Women Power
Stitch in time Women in Cheruvannoor in Kozhikode set up footwear stitching units and turn vendors to big brands. A village model for all industries Kuruvilla Chacko No women, no cry ………………….. My feet is my only carriage So, I've got to push on through
Bob Marley
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ut to Cheruvannur, on the outskirts of Kozhikode. The women in the coastal village may not have heard of the Jamaican singer or his emancipation song of the seventies, but have chosen not to cry. Instead, they push on through their lives on their feet, their only carriage, by adorning others. And in style. In several villages around Kozhikode, capital of Kerala’s footwear industry which directly employs about 5,000 people, skilled women are busy crafting footwear parts. Housewives till three years ago managing one square meal a day for their families, they are entrepreneurs in their own right now. The transition took only three years since it dawned on K P A Hashim, then standing committee chairman of the grama panchayat that the women can be drafted for the skilled work in the footwear industry flourishing in the region. As many as 200 footwear manufacturing units function in the district.
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The idea needed solid backing from the government and the industry in the form of trainers to impart skills to the housewives for the work, and industries to employ them once they completed the training. Mr V K C Mammad Koya, chairman of VKC Industries, manufacturers of one of the leading footwear brands based in Kozhikode, came up with an offer of support. He would supply the cut raw materials for stitching and buy back the finished products. The women may not be on his payroll but had a guaranteed job. “We knew women can do as much or even better than men,” said Mr Koya. “We just needed to instill the same confidence in them.” The Footwear Design and Development Corporation (FDDC), an organisation that helps provide skilled labour for the footwear industry in the state, filled the other gap and proved to be the perfect tutor. Since the project involved women's empowerment in a
rural setting, Kudambashree Mission, the government-sponsored self-help group, was also roped in. The tough task was to convince the women, and even men, in the conservative setting, that taking up a job was a good idea. “We had to scout and canvas a lot just to get 10 women for the first batch,” said FDDC director Mr P K Narayanan. The programme started off on November 10, 2009. The training involved imparting skills in stitching the footwear upper. The one month programme costs `4,000; the women of Cheruvannoor, with Kudambashree support received the training for half the amount. The training had an unusual component, too: lessons in personality development. It not only trained participants to stand on their own feet, but also made them aware of their importance to their family. By the time the first batch completed its training, the panchayat constructed a building with space for 12
units, of 10 members each to work from. The village cooperative bank offered a loan of `2 lakh to each unit on a guarantee provided by the panchayat, half of which was paid back later by the Kudambashree Mission. The 120 members contributed `1,000 each to raise the working capital. And the wheels of change started to roll. Today, the 12 units from Cheruvannoor together stitch close to 6,000 pairs of footwear a day. The women manage the units themselves and are in charge of its daily affairs. The members select a president and secretary for each unit. Says Ayshabi K T, president of one of the units, “We work in complete harmony so as to finish more pairs daily. With increased efficiency, we can increase our revenue and save enough to buy other essentials like generators and new machines to expand our units.” Other families in the village have finally realised its potential and FDDC today has its hands full. It conducts at least three one-month training programmes a year for batches comprising 30 students each. It recently opened a new centre at IGC Kinalur to meet the increasing demand. The women come from all parts of Kozhikode as well as from neighbouring districts, according to Mr Narayanan. To date, they have trained more than 600 women. Recently other footwear companies such as Odyssia and Jogger have begun to outsource their stitching
Mr V K C Mammed Koya says women in villages can be trained in auxiliary sectors of local industries, be it footwear or food processing. “Women in Kerala villages, though educated, might not venture out of homes to work fearing lack of support. Awareness and personality development programmes can change that,” he said works to the units. “We are planning to increase the number of units at Cheruvannoor from 12 to 25 in addition to the unit at IGC Kinalur,” Narayanan said. “Additionally, we help the trainees get a job in footwear companies.” Units have a healthy competition among themselves to get more pairs done per day, thereby creating an atmosphere of quality with quantity. The passion with which they do the job is evident in the quality of finished products coming out from these units. Said Mr Mohammad Shafi, Production engineer with VKC, “The rejection rate of finished products reaching us from the Cheruvannoor and Maaradu units is very low, around 0.5per cent. The stitching is done well and with care.”
A touch of change
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he SPARSAM (Sustainable Project for Poverty Alleviation and Reformation in Seabelt Area of Maaradu) project, a replication of the Cheruvannur programme, helps Maaradu village come out of its haunting past of communal strife. The 28 odd women working in the three units functioning here are the symbol of recovery and knowledge among the largely uneducated masses. It’s been just nine months since the start of operations, but the women working here already earn around `3,500 a month. But more than the money, it’s the confidence and courage that comes with self-employment that matters. Says Savitha, 31, “Earlier, we were scared to get out of our house alone. But now, since we are working, we have respect in the village and this has translated into self-confidence.” The new job has given Farida T, 29, the courage and confidence to face the outside world without fearing the past. C Ramba is happy that the work provides an opportunity to be engaged throughout the day, instead of wasting precious time idling at home.
Most of these units have paid off the loans they took from the cooperative banks and the women have now almost cleared their personal debts as well. After paying the rent, electricity bill and loan amount, each one takes home `5,000 a month.
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his financial security is what is driving more women to discover the advantages of learning a trade. For women like Salma T, the money helps her children receive better education. Said Rumiya, 33, “Above all, we are more respected now due to the contribution we are making to society. That’s what really matters.” The women at Thara Sthree stitching unit at Nallalam village also talk about more independence and respect that come with being self-employed. Their incomes have raised the standard of their lives. Their children eat better food, and all of them go to school. “The programme shows how women empowerment can change an entire area and with it an entire generation of people’s mindset,” said Ayshabi. The success of the programme has inspired Pallikkal panchayat of the neighbouring Malappuram district to design similar ones. The panchayat officials studied the model and are planning to implement it in their village, says Mr Hashim. Everything gonna be alright Everything gonna be alright Echoes of the Bob Marley song, perhaps. 23
Coir geo-textiles The U-shaped water body netted with the geo-textile
Strengthening the soil Coir geo-textiles provide an eco-friendly solution to the never ending problem of damaged roads and soil erosion
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Kuruvilla Chacko
rue, vagaries of nature sometimes damage natural treasures. Like the monsoons taking away with it precious top soil or creating crater-sized holes on the roads. But nature has its own remedies, too; cost-effective, simple and eco-friendly ones, at that. Coir geo-textiles, made of coconut fibre, is one such remedy. Permeable fabrics that resemble a regular fishing net, albeit tougher and bigger, geo-textiles are usually placed at the tension surface to strengthen the soil. They are available in synthetic or biodegradable forms. The bio-degradable
ones are made of coir and jute, two natural fibres. Coir geo-textiles check soil erosion, especially along water bodies, slopes or elevated roads, by offering a second skin for soil. This temporary sheath helps the growth of suitable vegetation on the soil so that by the time it rots, the roots of the vegetation would take care of the job. Though they have been in vogue for quite some time now in Kerala, coir geo-textiles are increasingly been used in newer applications, especially as people turn more environment conscious. Its acceptability is on the rise abroad also. They are useful in places where
vegetation takes longer to establish and hence they are apt for the rainfed landscape of Kerala. Jute, the other natural fibre used to make geotextiles, however, disintegrates in 1-2 years and hence is suited for low rainfall areas. The pattern of checked gaps helps develop a natural clothing for any landscaped environment. By gripping the soil firmly, they check soil erosion, strengthen roads and protect small water bodies from run-off soil during the monsoons. These gaps in the design are not mere designs. Says Mr P V Saseendran, managing director of the Kerala Coir Corporation Ltd, one of the ma27
Geo-textiles, used as an interface between the top layer of roads and the underground water, provide a let-out for water to move to the edges, thereby preventing cracks jor manufacturers of coir geo-textiles: “The gaps act as natural sumps for water to accumulate, thereby speeding up precision growth of plants and forming a natural vegetation cover. This vegetation cover ultimately helps stabilise highway shoulders, embankments and the banks of lakes, canals and rivers against wind and water erosion.� Used either as an over-lay to protect the surface or as an inter-lay to perform functions of separation, filtration and drainage, coir geo-textiles need expertise and technical knowhow for their proper installation. The Kerala Coir Corporation is currently one of the main organisations in the State that possess the same. How to use it After making an assessment of the landscape and its environment, the terrain is leveled and cleansed of earth masses and protruding stones. Multiple steps are made in highly inclined terrains. The top and bottom portions of the geo-textile are stapled or spiked to trenches, which are dug on the slopes. The entire length of the geotextile is then laid in the direction of the water flow starting from the top to the bottom. The seeds of the required vegetation are then planted in the gaps of the geo-textile by hand or mechanical means. The buffalo grass, a local plant species, is much preferred for being rugged and easy to maintain. Once in place, these measures will 28
ensure that the blanket protects the slopes against rain water; while the vegetation cover will act as a permanent protection for the slopes once the coir geo-textile disintegrates in 3-4 years. The visual treat of well placed greenery on the surface further adds to the aesthetic appeal, said Mr Jayamohan B, coordinator (marketing), Coir Corporation. The procedure may vary slightly, but the principle is same for all applications, be it protection of highway shoulders or for strengthening roads or for checking soil erosion along river banks. Coir geo-textiles have their limi-
tations, too. They are effective only if erosion has not advanced too much to warrant the need of costlier restoration alternatives such as concrete implants and poles. For cases needing a permanent protection, coir geo-textiles may not be really effective, says an official with the Corporation. The reason is simple. Coir geotextiles being bio-degradable can be used only in applications that require temporary protection until natural vegetation cover takes over its role. Says Mr Saseendran, “Geo-textiles give maximum protection to the soil till the grass takes root and provides a permanent coverage. After the stabili-
The gaps in the geo-textile act as natural water sumps which speed up precision growth of plants to form a natural vegetation cover
sation of soil, it decomposes gradually to humus which provides nourishment to vegetation growing on the soil medium.” And it is precisely this feature that makes it most useful. A case in point is the coco log. A type of coir geo-textile, they are stuffed with fibre inside a netting of geo-textiles and used as embankments along shores. By checking inward water flow from the shore, not only does it prevent soil erosion, but it also helps in forming a natural vegetation cover behind the logs. And when the textiles decompose, the vegetation formed behind provides a natural barrier against soil erosion. Its ability to decompose within a few years is made use of in strengthening roads. Says Mr Saseendran: “Roads develop cracks due to pressure exerted by underground water as it tries to move towards the surface. Geo-textiles, used as an interface between the top layer of roads and the underground water, provide a let-out for water to move to the edges.” This helps in the growth of vegetation along the sides and checks soil erosion. Together, they help maintain the quality of the road. This method also helps prevent intermingling of the soil and the granular sub base, thereby improving drainage. Coir geo-textiles also play an important role in schemes to prevent soil erosion in the paddy fields of Kuttanad and the elevated roads along farm lands in Kollam and Allepey. Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project and its road embankments, road slopes in Idukki and KSEB reservoir in Kakkayam, Kozhikode are some other projects which have used coir geo-textiles. “The maximum number of projects using geo-textiles are being executed in the district of Kollam, though other regions in the State are also opening up to this product,” says Mr Saseendran. The Coir Board recently laid coir geo-textiles in 1000 hectares of paddy fields in Edakkattuvayal panchayat in Piravom for draining the water out of the fields. And taking a cue from its superior features, the Central Coir Research
“Geo-textiles give maximum protection to the top soil till a layer of grass takes root to provide a permanent coverage. After the stabilisation of soil, it decomposes gradually to humus which provides nourishment to vegetation growing on the soil medium”, says Mr P V Saseendran, managing director of the Kerala Coir Corporation Ltd Institute recently received the approval of Indian Roads Congress to construct 450 km of roads under the National Rural Development Agency using coir geo-textiles. Add to that the request from more than 22 village blocks in Pallipuram panchayat in Allepey to implement coir geotextiles for protecting the small water bodies here and it’s clear that coir geotextiles are finally getting their due. Jojan Thomas, an official with the Coir Corporation feels that by surrounding these water bodies with coir blankets, one can prevent not only soil erosion, but also the misuse of water sources. Laying coir geo-textiles doesn’t cost a bomb: they can be spread out
at one-tenth of the cost of alternatives such as concrete implants. They cost just `150 per sq mt while the synthetic geo-textiles, apart from being non eco-friendly, costs more than double. And granite rocks which are used as reinforcements along steep slopes can cost upto `3500 per sq mt; making coir substitutes indeed light on the pocket. With more than a thousand small inland ponds and streams, numerous high range slopes and seasonally good roads, coir-geo-textiles with their promise of promoting new vegetation growth and preventing top soil from drying or washing away, is Kerala’s best hope for maintaining its natural resources the green way. 29
