect instant change. But for the first time, were seeing things through a new lens not just a male one. That itself is progress. I admire Shwetha (AMMA president)... shes bold and fearless. Im excited to see what she brings. 22 Female Kottayam (2012) made a strong impact. But back then, you werent seen as an activist. What are your memories of the film? After its release, I was branded a feminist. I seem to get a tag after every film! 22FK upset a lot of men... that showed its impact. It started a conversation I deeply believed in. Around that time, my TED Talk also happened, and together, they shaped how people saw me. But I dont mind such labels... they come from standing by what I believe in. I want to explore comedyand romancefrom a womans perspective. Youve also done lighter, conventional roles Nidra, Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal, August Club, Happy Husbands... Those roles were equally enriching. They reflected real women I see around me. Playing characters unlike myself helped me understand people better and develop empathy. Its a challenge, but one I enjoy. How do you see male gaze as a creator? It depends on the directors intent. If I were shooting an intimate scene, Id want to see how I view it as a woman. Like Anjalis scenestheyre intimate yet human. Its about context, not exposure. The audiences reading matters as much as the creators intent. We often discuss the male gaze. But doesnt the female gaze exist too? Of course. Were all sexual beings, women included. We have light and dark sides and I want to own both. We shouldnt be bound by the kulasthree image. Men must also learn to see women as we truly are. Social media has helpedwomen like Mathimol are unapologetic and bold, creating amazing work with just their phones. Its liberating to watch. When women turn directors or writers, people assume their films will be serious or about empowerment. What kind of stories would you like to tell? I want to explore comedyand romancefrom a womans perspective. Theres so much humour and tenderness in our stories that we havent shown enough. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Supriya Sukumaran, Vignesh Madhu, Vivek Santhosh, Anna Jose, Manisha V C S, Harikrishna B, A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)

Kerala Man Hacks Father With Machete, Locks Himself In House For Hours

A family dispute over land papers spiralled into violence and high drama at Kerala's Thrissur on Saturday, when a man hacked his father with a machete and later threatened suicide by barricading himself inside a house for hours.

Kummattikkali, Thumbithullal and More: Kerala's Folk Arts Find Stage at Thudippu

In a small, warmly lit terrace in Vennala, near Edappally, the air carries the pulse of Keralas folk past. Rhythms from another era rise into the balmy evening, as masked dancers and ritual songs transform the intimate space into a stage for trance of the rustic kind. We are at Thudippu Dance Foundation, a multi-disciplinary art training centre, where Kummattikkali and Thumbithullal are being staged under the guidance of veteran artist and Folklore Academy awardee Sukumaran T G, along with his troupe Sukumaranum Sangavum from Evannur in Thrissur. Thudippus founders, Anjali and Ponnu, both trained in classical art forms such as Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, envisioned the space as more than just a venue for teaching and performing mainstream art. They sought to make it a platform for underrepresented community artforms. Organised quarterly, the foundation has, over the past year, showcased Chavittu Natakam, Kaikottikali, and Fugdo a dance of the Kudumbi community that migrated from the Konkan region to Kerala. Ponnu and Anjali, Co-Founders of Thudippu Dance Foundation in Vennala Women perform Fugdo, a dance of the Kudumbi community that migrated from the Konkan region to Kerala, at Thudippu It was historian Bony Thomas sir who connected us to the Kudumbi community. This time, friends from the Folklore Academy connected us with Sukumaran sir and his troupe, shares Anjali. Kummattikkali is a masked dance tradition prominent in south Malabar and central Kerala. In Thrissur, where it thrives, dancers don painted wooden masks and costumes woven from grass to transform into gods, demons, and mythical figures. Moving from house to house, they bless families with their presence. The Palakkadan version of the form, according to Sukumaran, is more ritualistic. Sukumaran T G (left) and his team sing verses during a Kummattikali performance Costumes are integral to the spectacle. Traditionally crafted from braided parpataka grass (Indian fumitory), they are now often substituted with ramacham (vetiver), a practical shift necessitated by scarcity. Masks, once made from areca palm bark, are today mostly carved from wood, making them sturdier, longer-lasting, and more detailed. Deities such as Shiva and Vishnu, figures from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the Thalla (a witty, old motherly figure) are commonly portrayed. Each comes to life painted in bold hues. According to Sukumaran, once behind the mask, dancers maintain a ritual silence as the accompanying singers narrate the myths and legends in verse. A signature feature of Kummattikkali is the aarpo cheer after each song, drawing performers and audience into a shared sense of celebration. The Thalla Kummati is much-loved folk character A Kummattikkali performance in progress at Thudippu While Kummattikkali thrives on masks and myths, Thumbithullal finds its power in rhythm, trance, and collective engagement. Traditionally performed by women seated in a circle, the performance centres on the Thumbi, who holds a tuft of thumba flowers and sings verses that gradually build in intensity. As the tempo rises, the Thumbi sways into a trance, pulling singers and audience into a shared rhythm. Sukumarans troupe, which has no women performers, adapts the form by having men take on the roles. The important thing is to keep the art alive, he says, hoping more women will come forward to learn and perform it. A scene from Thumbithullal Notably, the troupe Sukumaran now leads was founded in Evannur nearly 90 years ago by Padinjarethala Govindan. Training remains open and informal. We usually begin with four or five singers. As we move from house to house during a performance, more people join in. By the end, the number can go up to 40, including children and curious passers-by. Thats the beauty of it: the art itself pulls people in, Sukumaran smiles. Folk arts, he adds, are never static. They evolve with time. Materials change, roles adapt, and songs acquire new tunes. Our goal is to ensure they are not forgotten, he says. Those who are truly drawn to the songs and rhythms often return for future performances, gradually becoming regulars. In this way, participation and curiosity transform into belonging, keeping the troupe and the artform alive. At Thudippu, Sukumarans performance stayed true to this participatory spirit. He invited the audience to join in, and some eagerly took part, adding their voices to the chorus and becoming part of the living tradition. And thats exactly what Anjali and Ponnu strive for. To carry forward unique art traditions of the land, through the people. Scene from a chavittu natakam Kerala is culturally rich in terms of the variety of community art forms we have here. Many of them are on the verge of dying because they lack patrons, notes Anjali. But on the other side, some artists have dedicated their lives to promoting and nourishing their community art forms. We thought about how we could help them, and this is what led to this initiative. A traditional Kaikottikali performance held at Thudippu According to her, it is a sad reality that some artforms have already vanished without a trace. We do not wish the same to happen to others. We want to bring these art forms to the forefront for an audience who has never seen them before. The duo are modest about their role. We only wish to support them in whatever means possible by us, they say. As a gesture of gratitude, we raise funds for the artists who perform under this initiative. Guests can contribute after the shows purely on voluntary basis. Anyone interested can attend these shows free of cost. All one needs to do is register in advance once the quarterly events are announced via social media handles of Thudippu .

