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Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family
KOCHI, Dec 24 : Kerala government on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of Chhattisgarh native Ramnarayan, who was killed in an alleged mob lynching incident near Walayar in the northern Palakkad district. Addressing a press conference here, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund. Of the total Rs 30 lakh being granted, Rs five lakh each [] The post Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ban on films at International Film Festival of Kerala: An attack on progressive cinema
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denying censor exemption to as many as 19 of the 206 films charted for screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala is worrying
Sangh Parivar Creating Hatred Against Christians Will Be Dealt with Sternly: Pinarayi
A prayer group was attacked in Madhya Pradesh, and even in Kerala, a carol group in Palakkad was targeted.
Arundhatiand the power of perspective
Her career is not about the wickets taken or matches played, but about opening the doors for those waiting to break through; the move to Kerala brought about a massive change in her approach
Sabarimala gold case: Vijayan raises questions over Sonia Gandhi-Potty meeting
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan challenged Opposition leaders regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case. He dismissed claims of accused individuals having personal access to him. Vijayan highlighted photographs showing the accused meeting senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He questioned how the accused secured such meetings, suggesting these were formal engagements.
Mob Lynching: Kerala Govt Announces Rs 30 Lakh Aid To Victim's Family
A Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala CM alleges 'financial blockade' by Centre
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleges the Union government is imposing a financial blockade. He states reduced borrowing limits and central transfers are straining Kerala's finances and development plans. Vijayan highlights cuts to borrowing capacity and declining central tax shares.
Vasantholsavam, light show open in Thiruvananthapuram city
Narendra Modi Stadium Ground: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, along with Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, smashed centuries to benefit their respective teams in Round One of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 Season on Wednesday. It was a day on which a record 22 individual centuries were scored on the opening day of the competition. From a team perspective, Karnataka and Bengal completed mammoth successful run chases to make a big statement on Day One of Indias premier domestic mens one-day tournament. Kohli marked his return to Bengaluru with a commanding century as Delhi chased down 299 against Andhra with more than 12 overs to spare in their Elite Group D opener on Wednesday. Kohli's 58th List A hundred - 131 off 101 balls with 14 fours and three sixes - at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground overshadowed Ricky Bhui's 122 for Andhra as Delhi secured a four-wicket victory. Delhi pacer Simarjeet Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for picking 5-54. Meanwhile, in Jaipur, another former India captain, Rohit Sharma, produced a masterclass in front of over 20,000 spectators at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 155 off 94 balls to guide Mumbai to an eight-wicket victory over Sikkim in Elite Group C. Rohit raced to his 37th List A century in just 62 balls before adding another 50 runs off 29 deliveries, cutting and driving at will against an inexperienced Sikkim attack that had posted 236/6, as Mumbai chased down the target in 30.3 overs. In Ranchi, Bihar posted a staggering 574/6 - now the highest score in men's List A cricket - as teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 190 off 84 balls and captain Sakibul Gani blasted an unbeaten 128 off 40 balls - the fastest by an Indian batter in men's List A cricket - to crush Arunachal Pradesh by 397 runs in a Plate Group match on Wednesday. Suryavanshi struck 16 fours and 15 sixes in his blistering knock at a strike rate of 226.19, adding 158 runs for the opening wicket with Mangal Mahrour (33) before combining with Piyush Singh (77 off 66 balls) for a 103-run second-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka continued the carnage with 116 off 56 balls, including hitting 11 fours and eight sixes, before Gani unleashed mayhem in the final overs by hitting 10 fours and 12 sixes to propel Bihar past the 500-mark. Bihar's bowlers then completed the rout, dismissing Arunachal Pradesh for just 177 in 42.1 overs with Akash Raj (3-29), Suraj Kashyap (3-31) and Himanshu Tiwari (2-33) sharing eight wickets between themselves. In Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel and Rinku Singh hit half-centuries as Uttar Pradesh opened their campaign with an 84-run win over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Apart from the duo, Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal were among their other half-centurions. UP's spin trio - List A debutants Zeeshan Ansari (4-31) and Prashant Veer (3-47), along with Vipraj Nigam - stifled Hyderabad's chase of 325 after the UP top-order posted 324/5. Hyderabad captain Tanmay Agarwal's 53 off 43 balls threatened briefly before the lower-order collapsed, as they were bowled out for 240. Defending champions Karnataka pulled off a stunning run chase, overhauling a record target of 413 against Jharkhand with 15 balls to spare at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B in Ahmedabad. Player of the Match Devdutt Padikkal's brilliantly-paced 147 off 118 balls eclipsed Ishan Kishan's explosive 125 off just 39 balls - the second fastest List A century by an Indian male batter - as Karnataka romped home despite losing five wickets on the way. Captain Mayank Agarwal (54 off 34 balls) and Padikkal added 114 in the first 11.5 overs before Abhinav Manohar (56 not out) and debutant Dhruv Prabhakar (40 not out) sealed Karnatakas victory with an unbroken 88-run stand off 41 balls. Kishan had earlier clubbed 14 sixes in his whirlwind knock, helping Jharkhand amass 151 runs in the final 10 overs to post 412 for nine. Meanwhile, at the main Narendra Modi Stadium, Tamil Nadu opened their campaign with a 101-run victory over Pondicherry, with Pradosh Ranjan Paul (73) and captain N. Jagadeesan (67) laying the foundation for a total of 310/9. Bengal completed a successful chase of 383 against Vidarbha, with Abishek Porel (56 off 35 balls), captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (71), Sudip Gharami (68), and Shahbaz Ahmed (71 off 58 balls) guiding them to a stunning victory. Shubham Khajuria smashed an unbeaten 129 as Jammu and Kashmir thrashed Chandigarh by 10 wickets, with Nasir Lone taking four wickets and recent IPL auction pick Auqib Nabi claiming two. Himachal Pradesh defeated Uttarakhand by 95 runs as Akash Vasisht took three wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla's four-wicket haul powered Gujarat to an eight-wicket victory over Services. Saurashtra successfully chased down a 346-run target against Odisha with five wickets in hand, powered by Gajjar Sammar's unbeaten 132. Odisha's Swastik Samal had earlier smashed 212 with Biplab Samantaray contributing 100. Kerala thrashed Tripura by 145 runs after posting 348 for eight, with Baba Aparajith taking 5-15. Vignesh Puthur created List A cricket history by taking six catches as a fielder - the most ever in an innings, surpassing the previous record of five shared by 21 fielders. Punjab defeated Maharashtra by 51 runs, with Naman Dhir's 97, Anmolpreet Singh's 85, and Prabhsimran Singh's 60 laying the foundation for their big win before debutants Sukhdeep Bajwa and Krish Bhagat claimed two wickets each. Brief scores: Andhra 298/8 in 50 overs (Ricky Bhui 122; Simarjeet Singh 5-54, Prince Yadav 3-50) lost to Delhi 300/6 in 37.4 overs (Virat Kohli 131, Nitish Rana 77; Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy 2-6, Satyanarayana Raju 2-74) by four wickets Sikkim 236/7 in 50 overs (Ashish Thapa 79, Shardul Thakur 2/19) lost to Mumbai 237/2 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 155) by 8 wickets. Bihar 574/6 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 190, Sakibul Gani 128 not out; Tadakamalla Mohith 2-99, Techi Neri 2-83) beat Arunachal Pradesh 177 in 42.1 overs (Kamsha Yangfo 32 not out, Techi Doria 28; Akash Raj 3-29, Suraj Kashyap 3-31) by 397 runs. Odisha 345/6 in 50 overs (Swastik Samal 212, Biplab Samantaray 100) lost to Saurashtra 347/5 in 48.5 overs (Gajjar Sammar 132 not out, Chirag Jani 86) by five wickets Services 184 in 42.2 overs (Arzan Nagwaswalla 4-34) lost to Gujarat 185/2 in 34.5 overs (Aarya Desai 77 not out) by eight wickets Haryana 267/9 in 50 overs (Himanshu Rana 126, Parth Vats 57) lost to Railways 270/4 in 43.4 overs (Ravi Singh 109 not out, Upendra Yadav 80) by six wickets Uttar Pradesh 324/5 in 50 overs (Abhishek Goswami 81, Dhruv Jurel 80) beat Hyderabad 240 all out in 43 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 53, Rahul Buddhi 47; Zeeshan Ansari 4-31) by 84 runs Jharkhand 412/9 in 50 overs (Ishan Kishan 125, Virat Singh 88; Abhilash Shetty 4/72) lost to Karnataka 413/5 in 47.3 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 147, Abhinav Manohar 56 not out) by five wickets Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Punjab 347/6 in 50 overs (Naman Dhir 97, Anmolpreet Singh 85) beat Maharashtra 296/8 in 50 overs (Ramakrishna Ghosh 73, Prithvi Shaw 46) by 51 runs Tamil Nadu 310/7 in 50 overs (Pradosh Ranjan Paul 73, N. Jagadeesan 67) beat Pondicherry 209 in 46.5 overs (Neyan Kangayan 60, Gurjapneet Singh 4/32) by 101 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chhattisgarh 233 in 48.5 overs (Amandeep Khare 76, Mayank Verma 64; Deepraj Gaonkar 4/35) lost to Goa 234/4 in 44.1 overs (Snehal Kauthankar 107 not out) by six wickets Article Source: IANS
Attack on childrens Christmas carol draws protests across the State
Police arrest an RSSworkerfor assaulting the children who were part of the carol group and damaging their musical instruments. In protest, DYFIorganisessome 2,500protest carols across Palakkad. Chief Minister slams BJP leaders for their disparagingremarks against the carollers
Big Tree Fest adds glow to Fort Kochi's year-end verve
Time slows down in Fort Kochi every December. There is always something special about the Christmas - New Year season in this nook of the world. Its not just about the old-world charm and colonial hangover the place is known for. The special vibe comes from the communitys warmth and camaraderie. And at the centre of this stands a 400-year-old rain tree at Veli Ground. Gathering around this tree during festivities has been an age-old tradition. Over time, however, this tradition has evolved into whats called the Big Tree Festival. A celebration rooted in memories of the neighbourhood. Held annually from December 23 to January 1, the festival has grown into one of Fort Kochis most anticipated year end events, drawing thousands of people. Its beginnings, however, were modest. As they say, Christmas in Fort Kochi is not assembled overnight. In 1999, a group of teenagers who spent most evenings playing cricket at the ground wondered why their neighbourhood did not have a communal Christmas tree. That casual chit-chat after a match spurred the idea of a community-led celebration. Those teenagers united by sports evolved into a collective identity when three local clubs Sparks, Eagles and Sharjah came together to form SES Kochi, which was later renamed Knights United. For the past 25 years, the group has been organising the Big Tree Festival. Members of the group say they view the tree as a local matriarch. We protect and care for the tree throughout the year, says Swaraj T R, secretary of Knights United. Several other trees in the area have fallen due to neglect. But this one remains firmly rooted. The initial concept of the tree fest was to have a homely gathering of residents, says Sanoj P S, president of Knights United. People would get together and share their food and joy of Christmas until the New Year, he recalls. The scene, however, changed with social media. Now domestic and foreign tourists throng the tree festival. As part of this years celebration, the tree is now adorned with claybells, ball string lights, about 1,800 LED strips, and a 40kg neon star. The festival experience extends beyond the tree. A 350m stretch of road leading to the Veli Ground is lined with arches, stars and festive hangings, turning the approach itself into part of the celebration. We must thank Nixon Jose Antony a brother to the group whose encouragement during the early years helped us sustain the effort. He is now a police officer, but continues to guide in spirit, says Sanoj. The festival has no business motives, he adds. Members of Knights United including daily wagers do the decorations by taking leave from their jobs. We dont have any big title sponsors or funders. Its a typical middle-class festival for middle-class people. The lights on ceremony will be held on Christmas day, with actor Soubin Shahir, and local socio-political figures expected to be in attendance. Cultural programmes will be held on a daily basis, culminating in New Year celebrations on January 1. The organisers urge visitors to park vehicles at least 100m away from the venue to avoid congestion in the neighbourhood.
Kerala to open help desks in village offices to help eligible people excluded from SIR draft list
Over 24 lakh voters in Kerala have been excluded from the draft electoral roll published by the EC
CM defends detente with Governor over V-C postings, travel with Natesan
Pinarayi Vijayan dismisses Congress charge that Left Democratic Front government had capitulated to Governor to appease Union government
Actor rape case convict seeks cancellation of his sentence
Martin Antony has challenged his conviction by arguing that he, like actor Dileep, who was acquitted in the case, did not commit any sexual assault and was not present in the vehicle when the rape took place
Memory of brothers lynching inspired man to aid Kerala victims family
Ram Narayans lynching in Keralas Walayar left many unsettled, but for Abdul Jabbar, it brought back memories of his brother, Ashraf, who faced a similar Hindutva mob attack in Mangaluru in Karnataka. Haunted by his brothers death, Jabbar vowed to bring justice to the victims family, ensuring that no other lynching like this happens again. 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 .
Man allegedly assaulted by carol gang for seeking receipt in Ernakulam
CM seeks answers from Cong. about Pottis pictures with Sonia Gandhi
Pinarayi says that given Sonia Gandhis known reluctance to provide a personal audience to even senior Congress leaders, it remains a mystery how Potti and Govardan, both in judicial remand, could breeze into her house and office, escorted by two MPs
Vakkam Maulavi Memorial Lecture on December 29
Kerala seeks restoration of slashed crores from borrowing limit, submits memorandum to Centre
Kerala seeks, among other things, restoration of 5,944 crore deducted from the borrowing limit reportedly citing off-Budget borrowings by special purpose vehicles
The UDF will also field Mary Pushpam, who has served as a councillor in the past few terms, for the Deputy Mayor post
Bird flu recurrence exposes government failure: Kodikunnil Suresh
Congress divided over selection of Thodupuzha municipal chairman nominee
UDF breaks deadlock on power sharing in local bodies of Pathanamthitta
Kerala CM warns against communal intolerance over attacks on Christmas celebrations
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed deep concern over increasing attacks on Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country and said such incidents undermine the universal message of peace associated with the festival. Terming such incidents as deeply disturbing, he said reports have emerged of widespread attacks on Christmas celebrations 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 .