Rural Economy
Fish to dish
The numerous water bodies in Kerala promote a new segment in tourism industry: aqua tourism Kuruvilla Chacko
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he fish keep away from the bait,” rues Mr M Jose, a civilian engineer with the Indian Army, as he is angling in the fish farm, overlooking the legendary Vembanad lake. “Maybe it’s the rains that have kept the fish away,” he laughs, reasoning out the behaviour of his potential preys. And when he finally manages to hook the young one of a pearl spot, his family joins in the celebration, at the Palaikari fish farm in Vaikom. Fish farms, the latest in Kerala’s tourism circuit, have taken God’s own country beyond the houseboat, beach and hill resort formula; bringing out a less expensive, and more enjoyable holiday option to vacationers like Mr Jose. And for the investors, it offers a profitable avenue that can attract the huge domestic tourist segment. It all started three years ago with the Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd
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(Matsyafed), launching fishing villages in Maalippuram and Vaikom. The formula was simple: give a boat, and a simple hook and line, and turn every visitor to a fisherman. Not to forget some amazing seafood by the side of the waters for a very reasonable price. The formula clicked The farms, including the third one opened at Njarakkal in Ernakulam last year, have become a prominent getaway spot in Kerala in a short period of time. Set against the wide expanse of the backwaters and the sea, the farms are a nature lover’s delight. The Palaikari fish farm in Vaikom is easily the most beautiful of the three farms. Sandwiched between the Vembanad lake on one side, and the Muvattupuzha river on the other, the farm is spread over 125 acres with a row of coconut trees along its banks, lending a breathtaking view to the farm. Even the ones at Njarakkal and Maalippuram have been landscaped
to fit in with the surroundings, and are spread over 40 acres and 50 acres, respectively. The farms at Njarakkal and Maalippuram charge `150, while the one at Vaikom charges `200 as entry fee, which covers a welcome drink and sea food lunch, apart from free pedal or row boat facilities. A speed boat ride to the opposite bank earmarked for fishing, as well as a bath in the waters there, accounts for the extra `50 at the Vaikom farm. The farms work from 10 am to 6 pm; those looking to spend some quiet evenings may pay `25 and enter them from 4 pm to 6 pm. The guests may buy the caught fish at a highly subsidised rate. While 1kg of pearl spot (karimeen) costs around `350 in the open market, visitors can buy it for as low as `190. These farms have been able to bring in tourists during off season as well, as can be seen from the crowd entering here even on rainy weekdays. Njarakkal receives almost 200
A Matsyafed employee with karimeen harvested from the farm. In the background are families enjoying boat rides tourists per day during the peak season months of April and May, while Vaikom and Maalippuram are picking up in tourist arrival as well. Currently, the maximum number of guests a day is restricted to 200-250, on a firstcome-first-serve basis, to prevent damage to the ecosystem and also for efficient handling of crowd and resources. Source of the ripple The idea for setting up an aquaculture cum aqua tourism venture was on the minds of many in the fishing industry from the 1990s. But the lack of potential water bodies near tourist spots coupled with low technical expertise forced them to shelve the idea. It was dusted out after Dr Sobhana Kumar, deputy general manager (aquaculture), at Matsyafed, gave his organisation the confidence. He had already visited the fishing-based tourism projects in West Bengal, Japan and Philippines over the years. “Their tourism projects based around water bodies, with fishing as the main attraction, were very successful,” he says. “I was sure that angling would appeal to people of Kerala also.” He had yet another reason for introducing tourism around fisheries projects. “Pedal-
ling and rowing of boats create water movement, which helps replenish dissolved oxygen naturally. This helps the growth of fish.” Having identified its feasibility and potential, Dr Kumar chose the Njarakkal farm of Matsyafed to experiment his ideas. And with the necessary pre-conditions of a contained water body, and a large number of fish in a healthy environment, already in place, the process was soon initiated. Soon its increasing popularity raised experiential tourism in the State to a new high, and led to new farms opening up as well. Dr Kumar says, “The success of the farm in bringing in revenue through tourism initiatives helped set up similar farms in 2009 at Vaikom, and a third one at Maalippuram near Vypeen in 2010.” Today the farm engages in scientific rearing to ensure that tourism doesn’t affect aquaculture, the main purpose. “We have divided the pond into various plots, with most of them used as nurseries for rearing fish,” says Ms Vijayalakshmi. “The opposite bank has been opened to the public for fishing.” The farms employ semi extensive pisciculture, and use natural means to maintain the quality of water, to help breed the fish. This is made possible by resorting to low stocking density practices, wherein fish are cultivated
depending on pond size and permissible density. The waters in all three farms are brackish and are maintained at the required depth of 1.5-3.5m, with the help of sluice gates. The sluice gates also bring in fish to the farm from the neighbouring water bodies. “We trap the eggs of prawns this way,” says Dr Kumar. When the gates are opened, the water enters the farm from the nearby lagoons, bringing in the prawn seeds which are then cultivated. Fish population is also maintained by seeds supplied by Matsyafed. Mr K Somaraj, managing director of Matsyafed, says, “Based on requirements and plot area, Matsyafed provides seeds to these farms at the rate of `75000-1 lakh.” Currently the farms stock more than five species of fish, including the pearl spot, prawns, the milk fish and the carnivorous sebas fish which is cultivated in monoculture. “The crowd puller is the milk fish, though” says Dr Kumar. Swimming along the surface of the water, they jump into the air at the slightest provocation, attracting tourist attention. They are currently being brought from the Rameswaram coast of Tamil Nadu. The farms have several facilities for the tourists, the eco-friendly sheds providing a resting space being
Mr M Jose enjoys waiting for the catch
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The farm is divided into various plots, with most of them used as nurseries for rearing fish. Tourists are allowed to enter the rest
one. A canteen providing wholesome sea food, cooked on demand, is also a huge draw. “The canteen is run by the local self help group (SHG), thereby providing employment to more than 15 families in each of the farms directly,” says Dr Kumar. The Future Wave With so much interest generated for the farms within a couple of years of their launch itself, it’s easy to see why farm tourism provides a huge opportunity to the State’s tourism industry. Says Dr Kumar, “Currently, income from tourism contributes to over 40 per cent of the total revenue of these farms.” And with 186 inland societies, and a number of marine cooperative societies waiting to be tapped, the State might just have discovered its new gold mine. The entire concept can be implemented in plots of land, as small as six acres. The basic requirement is a wellconstructed bund, adequate fish, and implementation of healthy practices to ensure the fish have a low mortality rate, according to Dr Kumar. Further, the farms need clearance from the Environment Ministry, and a permit from the State government’s tourism department. The government encourages such initiatives by providing a subsidy of `40,000 per hectare. Matsyafed provides the much needed technical assistance to po18
tential investors wanting to set up similar farms doubling up as tourism ventures. “People from all parts of the State visit our farms, study the conditions and become encouraged to set up such farms even on small plots,” adds Mr Somaraj. This symbiotic relation between aquaculture and tourism will go a long way in addressing food security issues and bringing in better returns, he feels. The existing farms stand testimony to
People from all parts of the State visit our farms, study the conditions to set up such farms, says Matsyafed managing director Mr K Somaraj
that. They report almost double the profit after tourism was started. Matsyafed is planning to set up more such farms across the State, and is talking to inland fishing cooperative societies, most of which are based in Kottayam. “The success here only goes to show that local people are waiting for new, cost effective means to spend valuable time with family,” says Dr Kumar. Further plans to sustain traveller interest in the farms are also underway. Mr Somaraj says, “Very soon we will start integrated farming on the banks of these farms, wherein poultry and cattle will be reared along with organically grown vegetables and flowers, to create a viable ecosystem.” Dr Kumar considers the need to upgrade tourism facilities for the same, “We hope to introduce rafting, and to increase the number of pedal and row boats soon. Also, the space will be promoted as an ideal venue for board meetings and functions, in ecofriendly halls adjacent to the ponds.” The idea of fish farms as a tourism scheme may have hit the State late, but now that it is here, tourists sure have a lot more to look forward to.
CSR/ V-Guard Industries Ltd
We guard
V-Guard Industries counts itself among Kerala’s largest private sector companies, but that has only added to its obligation to give back to society in equal measure
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Kuruvilla Chacko
he story of Mr Kochouseph Chittlilappilly, a young physics graduate from a village, turning an electrical utility brand into a multi-crore national company is of constant inspiration for entrepreneurs across Kerala. As the `700 crore VGuard Industries Ltd continues to register rapid growth, it makes equal strides on another equally challenging task: that of being a society builder. Advocating the cause of CSR activities of V-Guard Industries, Mr. Chittilapilly, chairman of the group, says, “We have embraced and inte-
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grated the philosophy of CSR into our organisation right from inception. Today, CSR has gained importance primarily because of the realisation
The Thomas Chittilappilly Trust funds the education of 900 children belonging to financially backward families in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts in Kerala and Ramanagaram taluk in Bangalore
of its profound impact on society, the environment, consumers, communities and stakeholders. The responsibility of corporates further stems from the realisation that business is an integral part of society.� Being a conscious contributor to a more efficient society, the company is promoting initiatives in education and health sectors. Mr Chandramohanan PR, senior vice-president (HR and administration), feels that education and health are two vital areas concerning the well being of society as a whole. And true to the word, VGuard has set up the Thomas Chittillappilly Trust, in addition to the
The Social Welfare Fund, which runs on the voluntary contributions of V-Guard employees, has distributed medicines worth more than `3 lakh among the poor patients in the Ernakulam General Hospital in the first three months of the financial year initiatives launched by the company’s employees themselves under the ‘social welfare fund’. Education The Trust funds the education of 900 children belonging to financially backward families from Kunnathunadu panchayat and slums in Ernakulam district, Parappur village in Thrissur district and Ramanagaram taluk in Bangalore through scholarships and other forms of assistance. “We have a system to identify deserving students and provide them assistance in the form of learning material and financial aid,” says Mr Chandramohanan. V-Guard has adopted the Government High School, Vennala, Kochi, where the company is headquartered, and provides study materials and other necessities for underprivileged children here. The company is currently constructing a new building for the 12th grade students. In addition, the company supports a sponsorship scheme, in association with Rajagiri Outreach, the service wing of Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, for children hailing from socially and economically back-
ward families. Under the scheme, the beneficiaries avail financial assistance to continue with formal schooling. A total of 650 students from the slum areas of Kochi such as Vaduthala, Kissan Colony, Udaya Colony and Mattancherry, Kunnathnadu Panchayat in Ernakulam district, Tholur Grama Panchayat in Trichur district as well as 24 students from Ettimadai, Coimbatore are being supported under this venture. V-Guard plans to include 300 more students from Kunnathunadu panchayat and 200 more students from Tholur panchayat under this programme. Also, a total of 287 financially backward students are provided with text books and other school essentials in Ramanagaram Taluk in Bangalore. Health V-Guard’s commitment to the healthcare of the poor and the needy can be gauged from the fact that Mr Chittilappilly donated one of his kidneys to a poor kidney patient recently. A first of its kind in the corporate world, Mr Chittipallay’s gesture gave tremendous momentum to the Kidney Foundation of India, a chain movement of kidney donors. But showing kindness to the hapless was not unheard of in the company: for long, the employees have been operating a Social Welfare Fund, to which they make a voluntary contribution every month. The Fund purchases medicines based on the requirements of the patients in the general and cancer wards of Ernakulam General Hospital and hands it over directly to the hospital. This ensures that the help reaches the right people. The employees also make it a point to visit the general hospital every month by taking turns. The fund has managed to distribute medicines worth more than `3 lakh in the first three
months of the financial year. The employees also hold regular medical and blood donation camps for the public. V-Guard supports an old age home at Parappur in Thrissur named ‘Shantimandiram’. With a facility to accommodate 60 inmates at a time, Shantimandiram is an institution recognised by the Board of Control for Orphanage & Other Charitable Homes, Kerala. Taking the adage ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ seriously, V-Guard supports counselling sessions aimed at fostering a positive outlook among different sections of society. Awareness classes in association with the Kerala chapter of the Positive Thinking Movement (PTM –K) are conducted for the same. The movement, started a year ago, introduces the benefits of positive thinking to different sections of people. It has already organised classes for autorickshaw drivers in association with the police and trade unions at the Chavara Cultural Centre in Kochi. Based on the positive response, it organises monthly classes for 40 autorickshaw drivers by trained volunteers. The movement has also entered into an agreement with schools across Kerala for organising training programmes for teachers on positive thinking. Some of its future plans include organising counselling services for individuals, families and enterprises as well. The company sure has a heart as big as its purse strings to tag along.