From silver screen to farm greens, Anoop Chandran plays his most stirring role

ALAPPUZHA: Anoop Chandran, best remembered by movie audiences as the witty Pazhamthuni Koshy in the 2006 cult classic 'Classmates', is more than just a familiar face on the silver screen. With over 165 films, including 'Achuvinte Amma' and 'Rasathanthram', to his credit, the theatre-trained actor has carved a niche in Malayalam cinema. But beyond the lights and camera, Anoop finds his true calling in the quiet rhythms of farm life. At his dairy farms in Areeparambu and Kavunkal near Cherthala in Alappuzha, he feeds over 80 cows, collecting more than 550 litres of milk daily. For him, farming isnt just a pastime; its a lifeline. Farming has always been close to his heart. When I was a child, my parents cultivated over four acres of land and raised cows. After school, I used to help by harvesting fresh grass. That connection with the soil and cattle never left me, he recalls. Even while pursuing higher studies and later training at the Thrissur-based School of Drama and Fine Arts, Anoop dreamt of becoming a farmer. However, a busy acting career kept him away from the fields. Even then, our family always had one or two cows, he says. The turning point came in 2006, when Anoop set up a small dairy unit at home. Initially, he distributed milk to houses and shops in Cherthala. During the pandemic, when film shootings slowed down, he fully devoted himself to farming. Today, I own over 80 cows, including Jersey, Holstein Friesian (HF), Swiss Brown, and Kasargod Kullan varieties, he says. On average, a cow in his farm yields 28 to 30 litres of milk a day, while high-breed varieties produce up to 35 litres. If production drops below 25 litres, it becomes unprofitable. That is why we use imported hybrid semen to improve yield, Anoop explains. What started as a modest venture in 2006-07 with 46 cows has now grown into a collective enterprise. Along with 167 fellow dairy farmers in Cherthala taluk, Anoop helped established a cooperative on October 2, 2023 that produces nearly 16,000 litres of milk daily. The milk is collected twice a day, processed at a unit in Chalakudy, and marketed under the brand name Hi-Vaa. Around 10,000 litres are sold in packets, while the remaining 6,000 litres are turned into by-products such as ghee, curd, and other dairy items. These are now available not just in Alappuzha, but also in parts of Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. Supporting Anoop in this journey is his wife, Lakshmi Rajagopal, a research scholar in artificial intelligence (AI) at the Pulinkunnu campus of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). Together, they balance modern life with traditional roots. For Anoop, farming is life in its most pristine. The money we earn from agriculture is the purest form of wealth, because it comes from serving nature, he says. No true farmers son ends up in jail, and no genuine farmer takes his own life, because farmers work with Mother Earth out of love, not greed. From the silver screen to the green fields, Anoop continues to play his most inspiring role: Of a farmer who proves that passion and perseverance can keep both dreams and traditions alive.

Thrissur comes alive with Vidyarambham ritual as children step into the world of letters

The ceremony, blending spirituality with cultural heritage, was celebrated at temples and institutions across the district

RSS to celebrate centenary with 1,622 public events in Kerala

KOCHI: Kicking off its centenary celebrations, the RSS will organise 1,622 public events and 1,423 pathasanchalans in Kerala on the occasion of Vijayadashami, on Wednesday and Thursday. The national-level celebrations will be held in Nagpur on Thursday, with former President Ram Nath Kovind to be the chief guest. Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat will deliver the keynote address. Former DGP Jacob Thomas, oncology surgeon Dr Chitrathara, mural artist Rajendran Kartha, Vadakara St Johns Jacobite Syrian Church Vicar Fr Paul Thomas, actor Rupesh Peethambaran, Chinmaya Viswa Vidyapeedam deputy dean Manjula R Aiyer, assistant commandant Surendranath Menon, and former customs commissioner K N Raghavan are among the dignitaries set to attend the RSS centenary celebrations in Ernakulam district on Wednesday. The RSS will organise 122 programmes across the district on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The cadre, in RSS uniform, will take out pathasanchalans or marches at 100 places. The Sangh will launch its mass contact programme, Har Ghar Sampark, in the district on October 5. The south zone will hold 792 public functions and 613 pathasanchalans while the north zone will organise 830 public events and 810 pathasanchalans. The RSS had divided the Kerala state unit into two zones in 2024, considering an increase in the number of units. Districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam have been included in south zone while districts from Thrissur to Kasaragod are under north zone.

Kerala Police launches training to tackle rising child sexual abuse material cases

Victim identification taskforce programme at Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur equips officers with advanced skills and emotional support to strengthen child safety efforts

Union Minister Suresh Gopi sparks row with remark that those elected by corpses are cheating Kerala

Participating in a neighbourhood town hall meeting in Thrissur, Suresh Gopi says cadavers dead for 25 years have voted in elections in Kerala

Kerala BJP leader Printu Mahadevan booked for death threat against Rahul Gandhi

THRISSUR : Peramangalam police on Monday registered a case against BJP leader Printu Mahadevan for his alleged remark during a television debate that bullets would be fired at Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition Leader in Lok Sabha. The case was filed based on complaints by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary Sreekumar C C and Youth Congress district president Gokul Guruvayur. Mahadevan, a former ABVP leader, made the remarks, while discussing protests in Bangladesh and Nepal, during a debate on a Malayalam news channel on September 26. He reportedly said that such protests were not possible in India as people here stood strongly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and added that if Rahul Gandhi has any such desires, bullets will pierce his chest. The FIR cites provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), Section 353 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation). Congress workers staged protests against Mahadevan and the BJP across Kerala on Monday. AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Sunday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling the threat not just a careless outburst of a petty functionary. He warned that any failure to act swiftly, decisively, and publicly would be seen as complicity. The nation demands immediate, exemplary legal action through the state police so that justice is swift, visible, and severe, he said.

Solace courses... from pain in her heart and song in her mouth

KOCHI: As the colourful kite soared, it caught the imagination of a five-year-old who had come to the park accompanied by her mother. Enraptured by the rainbow-hued objects vagaries and flight of fancy, she poured her emotions and feelings into verse. She sang the lines out aloud to her mesmerised mother, who recorded it. This marked the birth of Agna Yami as a poet. But, Agna is no mere dreamer. Besides being the youngest published female poet in the world, her compassion for fellow children suffering from life-threatening diseases drove her to launch Aksharakoottu an initiative that envisages making available reading material for children undergoing treatment for cancer in hospitals. I came to know about the plight of children suffering from cancer from my mother, says the second-standard student of Kozhikode Venappara Little Flower UP School. She works for an organisation called C For CCCI. From her, I came to know about the children who have been undergoing treatment for cancer. She told me how these children are unable to attend school. This made me think about donating my books. The first stop was Kozhikode Medical College Hospitals cancer ward. Besides her books, she went on to donate tomes that she bought with money from her piggy bank. And, that was just the start. Since then, she has been donating books to cancer wards. Agna has roped in friends and acquaintances for this initiative. Now seven, she also conducts online classes for children afflicted by cancer. I had been doing that since I was two. I have around 30 students from Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur. She was recently felicitated by General Education Minister V Sivankutty for her initiative. I received the title of youngest poet in the world for my anthology of thirty poems titled Varnappattam, which was published when I was studying in UKG, says Agna. She even illustrated the pages and cover of the book. Varnappattam was released on March 5, 2023 in Kozhikode. Soon, the accolades flowed. She was awarded the title of Grand Master by the Asia Books of Records on April 19, 2017. And in June of the same year, she was recognised with a certificate and medal by the International Book of Records. On July 3, 2023, she was recognised by the World Book of Records, London, as the worlds youngest poet author. Agna, who can read in 12 languages, wrote and published her second book Pencil and Jalaraani a collection of 20 short stories as a first grader. I can read in Malayalam, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Norwegian, Swedish, and Romanian.