Kerala to introduce nativity card to address citizenship concerns
Chief Minister says Cabinet has approved in-principle the issuance of a permanent nativity card with a photo in place of the nativity certificate currently being issued in the State
CM to inaugurate new surgical block at Kottayam medical college
Centuries-old duck-rearing practice at risk as avian flu hits Kuttanad again
The latest outbreak of bird flu, the seventh in the region in 11 years, has already resulted in the death of around 55,000 birds, with more set to be culled as part of preventive measures. A decade ago, 10-15 lakh ducks were reared in the region annually, which has fallen to around three lakh now and is likely to decline further, say farmers' forums
Actor Vinayakan discharged from hospital
KEAM 2026 registration to begin soon: CEE Kerala releases list of documents required to apply online
Kerala's KEAM 2026 registration is set to begin soon. Candidates seeking reservation benefits or fee concessions must prepare valid certificates from revenue authorities. This includes Non-Creamy Layer, caste, income, and EWS certificates, with specific requirements for NRI quota applicants. Ensure all documents are state-educational purpose valid to avoid admission issues.
IIM-Kozhikode declares CAT results
Remand prisoner allegedly assaults two officers in Mattancherry jail
Third-time councillor Saiji Jolly to be Aluva municipal chairperson
Saiji Jolly, deputy chairperson in the previous council headed by Congress veteran M.O. John, won from Nazreth ward, defeating BJPs Sivapriya G. Kammath
CPO dismissed from service citing indiscipline
Dismissal was ordered by Pathanamthitta District Police Chief for repeatedly insulting the State police force and senior officers on social media and for committing acts of indiscipline
Kollam district administration steps up food safety enforcement
1.6 lakh names struck off electoral rolls
Govt. invites agri-business companies to partner with farmer groups under KERA project
The programme aims to create structured market linkages that connect Keralas premium agricultural produce to local, national and international markets, ensuring that farmers receive better prices and a secure market linkage
Murder accused arrested with MDMA
On Sabarimala Gold Theft, Pinarayi Vijayan's All-Out Attack On Sonia Gandhi
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has hit out at Sonia Gandhi over the Sabarimala gold and idol smuggling controversy, claiming links between the senior Congress leader and two accused in the case - Unnikrishnan Potti and jeweller Govardhan.
Electoral roll observers appointed for SIR in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala CEO Rathan U Kelkar said on Wednesday that four electoral roll observers have been appointed for all 14 districts of the state to ensure a smooth and transparent special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for 2026. Senior bureaucrats M G Rajamanikyam, K Biju, Tinku Biswal and K Vasuki were the EROs appointed 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 .
SIT moves closer to questioning more TDB higher-ups in Sabarimala gold theft case
Notably, two TDB officials who were in charge in 2019, K.P. Sankar Das and N. Vijaykumar, have moved the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Vigilance, Kollam, for protection from arrest. Officials said the SIT had not named any 2019 TDB member as an accused in the case
Histories of theatre often remember movements, institutions, and landmark productions. What they forget are the people in rehearsal rooms and backstage corners the women who acted, wrote, and sustained the stage, yet rarely entered official histories. For the Love of Art: The Lost History of Women in Kerala Theatre, Jayasree Kalathils English translation of Sajitha Madathils acclaimed Malayala Nataka Sthree Charithram, steps into this silence with urgency, restoring women to the centre of Malayalam theatres cultural memory. Widely recognised for its depth and courage, Sajithas original work traces womens presence in Kerala theatre from the late 19th to the early 21st century. These women were not just peripheral participants; they shaped performance traditions, labour practices, and political movements. Yet their contributions remained scattered or overshadowed by dominant male narratives. Jayashrees translation now brings this vital archive to English readers without flattening its texture or intent. Jayashree says she was looking for a book that was significant, genuinely engaging with a social-cultural or political question in relation to Kerala, and was drawn to Sajithas refusal to treat women as marginal. Instead, the book places women firmly at its centre as rightful creators and owners of its cultural capital. Sajitha begins by examining the structures that kept women away from the stage. Rather than repeating the familiar narrative of male actors performing female roles, she probes deeper anxieties around caste, morality, and respectability that rendered womens public performance suspect. The argument is incisive without being academic, and Jayashree preserves this clarity, allowing complex ideas to unfold with narrative ease. The book turns to the first women who entered the theatre despite stigma, surveillance, and exploitation. Sajitha writes about them not as romanticised pioneers but as workers negotiating family resistance and low wages to remain connected to their art. Among the most compelling figures is Palluruthy Lakshmi, The Anarkali of the Stage. Her hunger for performance was elemental. Sir, I cant live without singing Its like how we need water or air, she tells a policeman in a dramatised retelling, explaining why she left home. Even as tuberculosis confined her to bed, Lakshmi insisted on being buried in her stage costume a final gesture that captures the intensity of womens artistic labour in a society that offered them little security. But not all stories culminate in recognition. Sajitha is equally attentive to the women forced to leave the stage. One retired actor reflects: I cant tell you how it suffocates me, not being able to be on stage. And when I see drama troupe vehicles passing by... my heart breaks. This reveals the quiet cost of a system that treated womens artistic ambition as expendable. A significant section focuses on political theatre. The writer traces how Left cultural movements, particularly Kerala Peoples Arts Club (KPAC), expanded opportunities for performers like KPAC Lalitha, KPAC Sulochana, Nilambur Ayisha, and Adoor Pankajam. Their work shaped Malayalam theatres evolution, with figures like KPAC Lalitha carrying this legacy into cinema. Reflecting on the broader conditions of their practice, Sajitha writes: The experiences of these women show that they have made every effort to understand and apply the grammar of a medium they were not familiar with. Several women described theatre as consuming, like an ember smouldering slowly, yet impossible to abandon. The book concludes by charting how women gradually carved out institutional spaces theatre collectives and feminist groups as an ongoing, unfinished journey. Sajitha positions these women as the thinkers and innovators who formed the spine of Malayalam theatre. Jayashrees translation amplifies this clarity while retaining the earthy, textured voice of the original. For readers of gender studies, cultural history, or powerful nonfiction, For the Love of Art is indispensable. It asks us to look again at the stage this time with attention to the women who shaped it against all odds. The book is available on Amazon for `499 Theirchest hurtswhen they cant perform What first pushed you to write this book? I wrote this book in 2010. However, its roots go back to my earliest years in theatre. I began my long tryst with theatre in 1988, with the street plays of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad. The discussions on gender between 1986 and 89 influenced me deeply, and they eventually took me to Kolkata to study drama. I was already an activist and a feminist by then. When I returned to Kerala and started reading theatre history, I realised there was nothing on women. That silence pushed me. I had studied theatre for my MPhil and worked on a project for the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi, and slowly, through research and interviews, the book began to take shape. When written records were scarce, how did you remain truthful to their stories? Each chapter demanded its own method. I had to read between the lines of existing texts, dig deeper, listen to memories, conduct interviews, and run surveys. I knew I couldnt rely on the usual method of writing theatre history, as those had ignored women in the first place. History keeps on growing. So, I added new findings to the second edition. While researching, was there a story or memory that stayed with you? There are so many. I vividly remember my conversations with actor M K Kamalam. She acted in just one film and chose to return to the theatre right after. Another is of an actress whose name I cant reveal because shes still living. She had to stop acting after marriage, and only returned to the stage at 60. She told me she would watch when vehicles of theatre troupes drive past her home in Kozhikode and weep, saying,My chest physically hurts that I cant perform.You can understand a whole life in that one line. Theres also my visit to KPAC Leela in 1991 or 92. Someone pointed me to what they said was her home. She opened the door but refused to acknowledge that she was KPAC Leela at all. I had to keep insisting, and only then did she finally speak so beautifully. But that denial, that refusal of her own artistic identity, broke my heart. I still think of Velukkutty Aashan, known for playing Vasavadatta at a time when men performed for women. His style shaped how women were expected to act. When he fell ill, and they needed someone for a fundraiser, they convinced Mavelikkara Ponnamma to perform. She told me,I had to become Velukkutty first, then Vasavadatta.What you can see is that men had determined how female characters should be played, even by women. When piecing together the lives of these women, what responsibility did you feel? It was a strong one. Ive always been a feminist, and whenever I asked male theatre artists about women, they would brush it off Oh, women havent done much. They were just there for money. Of course, money mattered as it does for anyone but when you talk to these women, you know thats not what kept them there. Thats why theirchest physically hurtswhen they cant perform. What was the most challenging part of writing a book of this scale, and what kept you going? Structuring it. Everything was scattered stories, interviews, fragments. Organising them into meaningful chapters felt overwhelming. The more I researched, the more the material grew. Eventually, I decided to structure the book by themes and periods so readers could follow it without getting lost. Convincing publishers and even people around me that such a book was necessary was another battle. But here we are. How do you see womens presence in Malayalam theatre today compared to the period you documented? I see a big change. More young women are studying theatre now and entering it simply out of passion. Theyre brave, hardworking and willing to work as a team. As someone inside the field, I have real faith in the coming generation. Is it the exact scale of change we once hoped for? Maybe not. But the change is definitely there. What do you hope English readers take away from this translation People in Kerala may know these women, but outside the state, almost no one is aware of their contribution to theatre. Theyre rarely spoken about, unlike the women artists from the Northern belt. I still remember the National School of Dramas Poorva festival back in 2003. There were mentions of women even from Tamil Nadu, but not Kerala. I hope Jayasrees English translation carries these stories further, to readers whove never encountered this lineage before. Even Anuradha Kapur said much of it was new to her, and Revathy described it as a powerful testament to womens courage and tenacity in theatre. Above all, I want readers to know these women were here working, shaping, and leaving their mark on theatre history.