The responsibility of corporates stems from the realisation that business is an integral part of society, says Mr Kochouseph Chittilappilluy, chairman
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Tourism
Bigger, better The Kochi International Marina hosted more than 100 yachts in the first year. It has to upgrade facilities to retain traveller interest
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Kuruvilla Chacko
ochi’s tryst with the high seas continues. While the International Container Transshipment Terminal has just started hosting bigger ships, the Kochi International Marina has enjoyed a dream first year for itself with the smaller ones. Functioning as an anchor point for yachts, the country’s only marina has established its name among sea faring adventurists in the Indian Ocean region. And in the process, it also added star value to Kerala as a hub of sea tourism. Set up along the tranquil waters surrounding the Bolghatty Palace Hotel, the marina started functioning in April 2010 as a direct venture of the Kerala Tourism Development Corpo-
ration (KTDC). Although the plan for a marina was two-decades old, the Volvo Ocean Race 2009, which had Kochi as an anchor point, convinced every one about its potential. That there is no marina between Salalah and Male also helped the cause of the Kochi Marina. Constructed by Sharjah-based Gulf Marinas, it has 37 floating docks built on concrete beams. Its shores provide a depth of up to 2.5 metres, enabling small and medium-sized yachts to berth here. The board walk - a wooden structure protruding into the backwaters - helps tourists see the yachts. The Marina House, located adjacent to the berthing area, has 24 deluxe rooms including four suites, a recreation centre and cafeteria. The Kochi Marina maybe a small-
English sailor couple Mr Jamie Furlove and Ms Liz Cleere in front of the marina
er cousin of the major marinas across the world, but it is more than sufficient to meet the present demand, said Cdr Jose Verghese, vice-president of Ocean Blue, the Mumbai based company that manages and operates the marina on a three year contract with KTDC. Last year, the marina was home to around a hundred yachts and small boats, majority of them foreign-owned. The peak number was a healthy 30-35. The traffic meant that the marina recovered 20 per cent of its initial investment within a year of operations. The marina receives its revenue mainly during the period between November and May when good weather and calmer seas attract greater yacht traffic to this region. “In the monsoon season though, yachts dock here for 6-7 months at a stretch until they can resume their voyage,” Cdr Verghese said. Thus it is able to generate income round the year from yachts on the move and those stuck due to rough seas. “Sailors who anchor here use Kochi as the base point for touring the rest of the subcontinent or come for a quick refill, in which case they tour Kerala on land, before resuming sailing,” he said. “We may not have generated much tourism investment directly, but revenue has been flowing indirectly through the sailors who berth here,” says Cdr Verghese. Pirates Ahead! The traffic in the first year would have put to rest any scepticism associated with the project but instead, the ma51
rina today faces erratic bookings due to issues from an unlikely entity: sea pirates. Says Cdr Verghese, “The traffic this year is lesser than last year’s, owing to increased pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden.” Over the past three months alone, around 140 cases of sea piracy have been reported, with more than 90 per cent coming off the Somalian coast. “Since most of the yachts come from Europe and the Americas, sea piracy makes it a risky affair for them to cross eastward of Africa, along the Suez Canal to the subcontinent,” he said. “This, coupled with the rough seas along the Kochi coast during the months of June-November, has forced sailors to re-think on their travel plans.” Mr Scott Ryder, an American sailor, is one such reluctant traveller. He set sail in 2002 after resigning from his job as a fireman to circumvent the globe. He has crossed half the globe at his own sweet pace. But now, he fears crossing westward of India and believes his dream will remain unfulfilled. He has been touring the country since the start of the monsoons and he doesn’t have a plan to tackle the pirates, once he sets sail again next January. “My hopes of circumventing the globe have for the time being been put on hold,” said Mr Ryder. “I will be leaving in all probability back through Thailand and China Sea to the US.” Cdr Verghese admitted that fear of pirates is a definite turn off for sailors,
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“Sailors who anchor at the Kochi marina use it as the base point for touring the rest of the subcontinent or come for a quick refill, in which case they tour Kerala on land, before resuming sailing,” Cdr Jose Verghese said who enjoy a sense of adventure. The only alternative is to sail around the Southern African tip, which is a very cumbersome affair. Cdr Verghese said his company would explore newer markets as an alternative to increase traffic to Kochi. That the marina is not equipped with all world class facilities is another deterrent. Mr Jamie Furlove, an English sailor, says a Wi-Fi connection and a proper repair yard would make it a truly international marina. Many marinas offer better facilities at lower berthing costs, he said, adding, “I do hope that Kochi will also offer them soon.” Currently, the depth at the shore of the Marina does not permit bigger yachts of 70-80 ft length to berth here. They prefer Male or Colombo, instead. “There were more than 14 yachts when we berthed here last
year,” said Ms Liz Cleere, wife of Mr Furlove. “All others have now left for better marinas in the Philippines and Thailand.” She, however, insists that Kochi has the potential to be a world class marina. KTDC officials said plans are afoot to set everything right. Mr Bilal Muhammad, assistant manager at the KTDC-run Bolghatty Palace Resort, said the Marina was conceived to be implemented in two phases. “At present, we have completed the first phase,” he said. “The second phase will not just add new berths but also have modern technology in place. A fully fledged repair yard and a dry mooring facility which will enable boats to be parked on land, are also being planned. This will not just give more docking space, but also encourage bigger yachts to come in.” The bigger, the better.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Let there be life KSIDC’s Life Sciences Park to promote units in biotechnology, nanotechnology and life sciences
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erala, which pioneered the concept of dedicated infrastructure for the rising IT industry 30 years ago with Technopark, now, wants to make the most of biotechnology, nanotechnology and life sciences, the new sunrise sectors. Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), the premier investment promotion arm of the State government, is setting up a dedicated Life Sciences Park to host companies in the three sectors. To come up on around 250 acres in Veiloor Village near Thonnakkal in Thiruvananthapuram, the park will symbolise close interaction between industry and academia by hosting research institutions and industry incubation centres.
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To be developed as a Knowledge Centre, the park will have a centre for advanced learning and research in biotechnology, life sciences and nanotechnology; an industrial cluster with units offering products and services; and an incubation centre which will handhold new entrepreneurs making all the necessary infrastructure available. The park will offer common facilities such as water, power and
The park will have a centre for advanced learning and research in biotechnology, life sciences and nanotechnology, an industrial cluster and an incubation centre
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he Indian biotechnology industry has been reporting a growth rate of 36.5 per cent per annum, one among the highest in the world. Although it currently commands a market share of just two per cent of global revenues, India has great potential to become a significant player in the global biotech market. With numerous comparative advantages in terms of research and development facilities, knowledge, skills, and cost effectiveness, the biotechnology industry in India has immense potential to emerge as a key global player. According to an industry survey by the Association of Biotech Led Enterprises (ABLE), the biotechnology industry earned revenues of $2.67 billion in 2008-09. Exports accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total business in 2008-09 and went up by almost 25 per cent to reach $ 1.57 billion. The domestic business at $1.09 billion registered a 10 per cent growth in the same period. The biopharma segment continued to account for the largest share (65 per cent) of the biotech industry's revenues. India is ranked among the top 12 biotech destinations in the world and is the third biggest in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of the number of biotech companies, according to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and consultancy firm KPMG.
internal roads. The industrial infrastructure will include developed land, standard design factory modules offering plug-and-play facilities and wet labs including common equipment laboratory and pilot plants. Entrepreneurs and units can avail them on long term or short term leases. The project is envisaged to be implemented in two phases. The first phase of the project will be implemented through the system of government-led development on 60 acres of land, of which 30 acres has already been taken possession of. Phase II will be developed through public-private partnership route. The park will be connected to Thiruvananthapuram in the south and Kollam in the north through the NH47. The site is approximately 22km from the Trivandrum International airport. The focus areas of promotion in the biotechnology sector include agribiotechnology, marine biotechnology, bioinformatics and industrial biotechnology. Life sciences industry includes life sciences research and development, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, electro mechanical apparatus manufacturing, surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and blood organ banks. Biotechnology, pharma
The State, which hosts Western Ghats, one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, is considered a fertile ground for the life sciences industry to flourish and health care are the emerging and high growth opportunity segments in Life Sciences. Nanotechnology, principally concerned with the production and application of devices at nanometre (nm) scale, is widely used in the manufacture of medicines and treatment of diseases. Nanotechnology would help doctors to remove obstructions in the circulatory systems, kill cancer cells or take over the function of sub-cellular organelles. Nano materials are suitable for implantable medical devices. The State, which hosts Western Ghats, one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, and thousands of herbs that developed Ayurveda, a holistic healthcare system, is considered a fertile ground for the life sciences industry to flourish. The Park will assist the existing and upcoming R&D
institutions and the industry players in exploring new growth avenues. It will also be able to help them address their IT-related needs, besides attracting huge investments, both domestic and foreign, in the related areas. The park comes amid a virtual academic environment and is in close proximity of institutions such as the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Regional Research Laboratory, Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Institute of Spice Research, ER&DC, CSIR, VSSC and the University of Kerala. The park, close to Technopark - one of the largest congregations of technology companies in India - will be capable of addressing the IT related needs of the rapidly emerging life sciences industry. It is expected that the park will attract huge investments, both domestic and foreign, in the related areas. The State government promotes the biotechnology industry offering a lot of incentives, which include all the benefits the information technology industry receives. It seeks to create a knowledge base and human resources by establishing world-class centres of education and R&D in biotechnology by upgrading existing institutions and organising new entities in the public and private sectors.
The park comes amid a virtual academic environment and is in close proximity of institutions such as the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
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Digital world
The virtual watchman Digital security systems provide increased protection for domestic and industrial purposes and are easy to install, employ and maintain Kuruvilla Chacko
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r Abraham Thomas* monitors the safety of his Kochi apartment sitting in his Dubai office. “I log onto my unique Internet Protocol address and track the happenings in my unoccupied house, thanks to real time data transmitted by the IP camera installed inside the apartment,” he says. Being wireless, the cameras were easy to install and custom built to suit his requirements, enabling him to fully control access to his house. Call him a victim of his own sense of insecurity but he would rather have technology help him sleep peacefully, knowing well that he has a third eye fixed on his home. Do not discount it as a case of par-
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anoia gone too far. Consider, instead, the recent spate of security breaches in an otherwise safe State. And with nuclear families becoming the norm and neighbours maintaining minimum contact with one another, electronic security systems provide people like Mr Thomas an assurance that ‘all is well’. E-security devices have over the past decade gained prominence in
Easy to install and maintain, IP cameras cover a wider area of view and provide real time data to owners through Internet
business establishments, industries and homes as a convenient form of 24x7 protection against theft and fire. Some, even help keep a watch on watchmen themselves! Evolving from the basic door bell system to the simple burglar alarms, security systems have taken a quantum leap forward with the digital age. CCTV cameras, video door phones, biometric entry systems, and fire, glass-break and intrusion alarm systems: the possibilities are many. These devices employ a range of technologies, from basic circuitry to hi-end electronics to provide superior resolution, long life and minimum maintenance. The intrusion or burglar alarm systems, for example, can be installed at the entry or exit points of the house
Zicom has a 24x7 central monitoring facility which receives an alarm signal from any one of the devices when a break-in occurs. It then alerts its executives who inform the owner with minimum hassle and emit IR, UV or any other electromagnetic wave. The device sounds an alarm upon encountering any variation. They can be set manually or automatically at a pre-set time daily and can be operated from the room of the user. The devices store tamper-proof, digitally watermarked data, offering full protection. And the customer has the option to choose wired or wireless systems. “Wireless is easy to install,” says an official from Godrej & Boyce Ltd, which offers a variety of security systems. “However, it should have proper line of sight for operations to be feasible. For wired systems, one should consider the distance to be covered and the hospitability of the terrain.” According to him, most clients nowadays prefer wired security using optical fibre cabling, since they are reliable even in varying climatic conditions. Internet and its applications have also been incorporated in certain devices, so they have panoramic view, artificial intelligence and video stitching facilities which provide foolproof security. The advanced form of a CCTV— the IP camera — stands testimony to that. “Easy to install and maintain, these devices cover a wider area of view and provide real time data to owners through facilities like Internet, helping improve security features,” says Mr Cherian of Zicom 42
Electronic Security Systems. Multiple cameras are connected to a single server, working very much like a computer network system, providing data over a particular web address. The video stitching facility helps to combine data from different cameras into one single rectangular screen, thereby providing a 3600 view of the desired locations. Also, an instant SMS feature is available, wherein a message is sent either to the owner’s or to a friend’s mobile number in case of a possible breach in security. Says Mr. Cherian, “We have a 24x7 central monitoring facility which receives an alarm signal from any one of the devices when a break-in occurs. It then alerts our ex-
Digital Homes, a project of Assets Homes, has installed a foolproof digital security system. Its video stitching facility helps to combine data from different cameras into one single rectangular screen, and helps close monitoring
yers n pla Mai mens Sie ch Bos m Zico Boyce & j re God
ecutives who inform the owner.” The owner could also inform the police, thereby providing a cushion of safety for the user. Ms Shuba Daniel from Ernakulam is one such resident who benefits from this service. Having employed Zicom’s alarm systems at her home, she can breathe easy that she will be notified in the event of any possible intrusion. “The device gives me complete sense of peace.” Going digital Kerala for all its claims as a relatively safe State is among those rapidly adopting e-security solutions. With homes growing vertically and manufacturing facilities growing horizontally, it is unviable to engage watchmen for all facilities. Rather, digital systems can do the job with a single person monitoring outputs from different types of security devices installed at various parts of the building. Says Mr Cherian, “Only industries and commercial establishments were interested in the facility earlier. But now builders and architects also show interest in installing them in homes and apartments.” Mr Vinod Joseph from Fort Kochi has installed video door phones, motion sensors and intrusion alarms at his home here. Being a businessman always on the move, such systems guarantee a sense of security for his family while he is away. “The concept of secure surroundings is not a rela-
tively safe option to bank on today,” he said. “We need to be alert and today’s e-security devices provide just that, combining the best technologies to suit purposes both on the domestic as well as professional front.” The systems are wireless and are connected to his room enabling him to switch it ON/OFF based on his sleep timings and preferences. “The video door phone in particular helps to keep out unwanted salesmen or strangers.” Wanting to incorporate modern security into their projects, Kochibased Asset Homes has employed e-security systems at two apartment complexes they built in Kochi and one in Thiruvananthapuram. Keeping in mind the different timings of work for different members of the family and the safety concerns of apartment owners, these buildings are under digital scrutiny right from the entrance. “The apartments feature multi-door video phones, biometric entry systems, IP cameras, automatic gate openers, intrusion alarm systems as well as glass break alarms,” Mr Sachin Salim of the company’s marketing division, said. The biometric entry system is prefed with the fingerprints of the mem-
The average cost for setting up a digital security system works out to anywhere between `10,000 to `30,000, depending on the model and range
bers of the household and open only when a recognisable finger presses it. This enables them to enter the home anytime without bothering others. It also obviates carrying the keys. The systems can be placed adjacent to the doors and are connected to the locking system of the door. “Such systems provide relief when the residents go holidaying for a few days and do not have a regular contact with their neighbours,” Mr Salim pointed out. Cost of security Despite having such modern technology at play, these systems do not cost a bomb, according to Mr Cherian Varghese. Agrees Mr Salim: “The installation of such systems did not raise the cost of the apartments drastically.” The average cost for setting up a digital security system works out to anywhere between `10,000 and `30,000, for a domestic household depending on the model and the range. Ms Shuba shelled out `10,000 for the alarm systems. Mr Joseph spent around `15000 to set up two sets of alarm systems at his house, while the video door phone cost him about `12,000. “A minor cost for better security,” as he says.