National Waterway stretch set for December opening

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas ambitious inland navigation project is edging closer to reality, with the Akkulam-Chettuva stretch of the National Waterway set to open soon. The nearly 250km link, part of the Kovalam-Bekal West Coast Canal (WCC) project, will be commissioned in December, offering a new lifeline for transport, tourism and cargo movement. According to sources, the chief minister is expected to dedicate the section from Akkulam, in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva, in Thrissur in a ceremony proposed to be held in the 330m tunnel at Chilakkoor in Varkala. A Rs 3 crore electric boat is being manufactured for the commissioning. Expected to pave the way for new economic and tourism opportunities, the work is being implemented jointly by the Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation (CSIN) department and Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL) a special-purpose vehicle of Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) and the state government. CIALs CSR fund is bankrolling the design and manufacture of the boat meant for commissioning the project. A high-quality projector will be installed in the 20-seater boat, which will cost around `3 crore. The tunnel will host the official commissioning, a KWIL official said. KWIL carried out beautification of the Arivalam-Thottilpalam area for Rs 24 crore. The seven-minute journey through Varkala tunnel will feature a light-and-sound infotainment show. It will deal with the history of Travancore and Sree Narayana Gurus legacy, the official added. 594 families relocated to facilitate project The project, which has seen accelerated progress since 2021, had to overcome major hurdles linked to land acquisition and rehabilitation. A major bottleneck was Varkala. To address the issue, the tunnel is being made navigable by dredging. An official with the CSIN department said work is actively progressing in several key sections and 95% of the rehabilitation has been completed in Varkala area. The project is not just about transportation but also about creating new economic opportunities. An economic development opportunity study has been completed, and multiple schemes are in the pipeline. We have identified large land parcels along the waterway for development under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The first step is to commission the stretch and rest of the development will follow, the official told TNIE. Around 400 families were relocated in the Varkala area and 194 families relocated from Kadinamkulam to facilitate the project. Dredging work is progressing well and we hope to complete the activity by the end of next month or by November 15, the official added. Once the project is commissioned, the water transport department will explore the possibility of operating transport vehicles. The department will also resume transport boat services on the Kollam-Alappuzha stretch, which has been on hold for some time. Cost to Coast The 590km West Coast Canal (WCC) connects Kovalam in the south to Neeleswaram in the north. It traverses through 11 districts of Kerala The waterway from Kovalam to Bekal in Kasaragod is proposed to be developed at a width of 40m and a draft of 2.20m to enable large-scale movement of cargo Nearly 250km of the WCC -- part of National Waterway -- from Akkulam to Chettuva likely to be commissioned in December. Around Rs 300 crore has been spent to make the stretch navigable Phase II of the project, focused on land acquisition and rehabilitation, is underway Kiifb has sanctioned an additional Rs 247.3 crore to rehabilitate 1,275 families residing on the banks of the Kovalam-Varkala stretch

In backing Kinaloor, Usha risks the ire of BJP leaders

KOZHIKODE: The political tug-of-war over the location of the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has intensified, with the BJP facing internal dissension over the ruling CPMs backing of Kinaloor, in Kozhikode. The latest controversy has been fuelled by varied proposals from prominent BJP figures. Rajya Sabha MP P T Usha is batting for Kinaloor, aligning with the state governments official position. Usha has twice written to the Union government. She first wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 20, 2022, and followed up in 2023 with a letter to the Union health minister. Citing extensive preparatory work by the state, her missives emphasised that Kinaloor is the ideal location for the premier health institution. The Kerala government has already acquired over 150 acres of land in Kinaloor, marking substantial progress toward the required 200-acre land parcel, she highlighted. My own establishment, the Usha School of Athletics in Kinaloor, has willingly surrendered five acres of land to facilitate the project. Also, when I raised a question during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the reply confirmed that measures were already in progress in Kinaloor, Usha said. The BJPs position appears fractured, with different leaders advocating for AIIMS in various districts. Union minister of state Suresh Gopi recently called for the institution to be located in Alappuzha or, alternatively, Thrissur, arguing that the coastal districts backwardness makes it a deserving location. His view has been publicly distanced by other party leaders.

In riding around the country in 50 days, pavana lives her dream

THRISSUR: At the age of 25, when most youngsters think about careers and their future, Pavana V S took the decision to make her dream come true. On July 31, the Thrissur native set out on an unplanned journey that, on September 21, ended up crossing 20 states covering more than 8,500km. A karate coach, Pavana had dreamt of an all-India trip since the age of 15. But, education and other responsibilities kept her busy. Finally, while preparing for imminent wedlock, she decided to do something out the ordinary. On her Himalayan 411, she witnessed the unique life and culture of different states. It took me 50 days to cover 20 states. I started without any planning and without following a particular route map. However, I ate the authentic, seasonal local dishes. I stayed with local families whenever possible. During the trip, many cautioned about safety risks. But the welcoming attitude and support of residents in each location kept me safe, shared Pavana, who runs Evoke Academy, which offers training in martial arts. Though Pavana wanted to spend more time in places such as Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, and Uttarakhand, inclement weather played spoilsport. While most motorists stick to a plan on such adventures, Pavana did it her own way. She took her time at tourist locations and even went on trekking expeditions. When it comes to all-India trips, there is a misconception that only rich people can do it. But I am proof that anyone who has the passion for travel and adventure can pursue it. I rode a bike weighing over 200kg throughout the country without a single accident. I didnt depend on anyone to realise my dream. This has been a personal triumph, she added. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha were among the states she visited. I had many memorable experiences, mostly involving local people. I am a foodie and explored all kinds of food available at each destination, Pavana said.