According to the list, only eight of the more than 180 films released so far in 2025 were classified as super hits, with the estimated total loss pegged at around 360 crore. Manohar is the director of Malayalam political thriller Narivetta released earlier this year
Christmas Cake Recipe: Learn to bake delicious Christmas plum cake and cookies at home with this simple guide. From rich Kerala-style plum cake to easy butter cookies, these festive treats embody the spirit of togetherness. Discover traditional recipes, oven-free methods, and the heartwarming history behind these beloved holiday bakes.
Kochi mayor row: Congress leaders express differing opinions
While K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala urge party members to respect the decision-making process, others such as Ajay Tharayil and Mathew Kuzhalnadan voice concerns about exclusion of two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese
Kerala mental health startup Oppam raises 1.5 crore in seed funding
The fresh capital will be used to expand into new languages, strengthen technology infrastructure, and scale access to inclusive mental health services globally.
Kerala SIR: Kozhikode North Assembly segment has highest voter exclusions in district
While 1,84,784 enumeration forms were distributed in the constituency, 23,709 were not returned, which is 12.83%. Political parties begin process to cross-check draft electoral roll in Kozhikode district
Satheesan joins a chorus of LDF leaders who have condemned Sangh Parivar for othering Christians in Kerala
Boost Energy And Happiness With Keralas Traditional Palada Payasam
Palada Payasam is one of Kerala's most loved traditional desserts, prepared with rice ada (flattened rice flakes), milk, and sugar. The post Boost Energy And Happiness With Keralas Traditional Palada Payasam appeared first on Dharma .
Razor, Straw, Phone Torch: How Kerala Doctors Performed A High-Risk Surgery On The Roadside
In Udayamperoor, Kerala, three doctors performed a roadside cricothyrotomy on a patient using a razor and straw, earning praise from the public and the government
Police questioned Muhammed and later released him from custody in accordance with a district court order granting the director anticipatory bail and protection from arrest
PT Kunju Muhammed's arrest recorded by Cantonment police, released on bail later
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film maker and two-time MLA P T Kunju Muhammed's arrest was recorded by the Cantonment police on Tuesday in a sexual assault case registered on a complaint filed by a woman film director. He was later released as he had obtained pre-arrest bail from the principal sessions court. The court had ordered that in case the accused was arrested, he should be released on bail. The accused reportedly denied the allegation before the investigators. The police on December 7 registered a case against the director, who was the chairman of the committee to select films for the Malayalam Cinema Today section of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), for sexual harassment and outraging the modesty of a woman, which are non-bailable offences. According to the complainant, a woman working in the film industry, the incident occurred at a city hotel in November during the screening to select films for the upcoming International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Kunju Muhammed and the complainant were part of the committee to select films for the Malayalam Cinema Today section of the festival. Both were staying at the hotel. He allegedly invited the woman to his room and misbehaved with her, as per the complaint. In his anticipatory bail plea, the accused had argued that the allegation was fabricated and was part of a conspiracy. The plea said the woman filed the complaint 21 days after the alleged incident, and that too not with the police but the CM, which was suspicious. The prosecution had strongly objected to the plea and said the woman had to discuss the matter with her relatives before filing the case. Statement of woman to be recorded in harassment complaint against noted film-maker P T Kunju Muhammed
Vande Bharat hits overturned autorickshaw near Varkala in Kerala
No injuries to train passengers reported. The autorickshaw was unattended and the driver was later nabbed in an intoxicated state
Filmmaker and ex-MLA Kunju Muhammed arrested for sexual assault
Filmmaker and ex-MLA Kunju Muhammed was recently arrested after being accused of sexual assault by a woman. However, he was soon released on bail. The victim claimed that he sexually assaulted her while serving as the chairman of the jury responsible for selecting films for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)
Kerala BJP Alleges Culture Of Fear After LDF Councillor Apologises For Saying Jai Hind In Oath
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrashekhar said while the CPI (Marxist) and its ally Congress lecture others on tolerance, INDIs tolerance ends where patriotism begins
Kerala likely to experience harsh summer as two monsoons play truant
Shortfall in rain is expected to strain reservoir water levels during upcoming summer
RSS-BJP worker Aswin Raj allegedly assaulted the children and damaged their musical instrument. The police have arrested him
Internal dissent within Congress over selection of Kochi mayor candidate intensifies
KPCC general secretary and two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese alleges selection process discrepancies
Kerala MVD warns quick-commerce firms over rash driving by riders
Kerala's Motor Vehicles Department has issued notices to quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, and Bigbasket, demanding policy overhauls within 15 days. This action follows a rise in traffic violations and reckless driving by delivery riders, driven by pressure for ultra-fast deliveries. The department stressed that public safety must not be compromised for commercial competition.
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Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 24-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Dhanalekshmi DL-32 for Wednesday, December 24. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
BJP meet today to finalise mayor, deputy mayor candidates
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss and finalise its candidates for the mayor and deputy mayor posts. The meeting will be attended by senior party leaders and NDA councillors, after which the party is likely to announce its candidates, sources said. Party insiders said the BJP has almost finalised councillor R Sreelekha for the mayors post and senior councillor Manju G S for the deputy mayors post. However, senior leaders maintained that a final decision would be taken only after consultations with councillors at Wednesdays meeting. With the BJP almost securing the support of an independent councillor, the party is confident of ensuring victory for its mayor and deputy mayor nominees. Responding to queries on the possibility of last-minute changes, a senior BJP leader said, We have already conducted multiple meetings on these matters. However, we are always open to revisiting decisions, and the central leadership has given us the freedom to do so. Senior leaders also said the meeting would discuss broader issues, including preparations for development in each ward. The meeting is crucial to finalise our mayor and deputy mayor candidates. Whether the public announcement will be made on Wednesday will be decided by the state president. In addition, we will consider suggestions from councillors on ward-level development, which will be incorporated into the NDAs development blueprint for the city, an NDA block councillor said. The councillor added that the development blueprint would be unveiled within 45 days of assuming power, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders. With the Congress and the Left preparing to put up a strong fight for the mayor and deputy mayor posts, the BJP leadership is proceeding cautiously. It will become clear on Wednesday whether the party will announce its candidates or maintain the suspense till Friday.