ons opti systems r u o Y rm ms n ala tr y syste s o i s Intru etric en eak alarm Biom glass-br ameras , Fire CTV c phones C or o do e d i V 43
green zone
Nature’s Own
Want to know how to go solar? Come to Mithradham
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t Mithradham, you learn the ways to be friends with nature. Technology included. Step into the ashram-like campus at Chunanganveli near Aluva, and you will feel the vibrancy of nature, in its pristine form. From the main building designed in Laurie Baker style to a green carpet of grass; open air classrooms in the midst of mini woods to DC fans and lights which consume one-third power compared with regular ones, Mithradham has been constructed, landscaped and run keeping in mind the intended oneness with nature. But don’t mistake it for a place where mystics deliberate on issues
divine. As its name indicates, Mithradham Renewable Energy Centre is an institution that designs and implements programmes that concern the theoretical and practical aspects of renewable energy and sustainable development. Functioning for the last 11 years, Mithradham has already earned its name as a resource centre in solar energy. Experts from world over come and share the latest on the most sustainable energy source. The week-long workshops, conducted several times a year at the Centre, arm new converts to solar energy with a clear road map as to how to go about it. The course includes teaching the basics of solar energy, the installation and maintenance of solar photo-voltaic systems,
solar cable technology and devices. It is tailored to suit anyone who has a basic knowledge in electricity. Engineers and technicians also benefit as they can brush up their knowledge and update themselves with the latest. The course has been truly beneficial for many such as Mr G Sivaramakrishnan, CEO of Konark Systems, a solar equipment dealership company in Kochi. When he came to Mithradham eight years ago, Mr Sivaramakrishnan, an electrical engineer, was looking for expert advice to help with his new venture. “I wanted to refresh my knowledge about the various applications of solar cells,” he said. “The course was extremely useful. I would recommend Mithradham, with its focus on practicality, for pro-
Solar power and equipment using it are natural allies of Fr Pitapilli
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fessionals intending to make a career in this sector.” Mithradham is a member of the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) and an institutional partner of the International Society for the Promotion of Environment and Renewable Energy (ISPERE). German solar P-V engineer Mr Christoph Würtemberger, who has installed and supervised many solar energy installations in different parts of the world, is a regular resource person at the Centre. The first cells Mithradham or the ‘abode of friends’ is the brain child of a Catholic priest who had the fortune of exposing himself to solar energy in early 90's, a time when most Indians were still to hear about it. Fr George Peter Pitapillil ventured into the world of solar energy while undergoing a specialised course related to environment conservation and management at the prestigious Max Planck Institute in Germany. A member of the CMI order and a PhD in solid state physics from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fr Pitapillil then realised the importance and potential of solar energy and its future applications which were already the topic of many scientific discussions in Germany. Taken over by the desire to propagate renewable energy practices, Fr Pitapillil, on his return to Kerala, resigned his job as vice-principal of Sacred Heart College, Thevara. He laid the foundation stone for the centre in 1998. “I wanted to create an institution which would make one feel one with nature,” says Fr Pitapillil. The dream was noble, but needed a lot of money to materialise. His mentor and constant support throughout the endeavour was Prof Rosemarie Zaiser, his teacher at Max Plank Institute and president of the Society for Promotion of Development Oriented Projects, Stuttgart. Prof Zaiser was keen on introducing renewable energy technology to India. That she was the mother of one of his classmates at the Institute also helped. Together, they scouted for donors and finally found support from European institutions
such as Kindermissionswerk, Aachen; Referat Weltkirche, Stuttgart as well as the Commission of European Union, Brussels. The University of Stuttgart extended technical support and research assistance. Slowly and steadily, he set up the campus of his dreams. Mithradham is today a by word for energy efficiency. Its seven rows of solar cells (49 panels in total), set up with help of German technicians, have provided for the 5KW installed load at the centre, without a single instance of failure for the past 10 years. The centre also has in place a wind turbine which can provide 600W of power when operational. To make up for the lean periods, it has a battery backup of 1200Ah, enough to last 10 zero sunlight days. A biomass plant provides for the centre’s gas needs and the organic cultivation of a variety of fruits and crops sustains their dietary requirements. They even make an income from the sale of surplus vegetables in the local
Experts from world over come and share the latest on the most sustainable energy source. The week-long workshops, conducted several times a year at the Centre, arm new converts to solar energy with a clear road map as to how to go about it
market. The centre has a solar cooker. It recently installed a solar dryer with assistance from the students of Sacred Heart College. Spreading the Message The Centre has recently launched ‘Nalla Veedu, Nalla Naadu’ (Good Home, Good Community), an awareness campaign on keeping one’s surroundings and homes clean and green, and offered tips for the same. The Centre has tied up with the Lions Club to encourage community development programmes and has initiated an ambitious 15-year programme Suchitwa Bodhana Yajnam to create awareness and implement strategies for waste management and food sustainability through organic food production as well as inculcate clean public habits with a focus on planting more trees. Fr Pitapillil has a simple purpose in mind when he describes his mission, “Nature is a fascinating thing. It remains our responsibility to conserve it. If everyone cannot, those of us who can need to do so. Mithradham aims to stand out as an experiential centre for any such willing person.” At a time when energy crisis and nuclear power are the talk of the town, Fr Pitapillil and his centre stand apart, offering a different message. And if you have doubts about how self sustainable that message is, then look at the power lines that pass by Mithradham. They offer no connecting wire to the centre. Fr. Pitapillil can be contacted at 09847742650 for information on courses. 29
Mini power projects
Small is powerful Small hydel projects account for 5 per cent of Kerala’s power generation and lights up several remote villages
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all it the perfect paradox: Idukki district accounts for one third of the total electricity production in Kerala but several of its remote villages first accessed power not from the numerous electricity lines crisscrossing the district but from the small waterfalls dotting the region. And when the power lines from the State electricity board reached many of them, they chose to retain their first source and use them alternately. Mankulam is one such village
where about 80-odd families got electricity through a micro-power project, set in a nearby water fall. They had no other option: though the Idukki hydel project, hardly 25 km away, was commissioned in the seventies, power never reached them. The villagers, supported by a local mechanic, set up a mini hydel plant in 1998 by harnessing the waterfall. The intended power capacity was just 40KW. But, back then, the intention was to just light their own bulb. And that they did achieve. The project with a water head
of just 150 feet uses two 20KW domestic motors which work in reverse mode as generators with two 2000 litre tanks acting as storage tanks. PVC pipes carry water from these tanks to the motor, fixed 300 metres away. The power generated is sufficient to satisfy the basic requirements of 80 homes. By employing self-designed tanks and pipes and setting up an indigenous distribution network in a familiar terrain, villagers here have turned hydel engineers themselves. The project, though not high on safety or quality of electricity pro-
They may look very primitive, but the small power projects with a water holding area and a motor which works on the reverse mode help reach electricity to remote areas
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duced, then cost just `2.5 lakh. It was made possible with contributions from the villagers themselves, most of whom are farmers or planters. Today, they pay a monthly maintenance fee of `50 and enjoy clean electricity, though they do not have the luxury of utilising unlimited energy for their needs. Says Mr M Glito, 36, operator at the plant: “There are around 10 families who continue to depend solely on this project, while others use it at times as they have got regular connections. Of course there are restrictions on the use as the project has only limited generating capacity. But for this project, one more generation would have gone without electricity.� Small is powerful For several villages in Idukki and Pathanamthitta, waterfalls are not just nature’s beauty spots. They have been their source of power, for more than 42
The 3MW project at Iruttukanam-the weir and water holding area and the generating room
a decade. Small hydro power projects, which generate less than 25MW, are miniaturised versions of the larger ones with similar, though small, constitu-
Projects up to 1 MW get subsidies up to `1 crore from the government of India, and `20 lakh for every additional MW. It also reimburses the cost for preparing the detailed project report
ents: a weir (small overflow dam), narrow penstocks, generators and a small catchment area. Mini hydro projects, generating less than 1MW and micro hydro projects generating less than 100 KW also belong to the group. The State government has been involved in setting up such projects from the last decade itself, mainly for industrial or community lighting purposes. The first projects in both government and private sectors in Kerala came up in 1994: the project in Peyapra in Thiruvananthapuram and the 12MW captive power project at Maniyar in Pathanamthitta by Carborundum Universal, respectively. Today the State has more than 20 such projects, generating 136 MW of
power, which is close to 5 per cent of its total generation. Small power projects can be undertaken as private, captive or community power development schemes. Projects up to 1 MW get subsidies up to `1 crore from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of the government of India, and `20 lakh for every additional MW. The MNRE also reimburses the cost for preparing the detailed project report. Constructed close to the point of distribution, small hydel power projects are ideal to light up a community by providing electricity at cheap rates. Water can be tapped directly from the river or by constructing a weir. With smaller catchment required, such projects obviates human displacement. Their distribution losses are also minimum as the sites are usually close to areas of consumption. Their significance and ease of construction and maintenance have several countries such as the US, China and Japan adopting them in a big way. In some countries, multiple small projects are replacing single huge ones. At present, small hydro accounts for around 10 per cent (65GW) of electricity generated in China while in India, it is around 1.5 per cent (2GW). Hydel projects score over other available renewable energy sources like solar and wind on two counts: intial cost and land requirement. While small hydel projects cost `9 crore per MW,
it is `16-18 crore per MW for solar power projects. As for wind power, they require huge tracts of land and favourable wind conditions to become viable. Mr G Anil, who heads the small hydro division at Energy Management Centre, a government body monitoring energy requirement of the State, feels such projects need to come up more if the State hopes to bridge its power deficiency. The State at present has an installed capacity to generate 2800 MW against a peak demand of 3500MW. Mr P D Nair, managing director of Viyyat Power Pvt Ltd, a Thiruvananthapuram-based consultancy on small hydel projects, said small projects with small reservoirs are apt for high range rural areas. Mr Nair, who has worked with BHEL on small hydel projects in Himachal Pradesh as well as the North Eastern parts of the country, backed such projects since “no one should be denied the privileges electricity brings�. He has set up a 3 MW mini hydel project at Iruttukanam in Adimali and sells power to KSEB. Operational since last November, the project runs at a load factor of around 40 per cent and he expects to recover his investment within 6 years. What prevents private investors from setting up small hydel plants across the State is the uncertainty about the availability of water throughout the year. Most waterfalls and streams go near-dry for 3-4
months, hampering year-long operations. This, coupled with the high cost of land as well as lack of incentives, acts as a deterrent. Himachal Pradesh, which has several successful small hydro plants, has the luxury of mountain glaciers feeding its rivers throughout the year. Recognising this fact, the Kerala government conducted a survey to identify potential sites under the Total Energy Security Mission (TESM). ANERT, which conducted the survey, has identified some 700 sites in Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Wayanad and Nilambur regions. Tenders have already been invited for construction of projects in Kannur. It is estimated Kerala can produce 500 MW of power through small hydro projects alone. The high initial cost is another deterrent. A small hydro project costs anywhere between `7-9 crore per MW, whereas it is only `5-6 crore for large ones. The small hydro, however, provides quick returns, depending on plant load factor and land availability. Many of the small and micro hydel projects in the State are of the people, for the people and run by the people. They have brought light, and with it progress, to neglected regions. Though the quality of power is debatable, better and concerted initiatives could bring in a sea change. A change for the better, both in the quality of power, and of the lives of its consumers.