Vision 2031 for a developed and progressive Kerala

Thrissur to host first Vision 2031 seminar on social justice on October 3

BJP game plan to counter Left shift of Hindu groups in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With elections around the corner, the perceived drift of the NSS and SNDP Yogam towards the Left has caused unease within the BJP. Though senior leaders remain confident that both organisations will eventually back the party, internal sources admit that a series of initiatives and meetings are being planned as a course correction. Party insiders said the BJP is also planning a slew of programmes to strengthen its base among minority communities. While the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) led by Thushar Vellappally remains a part of the NDA, Vellappally Natesans repeated praise of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has raised concerns within the BJP. Still, the BJP has avoided taking a confrontational stance against NSS or SNDP Yogam or BDJS. Recently, BJP general secretary S Suresh said both groups had every right to express their views. Any public criticism will only help CPM or Congress. Thus, we will take a stand carefully, and if there are differences with SNDP Yogam or NSS, we will resolve them, a senior BJP leader said. The party has also exercised caution in other sensitive matters. When Malankara Orthodox Churchs Thrissur Diocese Metropolitan Mar Yuhanon Meletius posted on Facebook in August about the absence of MP Suresh Gopi, state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar chose to avoid making any remarks against the Bishop. Similarly, though supportive voices towards the Left from NSS and SNDP Yogam remain a concern, BJP leaders continue to project that all is well. However, some BJP leaders believe the state BJPs active involvement in the nuns issue in Chhattisgarh unsettled a section of its Hindu vote base in Kerala. We could not ignore the issue; silence would have hurt our outreach to Christians. But our proactive role brought little benefit and gave the Left an opening to exploit discontent among Hindus. Similarly, on the Ayyappa meet, we could not fully expose the Left, a senior BJP leader said. UDF has no concern over NSS stance: Satheesan TPuram: Emphasising that the UDF has made no attempt to appease the NSS, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said the front has no complaints or concerns over NSS's stance. Our position is political, and no force can change that decision, he told reporters. He added that there is no question of cooperating with the Ayyappa Sangamam organised by those displaying pseudo devotion, and there will be no change in that decision. The stand taken by the UDF is a firm, secular one. It is against both majority and minority communalism in Kerala. We do not believe in appeasement politics. The CPM is following appeasement politics. Now they are encouraging majority communalism. Earlier, they supported minority communalism. We will not support either, and the UDF will continue to uphold a firm secular stance, said Satheesan. Clarifying the UDFs approach towards NSS support to CPM, Satheesan said, We have not asked the NSS to support us. They are a community organisation and have the full freedom to take their own stance.

State school arts festival in Thrissur will be a grand success, says Sivankutty

Over 14,000 students from across the State will compete in 249 events across 26 venues from January 7 to January 11

African Swine Fever: pigs culled at two farms in Thrissur

Strict restrictions have been imposed on the sale of pork, operation of meat shops, and transportation of pigs outside the district

8 kg ganja seized in Thrissur, two Odisha natives arrested

Kochi rehabilitation projects: hope at Thuruthy and despair at Mundamveli

For more than three decades, Safiya longed for a safe home. She had spent many years in a one-room ramshackle dwelling adjacent to the Kalvathy-Rameshwaram Canal in Fort Kochi. My husband, three children, and I moved to the twin-room house in 2007. Our happiness was short-lived, as the building was in ruins within a few years. Uncertainty started haunting us again, says Safiya. Sainuba Beevi, one of the benefactors, says the Thuruthy project took over a decade to materialise. Notably, most of the houses in the earlier corporation complexes built in 2002 and 2007 are in poor condition, with structural issues, right from the foundation. Today, however, Safiya heaves a sigh of relief. Now, finally, I am happy that I am moving to a stable house with all basic facilities, she beams. And she is not alone. Safiyas family, along with 67 others in Kalvathy, is now looking forward to shifting to a newly built housing complex comprising two towers in Thuruthy that will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday. Sainuba Beevi, another Kalvathy resident, shares the sense of relief. The corporation had collected our details under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) scheme around a decade ago. We have been filing forms and visiting officials since then, she says. We were told there was a delay in construction due to a funding crisis. We are elated that the construction has been completed. We are waiting for the flats to be handed over. Two girls excited at the prospect of moving into the Thuruthy flats. The interior of the flat. Residents recall their long struggle to be included in the scheme. When we came to know about the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) scheme, back in 2012-2013, we met ministers and the mayor to include families living here and allocate funds. It took over 10 years for our dream to materialise, says Harris P I, a daily wager in Fort Kochi. The Thuruthy twin-tower project was first announced in 2012. Construction began in 2017, with the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) later joining the corporation to complete it. Officials say 394 landless and homeless families will be relocated here. Our first visit after taking oath was to Thuruthy. We promised to provide the families with safe homes, says Mayor M Anilkumar. Notably, the twin towers are located at a prime location, surrounded by tourist spots, religious places, and offices. The first tower, with 11 floors, has 199 units measuring 300sq.ft each. Every unit includes a living or dining area, bedroom, kitchen and balcony. The second tower has 195 similar units across 13 floors. We have also included common courtyards, space for shops, parking, and other facilities like open areas, and lifts, says a CSML official. T K Ashraf, the corporations health standing committee chairman and councillor of the division, says completion of the project is the result of many years of hard work. The project was approved in 2013. We surveyed 1,065 families and shortlisted 755, he notes. We also decided to include 68 families in Koncheri in the project. There were space limitations we did not have enough land. Thus, we decided to build a multi-floor complex. Once the paperwork is completed, 394 homeless families will have a secure home. The P&T Apartment at Mudamveli which developed structural damage within one month of occupation. When hopes fell flat In January last year, eighty-three families in Kochis P&T Colony were excited about relocating to a new housing complex at Mundamveli. They, however, were in for a rude shock. Since moving in, the 77 families now residing in the flats have reported multiple issues including leakages, rusting iron frames, and structural safety concerns. In December last year, the Kerala High Court criticised the dismal condition of the buildings and pulled up the authorities for failing to properly oversee construction. There are persistent leaks in the bathrooms and roofs, and the overall structural stability is poor, says Abhilash P Parameswaran, president of the P&T Apartments Association. We shifted in January 2024. Within months, cracks started appearing on the walls. He also highlights the absence of a lift facility, which was included in the initial detailed project report. Residents living on the upper floors are facing issues. Many elderly people rarely come down or interact with others because of the difficulty in climbing stairs, he adds. Abhilash, president of P&T Apartments, showing the leaks on the water tank. The complex was constructed on a 70-cent plot owned by GCDA at Mundamveli in Rameshwaram village, with funding from Cochin Smart Mission Ltd and the state government. It consists of 85 units for 82 families. Construction was started in October 2020 by Thrissur District Labour Contract Cooperative Society. The work was completed at a cost of `14.51 crore and the flats were handed over to 77 residents of P&T Colony in January 2024. Issues cropped up the very next month. The seepage affected kitchens and bedrooms of apartments below, which was further exacerbated by leaking overhead water tanks and an overflowing septic tank, which has to be cleared every month. Sharon, a cerebral palsy-affected kid, is not able to play outdoors as he lives on the fourth floor of the apartment which does not have an elevator facility. A story similar to that of Sharon is Sukunan's who cannot go outdoors, with the apartment lacking an elevator facility. Following repeated complaints, IIT Madras was engaged earlier this year for a detailed study on the long-term structural stability of the building. Their team has already inspected the site and collected samples. We have assured residents that necessary maintenance and repair will be carried out, says a GCDA official. The corporation has begun roofing work at the apartment complex. We havent received the report of the study. We are yet to receive the final IIT report. However, they have given some initial recommendations. Thus, we have started the roofing work. The area around the building will also be cleaned and maintained according to the plan. Notably, the complex still does not have a compound wall. Only now work has been initiated. Another concern of residents is over documentation. We have not yet received legal ownership or transfer documents. This leaves us without proper legal protection or clear property rights, says Abhilash. We have been requesting the state government to take necessary steps to register and transfer ownership in the names of the residents, in line with the basic provisions of the Life Mission project. We have written to the chief minister regarding this.