Fresh claims regarding Panchaloha idol theft at Sabarimala before SIT
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With new revelations coming up in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, the special investigation team probing the case has been met with fresh claims that could further complicate the investigation. A businessman, named earlier by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, has reportedly told the SIT that the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, had close links with D Mani, an antique collector based in Chennai. It is learnt that in his statement, the businessman alleged that apart from gold, two panchaloha idols believed to be from Sabarimala were sold to Mani by Potti. Sources said the claim, if found credible, could point to wider and possible international links in the case. The SIT will now be verifying the authenticity of the statement. The businessman has also reportedly claimed that the deal happened in Thiruvananthapuram in 2020 between Mani, Unnikrishnan Potti and a top official linked to Sabarimala. However, this version directly contradicts the statements earlier given by Govardhan, a jeweller and one of the accused, and by Potti himself. Both Govardhan and Potti had told SIT that the stolen gold was melted and did not remain in solid form. The SIT now faces the task of verifying these conflicting accounts, especially since it has already collected gold samples believed to be part of the stolen consignment.
States first skin bank starts ops at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas first skin bank at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College has started processing donor skin, ushering in a new era in advanced burn care in the state. The facility, established alongside the Burns Unit, is expected to significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes for patients who lose skin due to severe burns and accidents. The harvested skin is preserved under specially controlled temperatures and undergoes a three-week chemical processing procedure. Once processed, it is grafted onto patients in critical need through plastic surgery using advanced medical technology. The graft provides a protective cover over injured areas, helping reduce infection, ease pain, and minimise fluid and salt loss. Health Minister Veena George said the skin bank was set up to ensure world-class treatment for burn victims in Kerala. The project, including the Burns Unit, was implemented at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore and was inaugurated by the chief minister in September. She added that steps are under way to establish another skin bank at the Kottayam Medical College. Officials said the availability of donor skin had been delayed due to hesitation among people to donate skin. However, skin is harvested without causing any disfigurement to the body, as it is taken from non-visible areas such as the back of the thigh. The first skin was harvested following a crucial decision taken by the family of S Shibu, 46, of Edavattom, Kollam, who was declared brain-dead. The procedure was carried out by a team led by Dr Prem Lal of the Plastic Surgery Department. Depending on the burn, the harvested skin can be used for one or more patients. The skin bank will support Burns ICUs functioning under the supervision of the Plastic Surgery Department at medical colleges. Doctors said that with advanced intensive care facilities, the units aim to reduce infections, provide faster relief and help patients with burns affecting more than 10% of the body return to normal life at the earliest.
Trekking group conducts Ponmudi clean-up drive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a gesture of environmental stewardship and festive goodwill, ITREK Trekking & Outdoor Activities Group mobilised a dedicated 25-member team for a large-scale plastic clean-up drive at Ponmudi hill station on December 20. Led by founder Suresh Sam Chandy, the volunteers targeted two key locations, removing heaps of plastic waste to restore the areas natural splendour. ITREK, a vibrant community of nearly 700 members from diverse backgrounds across the state and beyond, operates on a robust three-pillar framework -- promoting healthy lifestyles through trekking and outdoor adventures, committing to nature preservation, and supporting the welfare of forest-dependent communities. The initiative underscores the groups unwavering dedication to these principles, ensuring Ponmudis trails remain litter-free for all. Ponmudi is one of Keralas cherished treasures, and its our collective responsibility to protect it. We urge every visitor to refrain from littering and preserve this hill stations pristine beauty for future generations, said Suresh.
Row over Savarkars pic in Lok Bhavan calendar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the Bharat Mata portrait row, the inclusion of Hindutva icon V D Savarkars picture in the inaugural calendar brought out by the Kerala Lok Bhavan has raised eyebrows. The 2026 calendar, intended to be circulated among the Lok Bhavan staff, has a stamp sized picture of Savarkar in the February page, highlighting his death anniversary on the 26th of the month. The calendar also has dozens of pictures of national icons against the dates related to them as well as portraits of popular social personalities from the state. The calendar, the first of its kind brought out by the Kerala Lok Bhavan, was released by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi here on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Lok Bhavan sources justified the inclusion of Savarakars picture in the calendar. Savarkar is a well known freedom fighter and a national icon. His portrait adorns our Parliament, duly acknowledging the contributions he has made for the country, said a source close to the Governor.
Police join hands with private sector in fight against narcotics
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to address substance abuse among young professionals, the Prevention of Drug Abuse (PODA), a joint initiative of the state police and the private sector, is being rolled out, said state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar. The initiative focuses on preventing drug abuse at work places through cooperation between police and private institutions. Under PODA, private sector employees will be required to sign a mandatory declaration at the time of joining, stating that they will stay away from drug use. Employers will also seek consent for periodic drug testing during working hours. In cases where drug use is detected, action including termination of service may be taken. Police have discussed the implementation of PODA with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, G-Tech, FICCI, CII, Young Indians, BNI and KMA. These organisations have agreed in principle to support the initiative, the DGP said. Young Indians, the CII forum of entrepreneurs below 40 years of age, has announced that PODA will be implemented in its member companies from January 2026. In the first phase, 21 companies employing around 1,100 young professionals will be covered under the programme. As part of the D-Hunt special drive this year, police have registered 30,991 cases related to narcotics. Among them, 349 cases involved commercial quantities, 957 involved intermediate quantities and 7,718 involved small quantities of drugs. A survey conducted by the police has found that drug use is highest among financially stable youth aged between 25 and 35, most of whom are employed in the private sector. Drug transactions and consumption are usually confined to small friendship circles which makes detection difficult. Studies also show that while the average age of entry into government service through the PSC is around 33, nearly 98 per cent of youth below 30 are employed in the private sector, where early employment leads to early access to disposable income. The initiative is expected to inspire IT firms and other industries to adopt similar measures. With government approval, the programme will also be extended to government institutions, Ravada added.