With a potential to produce 500 MW of power in the State, small hydro is the way forward, says Mr G Anil of the Energy Management Centre
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WOMAN POWER
The roadrunner The Usha School of Athletics has brought out an unseen face of sprint queen P T Usha. From top athlete to top coach to top manager, the transition has been as brilliant as the lady herself
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learing hurdles is not an unfamiliar feat for P T Usha. From the shy village girl to iconic star of Indian athletics, Usha has sprinted a long way, clearing many. Off the field, too, she has proven her mettle by setting up one of the most promising training establishments for athletes in the country. Situated at the Kinalur Industrial Growth Centre of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), USHA or Usha School of Athletics epitomises the hardwork, dreams, sweat and organisational prowess of the queen of Indian athletics for all times. Behind many of those child prodigies breaking national or State level athletic records, you will find the smiling face of a proud Usha. These girls have backed the faith that their chechi (elder sister) has in them, providing a fitting reply to her doubters and a beacon of hope for Indian athletics. The director of USHA seldom sits on her chair; she would rather be on the field training her wards on the sprawling campus. The school, which trains 12 girls now, has an administrative cum residential block. “We are planning to make a fullfledged 400 metre synthetic track and facilities for accommodating 200 students,” said Ms Usha, elaborating her plans. “We are on track and I have received a lot of help and encouragement from all, be it administrators or corporate or ordinary people.” The beginning was not easy, though, she reminisces. In the early 2000s, when
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Indian athletics remained stuck in mediocrity, Ms Usha, then retired, decided not to give up hope. She approached a then Central government secretary to help aid the academy she was building in Kerala. The official, however, dismissed the idea outright, terming it a task impossible for a woman to accomplish. He didn’t believe she, or for that matter a woman in India, could train another woman to attain an Olympic gold in athletics. Ms Usha left; offended, but not disheartened. Instead of settling down in her secure government job (she was a Class I officer with Indian Railways), as retired sportspersons in the country do, she chose to start from where she left off; by tracking her dreams on the field. Only this time, she would play the role from the sidelines. From top athlete to top coach, Ms Usha’s life has been the stuff of constant inspiration. Serving as the country’s torchbearer in athletics for years, there was always a desire in Usha to give back to the nation after her retirement. The spark was provided by the AKG Sports Lovers, a club in Koyilandy in Kozhikode. The club, apart from felicitating Usha after her retirement in 1999, also asked her to coach 12 handpicked local girls. Usha felt it was a perfect opportunity to utilise her experience and skills to develop a new generation of athletes. But as she concedes, “It’s easier to run than to train. When one runs, it’s all about you, your spirit and your desire. When you coach, you have to convince others.” She found the going difficult and unrewarding as many of the recruits did
not have a real talent or intent. She felt the need to use her resources more efficiently if she was to make a difference. She realised that a proper selection process was needed to help real talent come through. It perhaps marked the moment of realisation for Usha as an organiser. From sports star to ace coach, Usha’s life was getting ready to embrace a new phase—that of a dedicated sports manager. The first trials she conducted in 2002 saw around 500 girls in the age group of 13-14 participate. For most of these girls, training under Usha was all about securing their future. “Many just wanted to excel in sports
during school or college and then get into some government job under the sports quota,” she says. “They believed that under me their life was taken care of.” But Usha was a taskmaster like any good manager. She weeded out the average ones, while nurturing those with potential. She had a team of recruiters to assist her in the selections. The fivemember panel of athletes from the country, selected girls based on allround criteria expected from a potential international athlete. Focus was not on speed alone, but parameters like balance and strength which defined a runner. Her experience from her days as
an athlete was put to good use. She made sure that her wards were provided with the best facilities, something which she did not get. Of the initial recruits, none were child prodigies at first. But she kept the faith in her wards, preparing them as torchbearers for a new era in Indian athletics. Mental conditioning camps and scientific training modules were prepared to ensure that the girls were not overworked or burnt out. Two training periods—one in the morning and another in the evening—were fixed. The workout included light running, breathing exercises, games and regular races. Usha would drive from her home in Koyilandy twice every
P T Usha trains with her wards in the hills of Kinalur, with the academy hostel in the backdrop. To her immediate left is Tintu Luka, India’s best medal hope in athletics in the 2012 London Olympics
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“It’s easier to run than to train. When one runs, it’s all about you, your spirit and your desire. When you coach, you have to convince others,” says Usha P T Usha in front of the administrative and hostel bloc of Usha School of Athletics (USHA) day (for the morning and evening practice sessions). Even the diet was regulated in accordance with the specifications of the Central Food Technological Research Institute. This dedication passed onto her trainees as well. Targets were set for each of them; to be achieved within a stipulated time. The measures soon started to bear fruit. Her students excelled in school and State-level athletic meets. Records were broken and people began to believe in USHA. In track events like hurdles, long distance or medium distance, other participants stood no chance against USHA’s surefooted roadrunners. Tintu Luka, her favourite student and ace 800 m runner, is today the emerging face of Indian athletics. This nimble-footed girl was written off by other athletes due to body imbalance and an improper technique when she joined USHA in 2002. But Usha persevered. Recently, Tintu broke the 15-year-old 800 m record held previously by Shiny Wilson by clocking a time below 2 minutes. Usha believes that Tintu Luka will spring a surprise for all during the London Olympics next year. But like any successful institution, USHA too faced its share of problems from unexpected quarters during its initial days. Apart from financial shortcomings, there was local agitation against the academy. Parents from local schools staged rallies demanding that students trained from USHA be barred from participating in school competitions. They felt it as unfair to their own children. It was here that Usha’s managerial ability to 20
rally behind her recruits came to the fore. She convinced the locals about the wisdom in allowing her students to compete in major tournaments which would help in their all-round development. The locals finally saw sense. With local support affirmed and her self- belief in managing her wards efficiently growing by the day, Usha began plans to take her academy to the next level. For this, she needed sponsors to help her expand. Already, the academy was overburdened since the cost of training a student including the educational, medical and food expenses came close to `1.5 lakh per year. Her pillar of support through these periods and even now has undoubtedly been her husband, Mr Sreenivasan. They organised meetings with corporates using the brand name that was PT Usha. Also since many of her wards had already started hitting the limelight on the national athletics circuit, sponsors were forthcoming. Sunil Dutt, late actor and Minister for Sports, was the first to extend financial support to the academy by providing `50,000. And soon enough big corporate and resourceful individuals like the Malayala Manorama Group, Ms Sudha Murthy (wife of Mr N R Narayana Murthy, chairman, Infosys), Mr S Gopalakrishnan (co-founder and CEO, Infosys) and Mr Faris Aboobacker of Parrot Grove Group, opened their purse strings liberally for the noble endeavour. Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation too pitched in to support Usha by allotting 30 acres of
land at its Kinalur Industrial Growth Centre. Recently, Sobha Developers, a real estate group, sponsored the entire hostel block of the academy, while the Rotary District Club set up a world class fitness centre there. The hostel, which currently has rooms for 18 students, will soon be expanded to accommodate 200 trainees. Usha now plans to develop a world class eight lane 400 m synthetic track. One would wonder how in this age of professionalism USHA has managed to be running strong even though other sports institutions in the State are in a stage of decay. For this part of the credit should also be given to the academy’s own band of management consultants. The students of IIM Kozhikode regularly provide management inputs helping the academy run on sound organisational principles. They also provide advice on ways to bring in the sponsors. Today, the academy is not just an institution set up to suit the fancy of the general public or ease the ego of a retired sportsperson. Usha has a clear focus on what she expects out of the academy on a short and long term basis; an Olympic gold in athletics and a world class athletics training facility on the lines of Crystal Palace in London where she trained during her days as an athlete. This resolve is felt among all aspiring junior athletes as well. They prefer trying their luck here to the trials conducted by other sports institutions in the state. The recruiting season of USHA sees as many as 400-500 children regularly queuing up while other sports recruiters barely manage a dozen. “Parents want to send their children here because they believe in USHA. Also, there is a sense of security that their child will be taken care of and not be exposed to the negativity of the world. Here, only athletics matters,” says Mr Sreenivasan. She may have missed the bronze in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by 1/100th of a second, but USHA’s girls could soon compensate for that; coming home with a bag of medals, inscribed with the five interlaying circles. Usha believes in it. It’s time we do as well.
NEWS
Gateway to Malabar The newly-constructed 225 metre wharf has revived hopes of Azhikkal Port commencing operations soon
The Azhikkal Port promises to bring in economic development to the North Malabar region
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Kuruvilla Chacko
he year was 1966. The location, a fishing village called Azhikkal near Kannur. An intermediary port began operations here, holding promises of economic growth in the district. The industry, which included the thriving handloom and plywood sectors, was ecstatic about the critical infrastructure facility coming up there, as it would facilitate easy export of their products. But it was not to be. Somewhere down the line, the port failed to keep pace with the growth around. Worse, it gradually slipped into decline. Proposals for its revival never fructified. There is hope now, modest though, with the State government including it in the National Maritime Development Programme, funded by
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the Government of India. The much awaited dredging and wharf construction, part of the `1,750 crore project, are already underway. Once complete, it will enable medium sized vessels to dock here. The 225-metre wharf, being constructed at a cost of `9 crore, will provide a convenient berthing facility for vessels. The dredging operations will provide a minimum depth of 5 metres, which could go up to 11 meters, at the mouth of the basin. The channel has a depth of up to eight metres in most areas (except at the mouth and in some pockets), which could come handy for further development of the port. Breakwaters are being constructed to stabilise the channel and prevent silt deposition which made dredging difficult beyond 3.5 metres. While the
breakwater from the Azhikkal side has been completed, the one from the Mattul side is under construction. The channel will be widened later from the present width of 70 metres to 320 metres, which is a convenient turning circle width for bigger vessels.
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he Azhikkal port, located between the New Mangalore port and ICTT in Kochi, was among the 17 notified ports to be developed under Public Private Partnership by the State Government. Mundra Port and SEZ Limited, which had bagged the order for developing the port, later developed cold feet. The project got a fresh lease of life after the government included it in the National Maritime Development Programme. The port is expected to give a major fillip to the industrial progress of
Cement, sand to go cheaper T
he port will be a cure for the acute shortage of building materials such as sand and cement, especially at a time when the construction industry in the region is in a boom phase with the launch of the international airport and the first IT park. Inter-port transfer of these materials from Gujarat—at present they are brought via road—could reduce the prices substantially. “Cement will be cheaper by `25-30 per bag and tiles by 10 per cent,” says Mr Maheshchandra Baliga, president of the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce. “Once the airport and Cyber Park come up, it would further create demand for housing and industrial buildings. Huge quantities of construction materials will be needed for the next 4-5 years. The port will help ensure their supply and keep a tab on the prices.”
the north Malabar region. The textile, plywood and spices industry as well as trade sectors are looking forward to the completion of the project with excitement. With a container freight station coming up at Mangattuparambu, the port will soon be able to handle container cargo as well, apart from the current facility for bulk cargo. The port will be a godsend for the plywoods industry, says Mr P K Mohamed, managing director Western India Plywoods, the largest woodworking unit in India. “There are ships waiting with cargo for us to enter the port as it will save time and money for both sides. Once operational, we expect to do all our trade through this port,” he said. At present the industry, which imports around 5000 tonne of timber a month, uses the Cochin port. But lack of adequate container freight stations and customs clearance facilities at Kochi hamper operations, he said. “The frequent strikes at Kochi are another hazard as they mean heavy losses and huge operational costs,” he said. The company shells out `35,000 for transporting a TEU (twenty foot equivalent) from Kochi to Kannur apart from other costs on storage. “Once Azhikkal Port starts operations, we would be able to save crores of rupees which we can use to expand our operations and capacity,” Mr Mohamed said. The port will also be a node for off-shore industries to sprout around
it. Says Mr Farook PP, a shipping agent in the region: “The 150 acres of sparsely inhabited land surrounding the port can house the proposed ship building unit of the Central government as well as the Coast Guard Academy.” Petro chemical industries can be set up to help ease the pressure off Mangalore and Kochi ports which currently handle the petroleum imports to this side of the country. There is also a possibility that a part of iron ore exports through the Mangalore port can be traded through the Azhikkal port. Even hill produce like spices, cashew and tea from the
neighbouring Coorg and Wayanad districts will find Azhikkal as a low cost shipping point. Mr C Jayachandran, president of Kerala Textiles Export Organisation, said the success of the port and the economic progress of the region were mutually dependent. “At present there are more than 30 textile units in the district which trade through the Cochin port,” he says. “Their export of roughly 200 containers a month cannot fill even a single shipment, and so is usually clubbed with other container goods from the Cochin port.” Port operations will augment industrial activity which will help them optimise the services of the port, he says. The Lakshadweep Association of Contractors and Vessel Owners are confident that bigger vessels of carrying capacity of minimum 4,000 tonne will dock at the port. Azhikkal, being the closest port to Lakshadweep, stands to gain from the daily trade of rice, pulses, sugar and other essentials worth `3-4 crore. At present the trade is routed through the Mangalore and Kochi ports. The port authorities plan to provide a portion of the wharf for exclusive berthing of vessels from Lakshadweep. The Azhikkal Port promises to bring to Kannur what the Cochin and Mangalore ports did to those regions: a vibrant industrial growth.