Orange alert in four districts in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a northward shift in rainfall by Saturday, issuing an orange alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. This comes as the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a depression and is expected to make landfall along the Odisha-Andhra coast on Saturday. Yellow alerts have been declared for the Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. Meanwhile, southern districts are likely to experience a temporary respite from rainfall. IMD has advised the residents in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods to relocate to safer locations as directed by local authorities. Those living along riverbanks and in downstream regions of dams should also remain alert to potential risks and follow official evacuation instructions promptly. Isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are expected during this period. Widespread rain and thundershowers are likely to persist across many parts of the state until October 2. Strong surface winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph may occasionally prevail along the coast through Sunday. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea during this time. On Friday, central and southern districts witnessed intense rainfall, leading to waterlogging in urban areas and rain-related incidents. Northern districts began receiving showers from Friday evening.

Meet the young siblings building an aesthetic beauty brand in Kerala

KOCHI: With their trademark smiles and patented childish enthusiasm, two young siblings are giving beauty a new brand. Hailing from Thrissur, Kanishka and Akanshka are making a mark in the world of entrepreneurship with their skincare and fragrance business Aesthetic. Specialising in natural and solid perfumes and lip balms, the brand currently generates a monthly revenue of around Rs 35,000. It all started as a way to help seven-year-old Akanshka, who dropped out of school after an accident, beat boredom. Akanshka met with an accident when she was in first grade. She ended up losing an organ. She couldnt continue her schooling due to treatment. Once she recovered, I found her looking for ways to combat ennui. I was then running a company that made lip balm in Coimbatore. I taught her to make and diversify the product. Kanishka, her elder sister, joined her to launch Aesthetic in January, says Sari Changaramkumarath, their mother. It helped that 12-year-old Kanishka was a busy bee. During her vacation, she took an online course in making solid perfumes. Though the course extended beyond the summer break, I persisted with it. Akanshka and I developed a keen interest in making beauty products, and we started taking it seriously. Our parents supported us by sourcing materials and taking orders, as well as with packaging and transportation, says Kanishka, a student of Peramangalam Sree Durga Vilasam HSS. With their CR7, sandalwood, bubble blue, Onam mood, forest vanilla, and candy mist perfume varieties; beetroot, cherry, and beetroot-orange lip balms; and, red sandalwood, charcoal, and shea butter soaps, the siblings have crafted a solid product line. The packaging and posting are done on weekends. Kanishka and Akanshka actively participate in product design, packaging, and marketing. Initially, we sold the products to relatives and friends. Later, they started receiving orders from corporates. Recently, UAE-based company approached us. This has inspired us to initiate the process of getting an export licence, Sari adds. The sisters also have an Instagram page to sell their products. Around 120 to 150 units of perfumes and lip balms are sold every month. Products are priced in the range of Rs 120 to Rs 399. Minister for Industries P Rajeeve recently met the sisters. I am happy that Kanishka and Akanshka have inspired other youngsters to start small-scale businesses. Their efforts have been well-received. Personally, the initiative has helped enhance their productivity and skill in entrepreneurship, Sari said.

Sabri, Kalamandalams first Muslim Kathakali student, to go on stage

THRISSUR: Sabri N, the first Kathakali student from the Muslim community to have enrolled at the Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University, is all set to script another piece of history. On October 2, the Vidhyarambham day, she will make her debut on stage, aka arangettam. Currently studying in Class 10 at the Kalamandalam School, Cheruthuruthy, in Thrissur, Sabri joined the kathakali course alongside Class 8 academics. Though many frowned upon her decision to pursue kathakali, her parents were supportive and happy, encouraging her to follow her passion. On her debut, Sabri will perform a Krishnavesham for Purappad, in line with kathakali tradition. Right from my childhood, I have been interested in kathakali, its make-up, and the performance style. I would watch kathakali performances at the Mahadeva temple near our home and that influenced me a lot, said Sabri, preparing for the D-day along with her fellow students. It was in 2021 that Kalamandalam opened its doors for girls and women to pursue kathakali. According to Nizaam, her father and an environment photographer, Sabri used to accompany him when he went for art performances, including kathakali. I found her very interested in learning about kathakali and its nuances. When I asked whether she wanted to learn it, she replied in the affirmative. And we didnt oppose her wish, he said. Nizam added that his community was also supportive of the familys decision to enrol Sabri for a kathakali course. In the Malabar region, we are pretty progressive and dont mix religious beliefs with arts and culture. Religious beliefs are different from performing arts and nothing should prevent youngsters from pursuing what they like, he added. Sabri has an elder brother who is pursuing a degree in forensic science and cyber security. Aneesa is her mother. After completing basic education, Sabri intends to take up higher education in kathakali at Kalamandalam itself, if possible. My teachers and friends have been very supportive in learning the language and the stories, and Im not bothered about any kind of taboos, she added. Along with Sabri, three other girls and three boys are also slated to make their kathakali debut the same day.

Thrissur govt. MCH makes fertility care affordable for common man

Modern IVF clinic opens at hospital offering low-cost treatment

Kerala first State to launch Ksheerasree portal: Minister

Thrissur District Dairy Meet highlights new initiatives for farmers

Thrissurs Meet Your Collector reaches 50th episode

Interactive platform connects students and other citizens with governance. On September 27, the 50th edition will be held at Muniyattukunnu Hill Station in Varandarappilly

African Swine Fever confirmed in Thrissur, control measures stepped up

Rapid Response Team deployed; Minister J. Chinchurani hands over 8 lakh relief to pig farmer affected by a similar outbreak earlier

Kerala rains: IMD sounds orange alert for four districts

Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, while Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad are on yellow alert on Friday

GOAT's own country: Ahead of Messi's arrival, Kerala readies itself for more than just a football match