Kerala in top 10 states that sent students abroad for higher education
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala consistently featured among the top ten states sending students abroad between 2016 and 2020, according to a NITI Aayog report. The state improved its position from eighth to seventh in the country during the period, showed the report Internalisation of Higher Education in India Prospects, Potential and Policy Recommendations released on Monday. India is the largest source of international students with 13.35 lakh persons pursuing studies overseas in 2024. The top five destinations for Indian students in 2024 were Canada (4.27 lakh), the USA (3.37 lakh), the UK (1.85 lakh), Australia (1.22 lakh) and Germany (43,000). The first three countries together hosted 8.5 lakh Indian students who spent `2.9 lakh crore for studies. The report had state-wise details of outbound students for three years 2016, 2018 and 2020. Andhra Pradesh was the leading source of outbound students for all the three years. Kerala was in the eighth position in 2016 and 2018 and improved to seventh in 2020. The number of students from the state rose from 18,428 in 2016 to 26,456 in 2018 before declining sharply to 15,277 in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. Globally, international student mobility had declined from 66 to 64 lakh owing to Covid travel restrictions and campus closures during 2020-2021. Inbound students Karnataka was the top destination for international students between 2012 and 2022, showed a state-wise overview in the report. Kerala did not find place among the top ten during that period. However, the reports projection of a huge increase in the number of inbound students one lakh by 2030 and up to 1.1 million by 2047 is promising for the state. TNIE had earlier reported about the surge in the number of foreign applicants to Keralas top universities. The number of applicants to Kerala University had increased from 1,100 in 2021-22 to 2,620 in 2020-26, MGU from 502 to 982 and Cusat from 603 to 1,700, according to the report. Kerala is taking big efforts to become a top destination for foreign students, said Prof Rajan Gurukkal, vice-chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council. The state has a partnership with University of Michigan-Flint to boost internationalisation of the states higher education sector. The Study in Kerala programme and Scholar Connect App are the other initiatives. General courses offered by the state universities are already open for foreign students. A proposal to allow foreign student enrolment for professional courses, including medical education, is being actively considered, he told TNIE. A unique feature of Keralas medical education is the immense scope for bedside learning, the hands-on teaching method in medical education, he added. The council is also taking care of outbound students. Based on its recommendation, the state government is preparing a draft legislation to regulate agencies facilitating overseas education, he said.
Vande Bharat hits auto near Varkala, driver hurt
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vande Bharat Express travelling from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram hit an autorickshaw at Akathumuri railway station near Varkala on Tuesday night. The driver reportedly jumped out of the autorickshaw just in time and suffered minor injuries. The incident happened around 10.25pm when the autorickshaw reportedly entered the railway track from the platform area. Police suspect that the autorickshaw driver was under the influence of alcohol. The injured driver, Sudhi of Kallambalam, was taken to hospital. As the train approached at high speed, it hit the autorickshaw, completely crushing one side of it. Preliminary investigation suggests that the autorickshaw lost control before entering the platform area.The train was halted after the accident and services were restored after the autorickshaw was removed from the track. The Vande Bharat reached Thiruvananthapuram Central station about 1.5 hours late.
Septuagenarian scripts history, wins powerlifting gold at Asian tourney
KOCHI: In a performance that defied his age, K K Velayudhan has scripted history by winning gold at the Asian Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Istanbul, Turkey. The 71-year-old, who hails from Muttikulangara in Palakkad, won the precious metal in the 59kg category at the championship, which took place from December 1 to 10. It is indeed very special to win. Its been a dream I harboured for a long time. Im thrilled to have finally achieved it, Velayudhan told TNIE. With the gold-winning performance, he also bagged the Best Lifter title, much to the astonishment of many in the audience. To win this rare title, one has to get at least two of three lifts in each of the three categories perfect. Velayudhan sir did that effortlessly, said Afsal Fakrudeen, part of his support staff. Yet another distinction is the fact that this title was won across three Master categories i.e. age 41 and upwards. It is no small feat, Afsal stressed. Indeed, the win has drawn attention from both within and outside the Indian sporting community, particularly at the masters level. A former weightlifter from the 1980s, it was only three years ago that the septuagenarian started rigorous practice. I had to take a break of nearly four decades to take care of my family, my children. My priority until now was my wife, my three daughters, and their futures. So my ambitions in sports had to take a backseat, he recalled.w Now, he is preparing for the World Powerlifting Championship to be held in the UAE in June 2026. I became a sportsperson in my 20s. Now, in my 70s, I want to remain a sportsperson. My journey goes forward, and as do my ambitions, Velayudhan said.
Assault on Baghel deliberate',marked by intense brutality
PALAKKAD: Details from the investigation into the mob lynching of Ramnarayan Baghel, 31, a migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, reveal a pattern of sustained and deliberate violence preceding his death in Walayar, Palakkad. According to post-mortem findings and remand-report details from investigative sources, he suffered extensive, repeated assaults with sticks and kicks, particularly targeting his head, face, chest and back, suggesting prolonged torture rather than a single episode of violence. Medical examinations indicated more than 40 major injuries across the body, with internal bleeding and grievous head wounds recorded as the immediate cause of death. One doctor involved in the autopsy stated that there was no part of the body without injuries, underlining the extent of the brutality. The victim reportedly collapsed, vomited blood and later succumbed to severe blunt-force trauma at the Palakkad district hospital. The emerging evidence depicts a deliberate, hate-tinged act of mob violence marked by intense brutality. This is indeed a targeted cruelty, with possible caste bias, said a senior police officer. The attack is believed to have involved a large group. Preliminary investigative reports and family accounts claim that around 15 individuals took part directly in the beating, though only five arrests were initially recorded, with further arrests and searches continuing. The Special Investigation Team has since identified several additional accused, some of whom are absconding. Authorities note that the remand report establishes clear murderous intent: the accused repeatedly hit the victim with sticks, continued to kick him after he fell and discouraged intervention by threatening bystanders. Dalit identity and hate-crime dimensions The case has also sharpened focus on the caste and hate-crime angles. Ramnarayan belonged to a Satnami Samaj, a Scheduled Caste community with a significant population in Chhattisgarh, a fact that has prompted the family to demand charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in addition to murder. Police officers have noted that the accusations stemmed from suspicions of theft and xenophobic hostility, with some assailants reportedly branding him a Bangladeshi moments before the assault. Authorities have indicated that the atrocity-law provisions will be invoked after verifying the caste status formally, recognising the possibility of a targeted hate crime. At present, the FIR includes Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers murder. However, police sources acknowledge that the statute does not yet explicitly codify mob lynching as a distinct offence, necessitating reliance on other provisions and special-law charges to address the collective nature of the crime. Ramnarayan had arrived in Kerala only days before the incident in search of daily-wage work, leaving behind a wife and two young sons. He was attacked by the local resident alleging burglary, but police officials have confirmed that there was no evidence of theft recovered from the victim, underscoring the arbitrariness of the attack. Probe into hate crime angle Police officers have noted that the accusations stemmed from suspicions of theft and xenophobic hostility, with some assailants reportedly branding him a Bangladeshi moments before the assault.Authorities have indicated that the atrocity-law provisions will be invoked after verifying the caste status formally, recognising the possibility of a targeted hate crime We have been following mob lynching of migrant workers in Kerala. What is worrying is the narrowing gap between cases. In the last three years there has been at least one death. For every death, there are several cases of mob attacks that result in serious injuries. Such cases seldom get reported. While in December 2025 we witnessed the death of Ramnarayan Baghel, there was a mob attack on Mominul Islam from Assam in October 2025, less than two months ago. He survived. The narrowing gap of mob lynching cases in Kerala is worrying Benoy Peter, executive director of Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development
Two more held in lynching case; probe extended across Kerala-TN border