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Serene & soothing Santhigiri ashram in Kerala, India, is set to initiate energy saving measures apart from adding to the tranquility of its environs by installing LEDs for its lighting purposes
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The lotus-shaped Santhigiri Ashram in full splendour. LED lamps light up the entire ashram including the petals for 3 hours a day in the evenings
he Santhigiri Ashram in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of the southernmost Indian State of Kerala, is much more than an abode of peace. It also aims at maintaining oneness with Nature, the reason why it opted for the less energy-guzzling LEDs when it came to charting a lighting project. The initial plan was to use 180 metal halides of 1,000 W each for the 180-KW project. But that would have required installation of an additional transformer costing around $200,000, a new control panel and extra wiring. By opting for LEDs, the ashram expects to reduce the energy consumption to as low as 20 KW ie. just 10 per cent of the original demand. Thus by doing away with the auxiliary systems needed otherwise, the ashram has recovered the high initial investment on LED lamps, even before the inauguration of the new lighting system next month. LED lighting will meet the ashram’s aesthetic needs as well. “To create a peaceful atmosphere, the ashram needed dynamic lighting and not a crude lighting source,” says Mr M P Salim, lighting expert and project consultant. “Apart from being inflexible, metal halides generate a lot of heat and can produce only flat light, not soothing colours.” Additionally LEDs are useful for light-changing applications. They could add a shade of meaning to the lotus-like structure without relying on colour filters. Also, with minimal heat and no UV radiation, the ashram can maintain the splendour and freshness of its structure for years. The cost for lighting the structure for three hours a day has been projected to be only one-tenth of the initial estimate. Also, the lower energy demand can allow for a backup of 20 KVA using a UPS, which could not be employed for the earlier lighting design.
Setting the Standards StanChart cuts power usage by installing energy efficient lighting sources in its Bahrain office
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tandard Chartered Bank, Bahrain’s first bank, has beenpowering the growth of the Kingdom’s economy for the past 90 years. It is now aligning itself with the country’s green initiatives by embracing energy-efficient lighting systems. The initiative, carried out with the help of Philips, is all set to
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result in substantial savings, both in power consumption and money. The project fits smugly into the image of the bank: it has for long been actively promoting environmental finance projects in the field of energy efficiency and water investments across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
With the new energy savings plan, the total energy consumption would reduce by 42 per cent, saving 181,966 units a year. Or approximately $7,280! The bank had an existing capacity of 155 KW and consumed 18.8 W/m2. With the new energy savings plan, the total energy consumption would reduce by 42 per cent, giving a saving of 181,966 units a year. Or approximately $7,280! Keeping in mind the lighting requirements of a bank, the team at Philips provided soothing light and sensors which could automatically adapt to varying density of people in different parts of the building. LED lamps, which are part of the new package, with their low energy consumption and stability to varying on/off periods, fitted the bill perfectly for areas like the meeting rooms and toilets, where lighting requirements were sporadic and irregular. Also the corridors and other areas outside the building which needed automatic light control will also have LEDs. In all, 227 LED GU10 7W lamps will replace the existing MR16 50W lamps, providing savings of 87 per cent. Since LEDs do not require a ballast or choke, the 12V transformer used previously for these applications could be done away with. CFLs were used extensively to replace the inefficient lamps existing in office spaces and control rooms needing constant light. Philips Luminaries provided 2780 PLL 24 W CFLs in place of the majorly employed 36 W CFLs in the office. PLC 18 W lamps replaced the PLC 26 W lamp in zones in the office such as the lift area which needed constant illumination, with net savings of 44 per cent. Also the 11W CFLs replaced the GLS 60W lamps in the meeting rooms, providing net savings of 82 per cent. The bank is also installing timers so that the lights go off after office hours. Since most of the new installations employed electronic ballasts, the utilisation of power was very low as compared with the copper ballasts installed previously. The bank expects to get returns on investments within the next four years. With this initiative the bank aims to shift to energy efficient lightings and to encourage institutional and behavioural change among its employees.
Juice up your Life Beat the heat, the fruity way
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ummer is round the corner and so are the days when you refill your body with choice liquids. Why don’t you try pure juices this time around? After all, what better way to beat the heat and revitalise yourself than a glass filled with nature’s freshest foods? A juicer extracts the enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in fruits, making it easy for body cells to assimilate them. Juices also facilitate easy digestion of other solid food. Juices are highly detoxifying and
The juice recipe World’s super juicer Jason Vale has tied up with Philips to bring the joy of pure juicing to the masses. Here is one of his super hit recipes, Dr Juice. It is named so because it does so much good for your body. Ingredients 1 inch slice large carrot, 2 apples, 1/2 stick celery, 1 small whole raw beetroot, 1/2 inch slice unwaxed lemon, 1/2 slice ginger, ice Juice the lot. Pour it over ice. And enjoy!
cleansing. They help repair damages to our cells, heal and nourish. Juices also control the effects of free radicals and dead cells on the skin and keep it healthy and youthful. Blenders are another option for those wanting to utilise the entire fruit or vegetable to produce smoothies. It is a mixing jug with a rotary blade at the bottom, which liquidises whatever you put in the top into a drink. Philips has been a pioneer in high quality juicers since the introduction of their first juicer in the 1950s. Its range of popular juicers ( HR1861, 1851,1858,1841, among others) make juicing an experience unto itself. Philips juicers have an anodised aluminium body and work on a power range between 300 W -700 W. There are separate juicers for hard and soft fruits. These juicers also avoid the need for peeling or cutting of the food materials and can process whole foods. They can be cleaned in a dishwasher. As Bahrain gears up to face rising temperatures this summer, Philips has made available to its citizens the best solution, the natural way.
Juices control the effects of free radicals and dead cells on the skin and keep it healthy and youthful
Why is it so good for you
You have a cloudy red juice combining the sweet and creamy flavours of freshly extracted apple and carrot juice with the savoury sodium of celery, the kick of lemon and ginger. Your doctor may not prescribe something that would contain the array of health-building constituents of Dr Juice: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and K, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, folic acid, malic acid, soluble fibre, natural sugars, natural fats, organic natural water and an amazing amount of antioxidants. The antioxidants will soak up free radical damage caused by fast foods, cigarette smoke, stress and other factors.
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Tourism
Once upon a time in
The Muziris Heritage project is another feather in the cap for the ever innovative tourism industry in Kerala. Conservation amidst commercialisation is the goal of this project
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Kuruvilla Chacko
fter nearly eight centuries, the ancient port of Muziris, in present-day Pattanam village, which conducted a flourishing trade with the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Romans, the Arabs and the Chinese, is coming back to life. Kerala’s market-savvy Department of Tourism is readying itself with the country’s first planned heritage tourism initiative, the Muziris Heritage project (MHP). 34
The `180 crore initiative, with a central government funding of `40 crore, is Kerala’s first green tourism project and stretches across two districts including seven panchayats, from North Paravur in Ernakulam District to Kodungallur in Thrissur District. Why is Muziris stirring up so much excitement? The prosperous port has a fascinating past and offers a glimpse to the glory this region once had. Imagine trading in spices and jewellery with ancient Romans.
Muziris is mentioned in the historic tomes of 1st century Greco-Latin historians Ptolemy and Pliny, and also in classical Indian accounts. The great ancient kingdoms traded in gems such as garnets, quartz, pearls and lapis lazuli, aromatics, cotton and spices, especially pepper. Old papyrus accounts talk of the existence of a Roman merchant colony on this coast. Some artifacts indicate Roman ships might have been built in India and were probably crewed by Indians.
Kerala
Excavations here have revealed the largest number of amphora (Roman pottery) fragments used for transporting wine and olive oil, apart from Roman coins and beads, outside of the Roman Empire. Also, there was always an element of mystery because of the abrupt end to trading in this major port around the middle of the 13th century. One theory attributes it to an earthquake, another to the great flood of 1341 AD recorded in history, which caused the river Periyar to change course. The project today aims to restore and showcase locations and cultures depicting the glorious past of a region. Mr Krishnachandran P K, General Manager-Business Development of Intersight Tours &
Travels says, “Being in stark contrast to the popular but regular menu of beaches, hill stations and backwaters, this project will help innovate and improve the quality of tourism services currently offered in the state.” Carrying the past forward Heritage tourism has for long been the highest constituent to tourism generated revenues across the world. “The amazing history and mysticism associated with such places create a mixture of patriotism and curiosity in the minds of the local community”, says Ms Maneesha Panicker, manager of Silk Route Escapes, an experiential tour company, which conducts heritage tours in Kerala. According to her, it is this symbiotic relation that has enabled heritage
sites to be the main draw for tourists across the world. Heritage tourism is a $400 billion industry; endorsed by 40 per cent of the world’s 880 million tourists, a segment known as alert intelligent travellers. But for some reason, despite having a rich history and varied traditions, India remains a speck in the global heritage tourism industry with just 5 per cent of the foreign tourist arrivals to the country interested in its past; the rest opting instead for the rich flora, fauna and ancient medical practices. The most visited heritage site, the Taj Mahal, witnesses close to only 3 million tourists annually, which though impressive on the national level isn’t big when compared with its global compatriots. The Pyramids attract 12 35
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million foreign tourists and the Great Wall of China attracts more than 20 million foreign tourists annually. Says Mr V M Sunil, special officer for MHP, “The project will bring to life centuries old traditions and practices, along with a walk into the past through the historical town of Kodungallur and its adjacent provinces, all within an area of 40 sq.km.” Adds Mr G Pramod, Senior Consultant with KITCO Consultants, which provided the consultancy for the project, “Malayalees can now take pride in the fact that 2,000 years back they were the gateway to other civilisations in India.” The MHP is scheduled to be completed in three phases: The 27 sites being developed include India’s first mosque, the Cheruman Juma Masjid built in AD 629; India’s earliest churches built by St Thomas around 52 AD and various temples such as the Keezhthali Siva Temple and Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Shethram, which have been counted as among the oldest in the State, dating back to more than 2,000 years; apart from the Gothuruthy village lifestyle famous for its art and dance forms. The first phase of the project, to be inaugurated this year will also see the Paravur and Chendamangalam Jewish synagogues, the Paliam Nalukettu and Paliam Kovilakam (Dutch Palace) and India’s first European monument, the hexagonal shaped Pallipuram Portuguese Fort built in 1503, among the new entrants to be opened to the public. Local villagers are being trained as amateur historians to revive the long-lost folk stories of the once prosperous town of Muziris and its neighbouring regions. A series of ‘live museums’ depicting age-old cultures famous to the region, like a coir museum, a museum of fishing tools, a museum of spices and an aquatic museum, in addition to the life and works of contemporary men and women of the region will be opened.
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Staying in the past
heritage hotel defines a heritage site; the reason why tourists are ready to pay that extra buck just to get a feel of the region from the comfort of their rooms. According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, 58 per cent of foreign tourists prefer heritage hotels. The Muziris Heritage Project however, does not include any initiative as yet for a heritage hotel. Though true, it rings alarm bells on the need for more infrastructure in the region. “Without the accommodation facilities suited to a heritage site, it will greatly affect itinerary circuit and timeline tours, culture tours, museums and backwater cruises; and tourists who wish to spend the evenings enjoying the sights and smells of the region”, says Mr Anoop A, Travel Consultant with Trans Indus Tours. Kochi, which is just 30 km from the proposed heritage site, is the next best bet to house heritage hotels for tourists visiting MHP. But the city already has great demand for its heritage hotels. Mr. George Davis, Reservations Manager at CGH Earth, the pioneers in heritage hotels in the state says, “We achieve full bookings from October to mid-April, especially from foreign tourists.” Mr. E.M. Najeeb of Air Travel Enterprises expects an increase of 20 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals once the Muziris project gets its act going, which translates to a corresponding increase in room capacity. All this means just one thing for the potential investor: opportunity. The onus is on heritage developers to utilise it.