God's own country is leaving nothing to chance, transforming itself into GOATs own country. Preparations are in full swing to welcome Lionel Messi and Co to Kerala, sources in the sports department said. While there has been no official confirmation on who Argentina will face, officials have named Australia as the frontrunner for the eagerly awaited friendly in Kochi. Sources in the know told The New Indian Express that while no formal agreement has been signed yet, Australia has shown their willingness to play. We want a team ranked within the top 25 in FIFA, and Australia fits that bill, they said. Australia currently sit at 25th in the rankings. According to insiders, Messi, along with the Argentine national team, is expected to arrive in Kochi on November 15 and depart on November 18. An official from the Argentina Football Association (AFA) recently visited to inspect the facilities , and the AFA has approved the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, which can host around 55,000 spectators. Approximately Rs 1 crore has been allocated to ready the stadiums turf ahead of Messis visit. Ticketing details, including sales and prices, will be revealed once the opponent is confirmed, but sources said bookings will be handled online. In a conversation with TNIE , Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman described Messis visit as the first step in a larger vision to boost the states sports economy. We had started a cricket league, football league, college league -- all of these are to see how the sports economy will contribute to the GDP. Messi and Argentina coming is also part of that, he said. He added that Kerala is planning far beyond this one event. It wont be just Messi and Argentina. We are planning to bring more teams and create a venue for more games to happen in Kerala, he said. Expanding on plans for international sports, the minister revealed that the state intends to build a FIFA-standard stadium. The current plan is for the stadium to have a capacity of 66,000. Around 35 acres of land has been made available for that in the Malabar region, he said. Explaining the shift of the venue for the Argentina match from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, Abdurahiman said, The issue with Thiruvananthapuram is that the stadium ground is hard, and preparing it would take a lot more time. He added, Kochi has easy accessibility. There were also security reasons. The police have assured that Kochi will be safe, so there is nothing to worry about. The minister assured that Kerala will be ready to welcome fans from across the country, and the world, eager to witness this historic moment. Kerala has always shared a deep love for football -- from fiery debates among fans over a cup of tea and pazhampori to giant cutouts of players during World Cups. Even the iconic Thrissur Pooram, with its procession of majestic elephants, once bore Messis image atop the elephants , a surreal testament to the states passion for the game. With flags of national teams fluttering at every corner during World Cup to firecrackers and cheers erupting as Messi conquered his final peak, Keralas devotion to football knows no bounds. Now, Messis visit to this corner of the world feels almost dreamlike -- a moment beyond imagination when giant cutouts of the little boy from Rosario, Santa Fe ruled the streets. As the spotlight shines on Kaloor and the hopes of thousands ripple through the air, Kerala readies itself for more than just a football match. It is a celebration of dreams, ambition, and the belief that this corner of Gods Own Country can hold the worlds greatest in its heart. The upcoming clash involving Messi is not just a game -- it is a moment where passion meets possibility, and where Kerala steps onto the global stage, ready to make its mark. Lionel Messi: An ode to the greatest ever to grace the pitch

Thrissur leads the way in sustainable waste management

Kerala State Pollution Control Board awards first place to Corporation General Hospitals 360 KLD STP

Kerala Cabinet approves draft bills, key appointments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved the draft of the Kerala Public Service Right Bill, 2025, and cleared an amendment to the states university acts to add a provision for holding syndicate meetings. It further decided to revise the staff pattern of Keltron and sanctioned new posts in various educational institutions. Six High School Teachers (HST) posts will be created in Ancharakandi Higher Secondary School, Kannur, for the academic year 2022-23, while nine HST posts, one Junior Language Hindi and one Junior Language Arabic post will be sanctioned for 2023-24. Two Scientific Officers (Nuclear Medicine) posts will be created at Malabar Cancer Centre. The Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSTT)-Junior (French) post in St Theresas Convent Girls HSS, Ernakulam, will be upgraded to HSST (French), and the Librarian Grade IV post at Government Polytechnic College, Pinarayi Education Hub, will be upgraded to Grade III. Appointments to the State Food Commission were also cleared. K N Sugathan of Ramamangalam, Ernakulam (General Category), Rameshan V of Perinthalmanna (Scheduled Caste Category), Murukesh M of Kavundikkal, Palakkad (Scheduled Tribe Category), and Sheela T K of Alappad, Thrissur (Womens Category) have been named members. Decisions on salary revisions were taken, extending the benefits of the 11th Pay Revision Order to employees in government-approved posts in Food Craft Institutes. The long-term pay agreement for employees of Kerala Clays and Ceramic Products Limited (KCCP) will be implemented with effect from January 1, 2017, while the managerial staff of Travancore Titanium Products Limited will get revised salaries for five years from October 1, 2013, with the existing EPF contribution arrangement continuing. The cabinet sanctioned Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to Agnimitra, a native of Venganur, Thiruvananthapuram, who is undergoing treatment following a street dog attack. It also decided to waive Rs 36.61 lakh collected by the PWD as a security deposit and supervision charges from BSNL for the installation of optical fibre cables under the 4G saturation project. Further, the Federal Bank Officers Association Educational Society was granted an exemption for 18.11 acres of excess land in Mukkannoor village, Ernakulam, for educational development, with a condition restricting its use to the permitted purpose. Former KSEB chief engineer James Wilson was reappointed as Advisor, Interstate Water Wing, Irrigation Department, for two years. The cabinet also cleared several tenders, including Rs 7.29 crore for MEP and civil works at the Girls Hostel and substation of Government Medical College, Kasaragod; Rs 23.78 crore for works under the Kuttanad Comprehensive Drinking Water Project Phase-II Package 2; and Rs 2.07 crore for BC overlay works on Old National Highway 66 from Altaramoodu to Mevaram.

Central team meets Kuttanad farmers to study challenges faced by paddy farmers

ALAPPUZHA: A central team appointed by the Union Ministry of Agriculture has arrived in Kuttanad to study the challenges faced by paddy farmers. The delegation, led by joint secretary S Rukmani, held discussions with farmers and experts as part of its visit to key paddy-growing regions in the district. The team members interacted with farmers at the Rice Research Station at Mankombu. The farmers demanded measures to strengthen paddy cultivation, including the development of high-yielding rice varieties, greater mechanisation, GI tagging of Kuttanad rice, extensive use of drones in agriculture, and promotion of eco-tourism. The team will continue its field visits in Kuttanad, Thrissur, and Palakkad until September 26.

Train travel turns nightmare; passenger associations seek more MEMU services in Kerala