PALAKKAD: Two more persons have been arrested in connection with the lynching of migrant worker Ramnarayan Baghel, 31 , at Attappallam in Walayar, taking the total number of accused in custody to seven. The newly arrested are Vinod Kumar, 54, and Jagadeesh Kumar, 49, both residents of Kizhakke Attappallam. They were taken into custody in a joint operation led by the Crime Branch and the Walayar police. Police said several suspects in the case are believed to have fled to Tamil Nadu, and efforts are under way to trace and apprehend them. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) indicated that more arrests are likely in the coming days. The incident occurred on the evening of December 17, when Baghel, a native of Chhattisgarh, was allegedly surrounded by a mob at Attappallam and brutally assaulted after being questioned on suspicion of being a Bangladeshi. He sustained severe injuries in the attack and succumbed while undergoing treatment on Wednesday night. Earlier, police had arrested A Anu, C Prasad, C Murali, K Bibin and Ananthan, all local residents, in connection with the case. The investigation is being led by a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of Crime Branch DySP P M Gopakumar. Investigators said the delay in making arrests during the initial days may have enabled several accused to escape. A coordinated search is now being extended to Tamil Nadu to track down the remaining suspects. The inability to secure more video footage of the assault has also emerged as a major setback in the probe, with police suspecting that mobile phones used to record the incident may have been destroyed. Meanwhile, Baghels body was flown to his native village in Chhattisgarh for last rites. It is learnt that the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has demanded Kerala government stringent action against those responsible for the lynching and ensure exemplary punishment. The Chhattisgarh government has announced an ex gratia payment of `5 lakh to Baghels family. Ramnarayan Baghel belonged to the Satnami Samaj, a Scheduled Caste community with a significant population in Chhattisgarh. He is survived by his ailing mother, wife, and two minor sons aged 10 and nine. Palakkad mob lynching: CPI(M) alleges RSS role, says victim branded Bangladeshi; BJP denies charge
League leaders attend Samastha rally reception
MALAPPURAM: Members of the Panakkad family and the leaders of the IUML attended the reception for the Sandesha Yathra organised by the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama at Tirur on Tuesday. IUML Malappuram district president Panakkad Syed Abbas Ali Shihab Thangal inaugurated the meeting. It may be recalled that the members of the Panakkad family stayed away from the inauguration of the yathra at Nagercoil on December 18. The IUML leaders did not attend the reception meetings at various places in the past few days. It was reported that senior members of the Panakkad family kept away from the yathra because the Samastha leadership refused to implement the suggestion that Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal would hand over the flag for the Yathra to Samastha president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal. Instead, Samastha general secretary K Alikutty Musaliyar performed the flag handing over ceremony. But Samatha leadership maintained that there was no such suggestion and it was decided much earlier that Alikutty Musaliyar will hand over the flag. A compromise was arrived after the discussions among the leaders of the IUML and Samastha on Monday. As per the agreement, pro-IUML leader in the Samastha Nasar Faizy Koodathayi was appointed as the assistant director of the yathra. Hajj Minister V Abdul Rahman, IUML leaders Abdusamad Samadani, MP, Kurukkoli Moideen, MLA, Samastha secretaries M T Abdulla Musaliyar, Umar Faizi Mukkam attended the meeting.
Bird flu cases: Health department steps up vigil
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After bird flu (H5N1) cases were reported in parts of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, Health Minister Veena George convened a State-level Rapid Response Team meeting to review the situation. The minister clarified that bird flu has not yet affected humans in the state but stressed that precautionary measures are essential. She urged strict vigilance at the field level and called on everyone to follow the guidelines. The health department has already issued special guidelines and technical instructions to address bird flu. The minister directed trained One Health community volunteers in the affected districts to lead awareness campaigns and implement preventive measures. District-level control rooms have been set up to coordinate operations, and instructions have been issued to ensure the availability of medicines, PPE kits, and other safety equipment. The health department is closely monitoring residents in affected areas for fever and related symptoms. Individuals presenting with severe body pain, fever, cough, or breathing difficulties will be placed under special observation. Any unusual bird deaths must be reported to the animal husbandry department. Although bird flu has been confirmed in mammals in other countries, no such cases have been reported in Kerala. Authorities have instructed that sudden deaths among mammals must also be reported. Dead or infected birds should not be handled, and only thoroughly cooked meat and eggs should be consumed. People handling raw poultry meat or waste face higher risks and must use protective measures such as masks and gloves.
Unsafe riding: MVD notice to BigBasket, Zepto, Swiggy, Blinkit
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alarmed by the rise in unsafe riding practices linked to ultra-fast delivery targets, the motor vehicles department (MVD) has issued notices to leading quick-commerce firms, including Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto and BigBasket, directing them to strictly adhere to road safety guidelines. Transport Commissioner C Nagaraju confirmed that notices have been served on dark stores as well as delivery platforms, and said the companies have been given 15 days to streamline delivery timelines and align safety policies with existing road safety regulations. Failure to comply would result in further legal action against the firms, he said. The action was initiated after officials observed repeated instances of rash and negligent driving among two-wheeler delivery personnel of these platforms. Several quick-commerce firms advertise delivery windows as short as seven to 20 minutes, which the MVD pointed out as a major factor encouraging reckless behaviour on city roads. Officials noted that riders often drive at unsafe speeds, ignore the use of helmets and other protective gear, and engage in rash manoeuvres that put them and others at risk. The MVD emphasised such practices compromise road safety and must be urgently corrected to safeguard both delivery workers and the public. Reports indicate that riders frequently speed, jump traffic signals, ride on pavements, and weave dangerously through traffic to meet tight deadlines, increasing the risk of accidents. The MVD observed that the violations directly correlate with a rise in accidents, causing harm not only to delivery personnel but also to pedestrians and other drivers. These firms have also established small warehouses, commonly referred to as dark stores, which employ full-time staff to facilitate quick turnaround of orders. The MVD made it clear that both the delivery platforms and their associated dark stores must comply with the safety directives issued or face strict enforcement.
For these women of the cloth, creativity is cloak of visibility
KOCHI: Creativity and faith are both a calling that can come together in the artistic process. Nuns who embody this union may be considered rather rare to come by. But, then, there are those in the habit of overturning popular perception. Sr Lismys journey as a cinematographer began in the silence of her Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) convent. It was a chance encounter with a simple camera that stirred to life an interest. My superiors at the CMC Nirmala Province in Thrissur supported my desire to pursue academic training in media: a bachelors and masters in journalism and mass communication, and a diploma in cinematography and editing, says Sr Lismy, who took her vows in 2007. She began by shooting music videos for religious retreats. It later evolved into a full-fledged ministry. Now, I work as a freelance filmmaker and also manage a digital recording studio that produces Christian devotional music, documentaries, short films, and inspirational reels, she adds. Over the years, Sr Lismy has directed nearly 300 music videos, 35 documentaries, numerous short films, and reels. My first music video was born during a retreat. The moment lit a fire in me, not just creatively but spiritually, she says. Listing the projects close to her heart, Sr Lismy says Nanmayude Sugandham (The Fragrance of Virtue) tells the story of individuals who endure profound suffering, yet live with hope and dignity. Another work, Pidakkozhi (The Hen), a true story of redemption, received the 2024 Phoenix Film Award. These are not just productions; they are encounters with grace, she points out. Today, her content reaches global audiences through platforms such as Nirmala Media TSR and Camera Nun YouTube channels, the Sr Lismy CMC Instagram and Facebook profiles, and several other collaborative YouTube channels. Together, these platforms have had over 7.78 million views. According to Sr Lismy, cinematography may seem unconventional for a nun. But I believe that art, when guided by faith, becomes a ministry, she adds. She began with a small Sony camera, with the outdoors her studio. Now she operates from her recording space, Nirmala Media Digital Recording Studio. For Sr Roswin CMC, being a nun made it possible to find the artist in her. The habit gave me the freedom to express my art. My life as a religious person instilled in me discipline through prayer and meditation. And this, in turn, helped me refine my artistic expression, says the member of the Mary Matha Provincial House, in Vengoor, Ernakulam. For Sr Roswin aka Sr Malu Joy art runs in her blood. Watching her father paint and create magic by designing gardens got her hooked from childhood. She joined the convent after completing SSLC. It was here that Sr Roswins destiny as an artist began to take shape. During Covid, I painted biblical scenes and lettering on the convent walls. Impressed with my work, the mother superior got me admitted to RLV College Tripunithura, where I was able to hone my skills, recounts Sr Roswin. And now her creations rub shoulders with those of artists from all over the world at the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. She is the first nun to be part of the event. Sr Roswin draws inspiration from the elderly nuns and visitors at the convent. My works dont idealise. I try to render my subjects as imperfect, fragile humans, who bear the marks of labour, time and resilience, she adds. From using waste paper as a canvas and the sidewalk as an exhibition venue during her student years, to expanding the contours of her drawings with notations gleaned from conversations with her subjects, Sr Roswin has come a long way.