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Exhibitions of artisans and craftsmen, workshops by bell metal makers, handloom weavers and wood workers will also be a part of the itinerary. There will be heritage centres displaying performing arts to represent the non-physical aspect of the place. Boat museums will be constructed in the latter
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phase of the project. These will be real boats modelled on ships from countries that had association with Muziris down the centuries. These include Romans, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Arabs among others. The museums will showcase the culture and goods used for trading by these countries. Live trading of the day’s fresh catch of fish, spices and other food items will be held in the form of the age old ‘aazhcha chantha’ (weekly village market and fair) at the Kottappuram, Paravur and Paliam markets. The shops and roads in the market area are being recreated to give tourists a feel of the past.
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Conservation a Priority KITCO which had earlier been involved in heritage conservation projects like renovation of the famed Hill Palace Museum and Bastion Bungalow in Kochi and Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam among others, employed the services of Mr Benny Kuriakose, popular urban landscape architect and a host of other technical organisations for the same. The biggest support to the project though, was from the people of the region, which has been “excellent”. Raheem, 42, who runs a real estate business in the area, says, “In this initiative, nature doesn’t have to be destroyed to create the past from the present; it just needs to be showcased and preserved in its pristine form.” He represents the sentiments shared by the local people on the prospects of the project and their eagerness to be a part of it. Adds Mr Sunil, “The expected boost to the rural economy and the restoration of the fading cultural and art forms of the region has endeared this project to the masses”. While the project has seen hitches and the pace has been slow, it is hoped that Kerala Tourism, which has delivered the goods with regards to other tourism segments in the past, can yet again weave its magic and set a trend for others to follow in the country.
Why Muziris needs to do more! By K C Chandrahasan
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reat heritage sites need to be experienced, not just seen. The same parameter will define the Muziris Heritage Project. It should make travellers want to return to it; at the same time, refer glowingly about it to fellow travellers. Kerala Tourism which has initiated this ambitious project would do well to make sure the site has the basic requirements so necessary for a true heritage tourism site. Firstly, heritage tourism unlike other segments should be marketed differently, since it requires separate standards and skill sets. This is particularly necessary when you consider the state’s dismal record in attracting heritage tourists. Despite attracting 77 lakh domestic tourists and another 6 lakh foreign tourists to the state, just 5 per cent of them visit Kerala’s existing heritage sites like Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and other monuments in the Malabar region. On the other hand, sustained marketing of the state’s natural beauty and attractive packaging of authentic Ayurveda has seen these segments attract 90 per cent of domestic and 75 per cent of foreign tourists visiting the state. Heritage tourists combine history and curiosity and so there should be heritage specific tour packages and proper logistics catering to the needs of the heritage traveller, who seeks authentic historical locations and surroundings. The tourism department has made plans for the same by planning circuit, timeline and waterways tours, though it is not clear if the infrastructure for the same is in place. Another hallmark of a successful heritage site is proper documentation of the region and its origins. With all urban cities looking identical, people travel far and wide to go back in time
to a place undisturbed by technology. It is only fair then that they get to access the critical information of a region they so desire to see for themselves. The tourism department has proposed opening of the Centre for Muziris Studies for the same. It is expected to provide data about the history of the region to tourists and local people and will house a digital library, classrooms, scholars’ rooms, seminar halls and an auditorium among others, in addition to encouraging academic and research activities. The concept is good but needs to be implemented as soon as possible, before the first set of serious tourists trickle in. Also, since a heritage site usually spawns a set of intellectuals around it, educated guides complementing this group is a necessity. They should be well-versed with the folk stories and history surrounding the region, especially since it is the place of origin of many cultures and religions, apart from being a 2,000-year-old port city, where seafarers from different countries converged. This will encourage more youngsters from the region to study history as a subject and provide them with a source of employment and scope of research. Currently, training is being provided to locals to serve as guides, though the quality is debatable. Lastly, the famous Indian penchant for littering and using famous tourism spots as graffiti canvas has to stop at heritage sites lest it damages the property. Only by educating the local people can a more positive identity be created. The tourism department is definitely aware of these requirements and has its hands full as it sets about developing better transportation avenues, refreshment centres and other tourism amenities. But unless these finer aspects are incorporated, the project will turn out to be a case of so near, yet so far. The writer is Managing Director, Kerala Travels Interserve, the State’s first travel agency founded in 1959 37
GREEN ZONE
Well covered
Tensile fabrics, a new roofing application, is a hit with architects
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he facade of the Burj ul Arab hotel in Dubai has been noted for its iconic sails. They bring to life images that are closely associated with the sailors’ life of the Arabs. Take a closer look, and you will notice that the sails are not concrete. Rather, it is tensile fabric, the new age design fabric. A strong, flexible and light weight material, tensile fabrics are synthetic fibres with a PVC coating. They are increasingly replacing polycarbonate or corrugated sheets worldwide for roofing and mass gathering applications because of superior features and the imaginative uses it can be put to. In India, major projects such as the DY Patil Cricket stadium in Mumbai, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the passenger walk bays in Hyderabad and Delhi airports, and the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai have made use of this material. Closer home, the Indroyal Group has zeroed in on tensile fabrics after scouting for a suitable material for pool side and balcony canopies for its new hotel project at Kochi. It needed structures that would merge with the building and have an unorthodox shape to it. “Tensile fabrics can bend and twist easily,” says Mr Shirish D Lilladhar, managing director of Tarpaulin House, Kochi, which fabricated and erected the structures for Indroyal. “They form fluid structures, with no wrinkles or gaps, without compromising on the strength, utility or looks.” Tensile fabrics possess a fairly good strength of 250 KgF; meaning, only a load of more than 250 kg placed on a fully stretched piece of standard fabric strip of 20cm x 5cm can break it. One reason for this durability is that fabric materials, which
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are lightweight and flexible, interact better with natural forces than a rigid material. Though its strength is not comparable to that of concrete structures, it is adequate for safe and sturdy applications. Tensile structures sprout in India because of its suitability for applications under the sun; literally. These polymers reflect 60 per cent of the incident solar heat, bringing the interior temperature down by as much as 30C. At the same time, they allow 13-19 per cent of sunlight to pass through, which provides sufficient lighting. These features make it the first choice for building public spaces such as bus stands and canopies in parks. Roadside kiosks or mobile showrooms also opt for tensile structures. That they can be pre-designed, disassembled and re-assembled quickly to form portable structures, combined with an easy installation possibility enables them to be set up over a large area for corporate functions or mass gatherings, in a few hours. A slew of projects coming up in Kerala are banking on tensile fabrics
Tensile fabrics can bend and twist easily,” says Mr Shirish D Lilladhar, managing director of Tarpaulin House, Kochi. “They form fluid structures, with no wrinkles or gaps, without compromising on the strength, utility or looks ”
for its aesthetic and design properties. “These fabrics enable seamless covering of curved spaces like an exhibition dome or the circular roof of malls and stadiums, something which current favourites like corrugated sheets or concrete structures are unable to do,” says Mr Biley Menon, architect and urban designer at Idea Design and consultant to the C-HEM (Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development), government of Kerala. An international houseboat terminal in the shape of two joined shells is set to come up in Alapuzha and a huge food court in
Tensile fabrics reflect 60 per cent of the incident solar heat, bringing the interior temperature down by as much as 30C. They allow 13-19 per cent of sunlight to pass through the new corporate house of Geojit BNP Paribas is being planned using fabric structures. “These fabrics allow us to design complex and uniquely shaped structures,” says Mr S Gopakumar, principal architect of Kumar Associates, which built the roof canopy for the IMA building with the same material. Another project in the offing is the Broadway & Ernakulam Market Heritage Urban Renewal Project in Kochi under JNNURM, which aims to roof the entire stretch of the historic Broadway Road and its surrounding market with tensile fabric structures. “Tensile structures possess all-weather properties, suited for a place like Kerala, which experiences alternate wet and dry conditions throughout the year,” says Mr P C Mathew, associate architect of Design Combine, the firm which put in place the designs for the proposed project. “Such structures will not be affected by fungus or decay and the UV protection coating will ensure they maintain their sheen through the years.”
The layer of anti-static PVDF (polyvinylidene fluorides) coating, which is the equivalent of the DuPont paint on automobiles, prevents any stain or dirt from embedding into it. This and their anti-creep property results in low maintenance cost, says Mr Mathew. Once the project is set in motion, the road and the market will resemble a stretch of open shopping mall, without bothering shoppers of the vagaries of nature. The price factor While it would seem like a good longterm option, the high initial pricing of fabric structures could act as a deterrent. Currently, the structures cost anything between `325-750/sq.ft., including fabrication and installation, which is around 25 per cent more than
Decoding the fabric T
he tensile fabrics or vinyl-coated polyester PVDF is made up of a polyester ation scrim (heavy woven matePVC lamin c rial), exterior PVC coatings ic fabri Synthet and an adhesive agent. The scrim supports the liquid PVC coating applied initially and provides the tensile strength, elongation and dimensional stability of the resulting fabric. The adhesive agent acts as a chemical bond between the polyester fibres and the exterior coating and also prevents fibres from wicking (absorbing water). The fabric is then put through a heating chamber that dries the liquid coating and PVDF is finally grafted chemically to the exterior of the fabric as a top coating.
luses t The Lpight weiegnhgth
tr igh s H that for le eat lexib 0% h polycar F eflects 6 light % bonate R llows 19 A structures. This could inusost M be the dee h T High c ciding fac tor between tensile fabrics gaining mass acceptance and remaining a hi-end product. But Mr Lilladhar thinks differently. “Tensile fabrics are not just a convenient structural and design material. They also provide aesthetic value by giving off a daytime glow due to the sunlight reflector coating and a reverse luminosity effect at night due to interior lighting. Even though expensive, it is worth every rupee,” he says. Architects like Mr Menon, however, have a different take. He feels there has to be more local fabrication and designs for large scale projects, if the overall prices for domestic applications are to come down. According to him, not just good design specifications, but also high quality fabric needs to be provided from within the country, if prices are to be within the range for general application purposes. Currently, large scale projects depend on foreign expertise. Mr Gopakumar puts it thus, “A dash of awareness is required to gain mass acceptance. By being incorporated into corporate and public projects, people will soon see its benefits and opt for it.”
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Photo: V Sivram
Art
Vernissage Art gallery in Kochi
Riches on canvas
The contemporary art scene in Kerala looks bright as more galleries open to meet a growing demand
T
Kuruvilla Chacko
he 2005 Mumbai-Kochi travelling art exhibition ‘Double Enders’ had an unusual ensemble: noted Malayalee artist Bose Krishnamachari for curator; presence of art lovers from across the globe, and the works of 69 artists from Kerala on show. Many thought it had all the ingredients that could help recapture the national prominence that Kerala contemporary art once adorned. The show was indeed a commercial and critical success, and made several
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artists, already noted in their home ground, known all over. But it did a disservice, too, by creating an art bubble. Galleries opened by the dozen, exhibiting mediocre but overpriced works, riding on the high disposable income and the sudden interest of Malayalees in art as an investment option. Indeed an unhealthy canvas for art to grow. “The economic recession of 2008 helped clean up the scene,” says artist Rajan M Krishnan, who shot to prominence during Double Enders. “Only those with real talent and a genuine intent to promote art as an
investment avenue endured.” The art scene in Kerala is a lot healthier today than when Double Enders arrived. The over-hyped galleries have all closed down. Serious promoters see quality art, and not mindless pricing, as the key to sustainability. The aim is to provide collectors value for their investments and give art its due respect. Mr Dilip Narayanan, owner of popular gallery Open eyed Dreams (OED) in Kochi, is very optimistic about the current art scene. “It grows at a healthy rate of 25-30 per cent despite the setback caused by reces-
sion,” says Mr Narayanan, who left his job as an investment banker to start OED in 2002. “It’s all about knowing where to find the market.” He has conducted more than 60 shows in the last eight years. ‘Earth’, held last year, included the works of five generations of artists, including Padmashree Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh and Sudhir Patwardhan, two of the biggest names in contemporary Indian art.