KOCHI: With the seemingly perennial road work making travel along national highways a miserable experience in the state, people are increasingly switching to trains. But if the demand and supply ratio is anything to go by, the trains, especially those that conduct services within the state, are proving insufficient. And hence, passenger associations are demanding additional MEMU services. In the evenings, there is an unusual rush from Ernakulam and Kottayam stations to Kollam. The long gap after Parasuram Express passes in the afternoon adds to the rush. With the Kochi Metro terminal in Tripunithura becoming operational, passengers have completely abandoned private vehicles and are depending on trains, which has increased rail travel woes, Ajaz Vadakedam, a member of Friends On Rails, told TNIE . The situation is such that people are now travelling in packed coaches or hanging on for dear lives on footboards, or standing in toilet corridors holding their breath, he pointed out. Students and employees of MG University, Brilliant College, Medical College, and other educational institutions travelling towards Kollam are greeted with the sight of packed trains arriving at the Kottayam station, Ajaz said. Although there has been a huge increase in the number of rail passengers, and revenue, over the past few years, there has been no significant improvement in the number of services for regular passengers. The congestion reaches its peak at Changanassery in the evening, he said. If this has become a regular affair on the Ernakulam-Kollam stretch under the Thiruvananthapuram railway division, things have taken a turn for the worse on the Ernakulam-Thrissur route ever since work began on NH 544 and NH 66. Passengers hanging from the doors of a packed MEMU train in Thrissur. Road traffic was disrupted because of the construction and maintenance work on national and state highways and other major roads. Hence, many people who travelled by road are now relying on trains, turning short-distance journeys miserable, especially in the morning and evening peak hours. Things worsen on Fridays and Saturdays when people working in Ernakulam or Thrissur travel in either direction to return home for the weekend, said P Krishnakumar, general secretary of the Thrissur Railway Passengers Association (TRPA). Trains are so crowded that it reminds us of the wagon tragedy. Women, children, and senior citizens find travelling on these packed trains tough. Even after buying tickets, they are often unable to board the train, he pointed out. Instead of increasing the number of coaches on trains, the Railways have been doing the opposite, he alleged. Though the number of coaches on the evening Ernakulam-Shoranur MEMU (66320) has been increased to 16, there are often only 12 coaches on Fridays and Saturdays. The number of passengers has increased as this train later runs from Shoranur to Nilambur. Similarly, the Ernakulam-Palakkad MEMU (66610) has only eight coaches. The 16307 Alappuzha-Kannur Express is also crowded, Krishnakumar said. Considering the current situation in Kerala, all passenger/MEMU trains should be converted to MEMU trains with at least 16 coaches, he said. They should run every day of the week and the necessary MEMU coaches should be immediately allocated to the Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions, Krishnakumar said. Friends on Rails have demanded that the MEMU which operated from Ernakulam Junction to Kollam, at 2.45 pm, before the Covid pandemic be resumed. It has become a daily occurence for passengers to ditch their travel plans at the last moment after seeing the crowded coaches. The lack of a daily service from Kollam to Ernakulam for more than three hours after 8 am is also causing great distress to passengers. If the MEMU/passenger departing from Kollam at 10 am is arranged in such a way that it reaches Ernakulam at 1.30 pm and leaves after 2.45 or 3 pm, the travel hassle in both directions can be solved to a great extent, Ajas said. Train journeys from Ernakulam in the evening have turned very dangerous, he said. TRPA has also submitted a representation to Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, seeking his intervention in matter.

Puthur Zoological Park all set to unveil a new world of wonder

CM to inaugurate Keralas largest zoological park on October 28; designed by Australian zoo expert John Coe, the project brings a global-class wildlife experience to Thrissur

Kerala Cabinet approves judicial city in Kalamassery

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State cabinet on Wednesday approved establishing a judicial city in Kalamassery by acquiring 27 acres of land from HMT Limited. The Home Department has been directed to initiate preliminary steps for the project and explore the possibility of securing Central assistance. The Cabinet also approved the draft of the Kerala Public Service Right Bill, 2025, and cleared an amendment to the States university acts to add a provision for holding syndicate meetings. It further decided to revise the staff pattern of Keltron and sanctioned new posts in various educational institutions.Six High School Teachers (HST) posts will be created in Ancharakandi Higher Secondary School, Kannur, for the academic year 2022-23, while nine HST posts, one Junior Language Hindi and one Junior Language Arabic post will be sanctioned for 2023-24. Two Scientific Officer (Nuclear Medicine) posts will be created at Malabar Cancer Centre. The Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSTT)-Junior (French) post in St Theresas Convent Girls HSS, Ernakulam, will be upgraded to HSST (French), and the Librarian Grade IV post at Government Polytechnic College, Pinarayi Education Hub, will be upgraded to Grade III. Appointments to the State Food Commission were also cleared. K.N. Sugathan of Ramamangalam, Ernakulam (General Category), Rameshan V. of Perinthalmanna (Scheduled Caste Category), Murukesh M. of Kavundikkal, Palakkad (Scheduled Tribe Category), and Sheela T.K. of Alappad, Thrissur (Womens Category) have been named members. Decisions on salary revisions were taken, extending the benefits of the 11th Pay Revision Order to employees in government-approved posts in Food Craft Institutes. The long-term pay agreement for employees ofKerala Clays and Ceramic Products Limited (KCCP) will be implemented with effect from January 1, 2017, while the managerial staff of Travancore Titanium Products Limited will get revised salaries for five years from October 1, 2013, with the existing EPF contribution arrangement continuing. The cabinet sanctioned Rs. 3 lakh from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to Agnimitra, a native of Venganur, Thiruvananthapuram, who is undergoing treatment following a street dog attack. It also decided to waive Rs. 36.61 lakh collected by the PWD as a security deposit and supervision charges from BSNL for the installation of optical fibre cables under the 4G saturation project. Further, the Federal Bank Officers Association Educational Society was granted an exemption for 18.11 acres of excess land in Mukkannoor village, Ernakulam, for educational development, with a condition restricting its use to the permitted purpose. Former KSEB Chief Engineer James Wilson was reappointed as Advisor, Interstate Water Wing, Irrigation Department, for two years. The Cabinet also cleared several tenders, including Rs. 7.29 crore for MEP and civil works at the Girls Hostel and substation of Government Medical College, Kasaragod; Rs. 23.78 crore for works under the Kuttanad Comprehensive Drinking Water Project Phase-II Package 2; and Rs. 2.07 crore for BC overlay works on Old National Highway 66 from Altaramoodu to Mevaram.

Customs Suspects 150200 Smuggled Vehicles in Kerala

Customs Commissioner T Tiju told that 36 vehicles were seized during the Operation Numkhor (a Bhutanese word for vehicle), carried out at various places including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Kuttippuram, Kozhikode and Malappuram.

Rain to gain strength in Kerala by middle of this week

Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur put on yellow alert with rain likely during the next 24 hours

Man gets double life imprisonment, 2.75 lakh fine in POCSO case

Karthik of Thiruvullakkavu in Thrissur sexually abused minor girl multiple times

Panel formed to resolve salary and staff pattern issues in Thrissur Corporations Electricity department

Committee will have representatives of employees and government, and is tasked with submitting its report by October 31

Telangana to Attempt Bathukamma World Record

The event aims to surpass the 2023 Onam festival record in Thrissur, Kerala, where 7,027 women performed a synchronised Thiruvathira dance

Thrissur steps up preventive drive against amoebic meningoencephalitis

District-wide mass chlorination campaign has been scheduled for September 27 and 28. Local bodies instructed to ensure continuous chlorination of swimming pools and public wells

Devotees to bid farewell to Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy

Thousands to pay tributes as Thrissur Archdiocese prepares for funeral rites on Sunday. Faithful urged to bring saris instead of flowers

One more succumbs to suspected Amoebic meningoencephalitis

The victim was identified as Raheem, a native of Chavakkad in Thrissur district, who was admitted to the Kozhikode MCH

Din in Thrissur council as Opposition alleges bid to privatise Corporations electricity wing

Local Self-Government department had issued an order reducing sanctioned posts in the electricity wing from 229 to 103, which the Opposition says will hinder its functioning. Leader of the Opposition Rajan J. Pallan alleges move by LDF-led civic administration and government to privatise wing

Prathapan files private complaint alleging Suresh Gopi, kin illegally voted in Thrissur

He accuses Union Minister Suresh Gopi, his brother, Subhash Gopi, and their family members of illegally enrolling and casting votes at Mukkattukara booth in Thrissur in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

Kerala HC extends suspension of toll collection at Paliyekkara plaza in Thrissur

A decision on resuming toll collection will be taken after checking the condition of the highway, including that of service roads through which vehicles are being diverted