New patented technology makes possible fairer grading of rubber
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Researchers in Kerala have developed a technology that could significantly reshape the countrys rubber marketing sector by ensuring more accurate grading and fairer pricing for farmers. The innovation, the outcome of two years of meticulous research conducted at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), has won the institution a patent from the Indian government. Natural rubber from Kerala is graded mainly into ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) 4 and 5, with vastly varying prices. Yet, the grading process still relies on crude, traditional methods that are subjective. As a result, cultivators often fail to realise fair prices even for high-quality sheets. The new technology addresses this gap by enabling fully objective and impartial grading. It was developed by a team led by Prof Binu L S of the department of electronics and communication, CET. It also comprised Prof Sanil K Daniel of the Govt Engineering College Barton Hill and CET MTech robotics and automation alumni Anu A Lal and Surabhi S. The researchers focused on two most important factors that determine the quality of a rubber sheet: Transparency and surface properties. Their task was to establish a system that could accurately grade the ribbed smoked sheets, The inter-disciplinary research touched upon various domains including mechanics, electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), and information technology. We adopted a two-tier grading approach, consisting of qualitative as well as quantitative evaluations, Binu told TNIE. For the task, the team sourced various grades of rubber from MRF Tyres. The samples were used to develop accurately labelled data sets for surface characteristics-based qualitative assessments and transparency-based quantitative assessments. Our first challenge was to find the most suitable wavelength of light for determining transparency related information. Spectroscopic studies conducted at Kerala University were helpful in determining the correct wavelength, Binu said. The team also used advanced image processing methods to detect precise surface characteristics. Using this transparency and surface information along with AI tools, we were able to arrive at highly accurate and impartial classification of rubber grades, the researcher added. The team then developed a prototype that has a transparent conveyor belt through which the rubber sheets are passed. The image processing section of the system is activated first, followed by the transparency detection step to arrive at results. Industry tie-ups planned CET plans to develop the prototype into a full-fledged product in partnership with industry. Such a product, if deployed in large numbers by various procurement agencies, could fetch fairer prices for cultivators, who are otherwise at the mercy of traditional human-centric methods, Prof Binu said
Faith & festivity: Ramachandran leaves his stamp on Christmas spirit
PATHANAMTHITTA: In a modest home in Anandapally, near Adoor, the story of Christmas unfolds not through sermons or stage plays, but across hundreds of postage stamps from around the world. At 77, veteran art teacher Ramachandrans stamps retell the tale of Christs birth using a rare Christmas-themed collection that spans more than a century of global postal history. A former president of the Pathanamthitta District Philatelic and Numismatic Society, Ramachandran owns more than 300 Christmas-themed stamps issued by over a hundred countries. Meticulously curated, the collection traces the journey from the magis long trek guided by a star to the serene nativity scenes that lie at the heart of Christmas. Interspersed with these sacred images are stamps reflecting global Christmas traditions, including Santa Claus arriving with presents. Each stamp is meant to make the viewer curious, Ramachandran says, adding They tell stories... sometimes sacred, sometimes cultural... but always meaningful. Beyond philately Ramachandrans passion extends far beyond stamps. His personal collection includes coins and currencies from more than 100 countries, along with handicrafts, books, tribal bows and arrows, and a range of ancient artefacts. Yet, it is philately that holds a special place in his heart. Christ-themed stamps He began collecting stamps as a Class 10 student, inspired by teachers who described philately as a royal hobby. His first stamp, Ramachandran recalls with a smile, was found on a discarded envelope near a roadside shop. That small discovery sparked a lifelong interest, he says. However, his collection took a more systematic shape only after he joined service as an art teacher at the age of 34. From then on, subject-wise categorisation became his focus. I travelled to Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam, collecting stamps without worrying about the price, he recalls. Even today, he says, he is willing to pay any amount for a rare or special-subject stamp. Currently serving as vice-president of the Pannivizha Santhosh Library, Ramachandran is preparing to showcase his Christmas stamp collection at a special exhibition at the library on December 24. He also continues his lifelong commitment to art education. For the past 50 years, he has been running A R Arts, an art institution in Anandapally, where he has mentored generations of aspiring artists.
Mob in Kerala shatters Chhattisgarh migrants dream of roof over head
THRISSUR: Lalitha sat on the verandah in the Welfare Partys office in Thrissur, frozen, her eyes blank. A numbness has enveloped the 35-year-old since Sunday night, when she saw the lifeless form of her husband Ramnarayan Baghel, a Chhattisgarh resident who was lynched by a mob at Attappallam in Palakkad on December 17 over suspicions of theft and being a Bangladeshi. It had not let go of her when TNIE spoke to her on Monday night. Nearby, her children, aged 10 and 9, watched videos on the mobile, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that had struck the family. Lalitha was at her home in Karhi, Chhattisgarh, when she received the devastating news. It was our dream to construct our own house. Brick by brick, we built it. However, we needed more money to concrete the roof and complete it, Lalitha said. On December 13, Ramnarayan, a mason who earned `250 back home, left for Kerala. That was the last Lalitha saw or spoke to him. He took the train dreaming about a job that paid better so that our house could be built swiftly, she said. Upon arriving at Kerala, Ramnarayan called his brotherLalitha doesnt have a phonesaying he had reached. I didnt even get a chance to talk to him, said Lalitha. Palakkad mob lynching: CPI(M) alleges RSS role, says victim branded Bangladeshi; BJP denies charge It took me some time to understand what had happened, says cousin The next call was from the police telling the family about what happened. The family Lalitha, children and her mother left for Kerala and reached Sunday evening. Sasikanth, Ramnarayans cousin who has been working in the construction sector in Kanjikode, said around 25 people from their village are engaged in the sector in Palakkad alone. It was why Ramnarayan also took the leap. However, for some reason, he found it hard to adjust with the lifestyle and job here. Though we didnt speak about it much, I know he was not happy. On the morning of December 17, he went out to have food while we went to work. I was later informed by the police about the incident. When I reached the MCH, I was informed about the death, Sasikanth said. He said it was the first time they had come across such an experience in Kerala. It took me some time to understand what had happened and tell the family, he said. The police have arrested seven people so far and said more will be nabbed in the coming days. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister K Rajan, on behalf of the government, has promised them at least Rs 10 lakh as immediate relief. However, with an education till Class 5, no source of income, and two children and a mother to take care of, Lalitha is clueless about what the future holds. Though Ramnarayans brothers and families live in Karhi, Lalitha remains concerned about survival. As she held her two children close and left to Karhi from Nedumbassery with her husbands body in the early hours of Tuesday, Lalitha had a thousand questions in her mind, but no answers.
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