Police under lens in Kerala following cases of custodial torture

Complaints of custodial torture and police brutality are pouring in following the surfacing of CCTV footage of the alleged torture of a political activist at a police station in Kunnamkulam in Thrissur two years ago. K.S. Sudhi looks into the issues of legal and human rights violations involved in the alleged instances of custodial torture

Union Minister Suresh Gopis remarks to elderly woman courts fresh controversy

Thrissur: Union Minister of State Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, has courted yet another controversy after he talked to an elderly woman in an insensitive language during his interactive session with people in his constituency on Wednesday. Gopi was earlier widely criticised for his refusal to accept a petition from an old man for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Archbishop Emeritus Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy passes away at 94

His life spanned decades of tireless pastoral service, institution building, and social empowerment especially among the struggling migrant Christian communities in Malabar. He was the first bishop of the Mananthavady diocese and later served as the archbishop of Thrissur

Thrissur unites against drugs: Ramesh Chennithala leads Walk Against Drugs

People join the awareness march at Thekkinkadu Maidan as social and cultural icons rally to build a peoples resistance against drug abuse

Prolonged power outage cripples Thrissur City as Corporation electricity staff go on strike

The joint trade unions of the Corporation electricity department launched the strike demanding withdrawal of the Local Self-Government departments order reducing sanctioned posts from 229 to 103, and seeking a salary revision that has been pending for seven years.

Change needed in Kerala politics for Kerala Police to change: Shobha Surendran

She inaugurates a protest march led by BJP Thrissur city district committee to Assistant Commissioners office, demanding an end to police brutality

Handcuffing of KSU leaders: Opposition councillors protest at Thrissur Corporation council meet wearing masks

They flay Mayor and Corporation council for collecting funds for Onam celebration

Massive devotee rush in Guruvayur on Sree Krishna Jayanti

Temple town overflows with little Krishnas at Thrissur. Around 1,050 Shobha Yatras held in the district

CPI(M) orders internal enquiry into mobile phone recording implicating Thrissur leadership of profiteering

Opposition UDF sought to exploit the controversy to put the ruling LDF on the defensive ahead of the Legislative Assembly session, which commences on September 15

Suspected audio clip alleging wealth amassed by CPI(M) leaders in Thrissur triggers row

Congress demands multi-agency probe; BJP claims allegations vindicate its earlier claims on corruption

National conference of gynaec surgeons in Thrissur

Three-day SOVSICON-25 to bring together 500 doctors. Workshops on vaginal surgery and cosmetic gynaecology to be held

Another custodial assault allegation from Thrissur

Auto driver, 28, suffers severe lung injury and is scheduled to undergo surgery.

Thrissur roars in Pulikkali frenzy as 450 tigers set Swaraj Round ablaze

Tens of thousands of people throng the streets as painted tigers, floats, and dazzling lights transform the city into a living canvas of tradition and spectacle

Drums, stripes and frenzy: Pulikkali set to light up Thrissurs Onam climax

Street pageant marks the grand finale of Onam celebrations in the cultural capital

CCTV Footage Shows Cop Assaulting Restaurant Employees In Kerala Police Station

CCTV from Peechi police station in Thrissur shows SI Ratheesh and others assaulting Lalys Group staff, sparking outrage after KP Ouseph released the footage obtained via RTI.

Thrissur set for a roaring Pulikkali as over 400 tigers to take over Swaraj Round

Nine teams gear up with dazzling floats and fierce tiger dances for Onam spectacle

Congress announces protest against Kerala police over custody torture case

The Congress party announced a direct protest. This is against five police officers. They are accused of torturing Youth Congress leader V S Sujith. The incident happened in central Kerala two years ago. V D Satheesan visited Sujith. He said the officers would not wear their uniforms again. The Youth Congress also protested in Thrissur. Police are re-examining the case.

Kerala Congress leader obtains video of him being thrashed by police via RTI

A case of police brutality in Kerala has surfaced after a youth Congress leader obtained a video of him being tortured. The incident occurred in April 2023 at the Kunnamkulam Police Station, located within the Thrissur city police limits. In the video, the youth Congress leader, identified as VS Sujith, is seen shirtless and surrounded Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Thrissur General Hospital completes 4,000 heart surgeries

Surgery, which costs 14 lakh, performed on a tribesperson for free.

CPI(M) says Sabarimala womens entry issue is closed chapter

Thrissur: Keralas ruling CPI(M) said on Tuesday it remains aligned with religious devotees, declaring the contentious issue of allowing women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple a closed matter. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, while speaking to reporters, said the Global Ayyappa Samgamam, being organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), is in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Thrissur Rural police hold special checks in colleges ahead of Onam celebrations

Intensified inspections aims at ensuring student safety and lawful celebrations during the festive season, say police

Thrissur RDO office earns ISO certification

Minister inaugurates stadium renovated at 46 lakh at Puthenchira in Thrissur

Minister says government is moving towards its declared goal of setting up sports facilities in every grama panchayat

18 injured as bus overturns on Thrissur-Kunnamkulam State highway

A car in front of the bus swerved suddenly, causing the driver to lose control of the bus

Kerala witnesses landslides, waterlogging due to heavy rains

Thiruvananthapuram: Rains intensified in Kerala on Thursday, causing waterlogging, a rise in water levels of dams and landslides in some parts of the state, with the IMD issuing an orange alert in six districts for the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kudumbashrees Onam trade fair opens in Thrissur

The fair, which will continue till September 4, showcases a wide variety of products made by Kudumbashree entrepreneurs across the State

HC directs fresh evaluation of Lulu Mall land in Thrissur

Kerala Police register case against teacher for restricting Muslim students from Onam celebrations

THRISSUR: Kerala Police have registered a case against a teacher for allegedly posting a voice clip urging parents not to allow Muslim students to participate in Onam celebrations at the school. Khadeeja, a teacher at Siraj Uloom English High School, Kallumpuram, was booked under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (provocation that can lead to rioting), for restricting Muslim students from taking part in the Onam festivities. The school had scaled down the Onam celebrations this year. According to the manager, the teacher was suspended immediately and it was clarified that her opinion was not that of the institution. We are celebrating Onam in all its fervour and the teachers opinions are not the institutions, he said. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by DYFI activists.

Kerala Teacher Booked For Hate Remark on Onam Celebrations

DYFI complaint leads to case against private school teacher in Thrissur for calling Onam a festival of another religion

Giant floral carpet blooms in Thrissur to welcome Onam

Sayahna Souhruda Koottayma creates 60-ft pookkalam with 1,500 kg of flowers at Thekke Gopuranada

Pulikkali gets ready for Onam spectacle in Thrissur

Nine teams gear up with vibrant tigers, drummers, and dazzling floats for September 8 showdown

Women launch Chitrangana Film Society in Thrissur

Sara Joseph calls for a new politics of vision as the collective pledges free screenings, study camps, and support for women filmmakers

Expert panel reviews NH traffic bottlenecks in Thrissur, directs NHAI to speed up work

Panel, formed after High Court directive, expresses dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the construction, suggests corrective measures