sold. OED, on the other hand, has built a network of patrons within the State and has only been slightly affected by recession. “Come April and corporate houses in the State are ready to shell out a portion of their income for buying art. These collectors see art purely as an investment,” says Mr Narayanan. His patrons prefer investing in paintings in the bracket of `1 lakh to `5 lakh. He is setting up a larger gallery in Fort Kochi, the State’s art hub as he is confident that Kerala has more than enough buyers. “Art as a business is easily sustainable in Kerala,” says he. “One should be involved in it completely and channelise contacts properly to reap profits as in any other business.” An important segment of buyers that has risen during the last couple of years is architects and interior decorators, according to Ms Bindu Nair, CEO of Vernissage Art gallery in Kochi. She says, “The paintings in demand for such purposes are the ones below the `1 lakh mark and include religious or landscape works. It’s heartening to see Malayalees prefer paintings to floral prints and traditional ornamental items for interior decoration in homes, hotels
Sketching the market The talent that Kerala holds is one reason why the galleries thrive. Mr Jose Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth, which runs David Hall, a prominent art gallery in Fort Kochi, feels that collectors from outside come to Kerala due to an increased preference for art coming out of the State. “Representatives of corporate houses come to buy from here since Kerala offers them quality work at lower prices,” said Mr Dominic. “For them, this is a kind of value appreciation.” The gallery does more business than initially expected and mainly caters to collectors who look for works priced below `5 lakh. While most gallery owners agree that Kerala has a great talent pool which creates quality work, they are unsure of the local buyer. According to Mr Anoop Skaria, owner of Kashi Art Café, a prominent gallery in Kochi, “Malayalees come and view the works, but purchases and our sustenance depend on the patronage of clients from outside.” The gallery conducted an exhibition titled ‘10 light years’ in 2007, in which a collector from Mumbai purchased a painting by popular artist Riyas Khomu for `30 lakh. The last two years, though, have seen paintings Youngsters with of lower costs potential and being
and office buildings.” This set of buyers may not be serious collectors, but make an important contribution to the growing art scene, according to her. With so much sanguinity in the sector, young artists couldn’t ask for more. Sanal C S of the Government Fine Arts College, Thrissur, feels the future holds out hope for emerging artists. He displayed his works at an exhibition conducted by the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy and knows there are investors who will back him, once he shows promise. This is in stark contrast to the days a decade ago when the State barely had good galleries or art promoters, leaving budding artists to make their own fate, says
commitment have a whole lot of options before them, says Anoop Skaria of Kashi Art Gallery, Fort Kochi 41
Sketching the Net he importance of technology in T bridging the gap between the artist and the art enthusiast cannot be ignored, for it helps bring back many famous artists who had left the State years ago in search of greener pastures. “Today, artists have come out of their shells and are much closer to art connoisseurs. By setting up websites, they have become accessible and can thus work from anywhere,” says Mr Johnny, art historian. Even Mr Narayanan of OED gallery finds the web a convenient tool to connect with his clients. This trend is not being seen only among galleries and established artists. Even upcoming artists from small towns who are not in a position to hold exhibitions or rent spaces in cities have opted to publicise their works on the web. These websites
Mr Rajan, who remembers his initial days of struggle. Mr Skaria voices the same thought: “Youngsters with potential and commitment have a whole lot of options before them.” Adds Ms Nair of Vernissage Gallery, “People look for new thoughts, new ideas. That’s exactly the reason why art galleries exhibit paintings of newcomers, who have a different feel to their work.” Most galleries are putting in place facilities to host artists from outside, said Ms Nair. “In fact, 75 per cent of the paintings displayed 42
display their paintings as well as portfolio and allow the customers to review the works of the painter apart from providing valuable insights on art. Also, customers can make online purchases and custom-made paintings. The owner of one such interactive site, a painter by hobby and high school teacher by profession, Mr Biju P Mathew from Kollam, says that his desire to spread his works among people from different places is the inspiration behind the website. He sells on an average 2-3 paintings monthly to clients across the State and the highest price for a painting sold by him online so far has been `5,000. Though not comparable with the high price segment, he feels there are a lot of takers in the medium and low price segment. “It’s all about fixing your customer base”, he says. in our gallery are of artists from outside Kerala. This will help develop a healthy competition among existing and emerging artists to display their best works, which in the long run will only benefit the standards of art and artists coming out from the State.” Looking Ahead Although, there’s a positive side to the art culture, the artists’ community in the State feel that a lot more support is required from various quarters to exploit the market fully.
Says Mr Johnny M L, noted art critic and historian, “Compared to people from other parts of India, Malayalees have a very good visual understanding of art, especially since art and culture have been an integral part of Kerala for a very long time.” Kochi, on its part, is promoting art aggressively and has a vibrant art culture compared to other South Indian cities. Most of the artists also are from Kerala, says Mr Johnny, giving further evidence of an increased preference for Malayalee artists. But the problem arises in convincing Malayalees to invest in art which is seen as a passive asset. Further efforts are required from various quarters to convince them of the viability of art as an asset, he adds. Says artist Satyapal, Secretary of Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, Thrissur, “The infrastructure needs to be improved in towns, where more exhibitions need to be hosted.” Ms Kavitha Balakrishnan, art historian and faculty member at Government Fine Arts College, Thrissur, feels that workshops should be conducted for people keen to be initiated into the world of art. They should be made aware of what art is and the importance it attaches to the thinking of a society. Her thoughts are echoed by Mr Skaria who feels art should be a part of school education so that the culture is ingrained from a small age itself. Initiatives such as the Kochi Muziris Biennale to be conducted in the State in 2012 are a positive step forward to inculcate the same. Says Mr Johnny, “Such programmes will expose the average Malayalee to artists from abroad and their works and will help put Kerala on the national art radar.” Mr Narayanan also feels that the Biennale will bring serious art lovers and investors from across the globe to the State and adds, “This can only be good for artists and art lovers in the State.” Mr Johnny expects the media to cover art and the life of artists more so as to increase public interest in the same. Also according to him, celebrity art collectors should express their interests and ideas on the utility of art as an investment avenue.
NEWS FROM NEIGHBOUR
A CLASS APART The Thippanur village in Coimbatore district is known for brickkilns. Most kiln workers here never went to school but their children, seen in the picture, enjoy their life in the world of letters.
Tamil Nadu, India’s sixth most populated State, is staging a silent revolution: it sends its children to school like never before. The State, which till now has been a pool for unskilled and manual labourers, will soon begin exporting future-ready professionals. By Kuruvilla Chacko
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welve-year-old Krishna reads her English textbook aloud as her mother looks on proudly. She wants to be a doctor and take care of the sick in Dasiri Palli, her village in Krishnagiri district. Her mother, a tailor, has never been to school. But she wants her daughter to achieve what she couldn’t. Muthu Velu from Kattiganali Pudur, in the neighbouring village, glances at the vastness of the fields 44
on returning from school. His father, lage Volunteer Force (VVF). Vola farmer, never had a chance to study. unteers of VVF, set up to assist the The sixth grader aspires to be a farm- government in implementing educaer’s friend, an agricultural scientist. tional schemes, contact the parents, Away in the district capital, an understand the reason, remedy it icon in the District Collector’s office and ensure that the child is back in computer is ready with the daily at- school. tendance register of the children. If Welcome to the images that dot Muthu Velu, Krishna or any of the Tamil Nadu’s villages. India’s sixth children does In the last one decade, the number of not attend the class for a few children attending school in Tamil Nadu days in a row, has more than doubled. the Collector alerts the Vil-
most populated State is revolutionising its education sector, especially at the primary level. In the last decade, it has doubled the number of children attending school from 51,00,000 to 1,06,34,455. The Net Enrolment Ratio (NER) in the age group of 6-14 touched 98 per cent last year, the highest in the country. The dropout rate today is 1.02 per cent, a sharp decline from 12 per cent in 2002. “We had the problem of child labour earlier,” said Thangam Thennarasu, engineer-turned Minister for School Education. “We have introduced several schemes to take care of the daily needs of the people. They no more need to send their children to work. They send them to school instead.”
C
hoosing not to be complacent in its achievements in the industrial sector and in attracting investments, the State focussed on education in the last decade. It went about vigorously implementing Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the Centre’s ‘education for all’ initiative; and designed its own ‘Back2school’ programme. Under these two schemes, children in government schools and SC/ ST students in aided schools are be-
The ‘Back2school’ programme aimed at enrolling more students, says its architect Dr Santhosh Babu. “We decided to focus on quantity as well as quality. After all, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam didn’t get quality education, but he made the best of what he got.” ing provided bags, books and other amenities, apart from free education. Parents are offered incentives and even financial aid to encourage them to send children to school. Special provisions are made for disabled children and girls under the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhayalaya scheme. Also, SC/ST girls are provided with food and accommodation facilities. Children who used to work get a monthly grant of `100 once
They all go to school now 98%
1,06,34,455
51,00,000
43,486
54,572
59%
12% 1.02%
they join school. Along with efforts at drawing children to school, the infrastructure too was improved considerably. The number of schools, which was 43,486 during 2001-2002, rose to 54,572 in 2009. As many as 1,274 new primary schools were set up and 2,790 primary schools upgraded to upper primary between 2005 and 2009. Krishnagiri, where education levels rose rapidly, alone saw the opening of 134 schools during this period. Dr Santhosh Babu, who as Collector of the backward Krishnagiri district designed the ‘Back2school’ scheme in 2007, said it primarily targeted at bringing the children to school. “The need was felt to enrol more students. We decided that instead of focusing merely on quality, we should look at the quantity as well. After all, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam didn’t get quality education, but he made the best of what he got.” Parents too were willing to send their children to school if their financial requirements were met, he said. For the effective implementation of the scheme, the district was 45
Sumaya (in white dress) with her friends at the hostel
Back to the world of dreams Sumaya A
I
was just 11 when I lost my father. We used to live on his meagre earnings from his work in a brick factory. After his death, we went through really hard times. My mother went to work in the fields. I dropped out of school and started helping her out. All my dreams about studying and earning a good job were shattered. Two years later, the government came out with the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhayalaya scheme. It was meant for children like me who worked as labourers and for those who were uneducated. My mother seized the opportunity. I was back in school, and the scheme took care of my needs: uniforms, books and bag. I have also been provided with accommodation in a hostel, where girls like me have each other for support. I did not have to even pay fees. Now I feel that life has given me much more than what I expected. There are many like me who have benefitted from the scheme. I joined school after a long gap, and hence I felt that other children are ahead of me and I would not be able to learn as quickly as them. But the active teaching methods at school made it possible for me to
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catch up with them. Interactive video classrooms are quite interesting; we are also shown live models of objects. Special emphasis is given to English, computers and extra-curricular activities. Training is offered in yoga, kung fu, crafts and other vocational subjects. We make decorative items and stuffed toys, which well-wishers buy to encourage us. Every year, a select group of students is taken on a sponsored tour to various parts of the State. I got a chance to visit Trichy and Tirunelveli last year. Studies have now become the most important thing in my life. I see it as a means to achieve my dream of becoming an IPS officer. I want to be a responsible citizen, and contribute to society in whatever way I can. I want to make best use of my knowledge. Once I am competent enough, I want to teach my mother whatever I learn in school. It’s her dedication to see me doing well that has kept me going all these years. I am more confident of myself and my role in society, thanks to education. (Sumaya A is a class VIII student of Panchayat Union Middle School in Dasiri Palli, Krishnagiri. As told to Kuruvilla Chacko.)
divided into 10 blocks. The newly set-up VVF of young people ensured enrolment of children in any of the schools in the district. Today, members of this force make regular household visits to track the academic development of children. The Collector also got a new software developed and installed in his computer which helped him track outof-school children in the district. Krishnagiri is now one of the most child-literate districts in the country, with NER in the age group of 6-14 surpassing 90 per cent. It had a literacy rate of only 59 per cent as per the 2001 census, with at least 10,000 dropouts at the primary level.
Today, there are many government schools which have ISO certification. After seeing its success, the government is implementing the scheme across the State. The various developmental schemes ensured that the children ceased to be the bread-earners of the house. Women like Shabana, 42, are happy that they do not have to send their children to work any more. “My twelve-year-old daughter Heena is back in school after two years, and the government gives her whatever she needs. There is no need for me to toil as hard as earlier. I want her to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor.” It is the assurance of a job that has inspired many a parent to send their children to school. A few believe that educating the child will educate the entire family. Maheshwari, 37, a farm labourer, feels that education will help her daughter manage her family better once she grows up. This sense of confidence and empowerment among people is an indication of things to come. The State is
Children are exposed to activity-based learning system with the help of models and charts. They are also offered training in yoga, kung fu, crafts and other vocational subjects. (Below): Children work on computers. making efforts at the grassroots level to develop its human resource potential. From numbers, the government has now shifted focus to quality. It has roped in UNICEF and the British Council to train teachers and administrative staff in latest teaching techniques, and to hone their soft skills in English and computer literacy. It also introduced an activity-based learning system and active learning methodology which helped the children learn with the help of models and charts. Today, there are many government schools which have ISO certification. The thrust on education is changing the State’s social profile, too. In the past, the rich merchants, traders and farmers in villages attached little importance to education. For the poor, sending their children to school was never a prioprity; they sent them outside the State for physical labour, instead. No wonder that the villages did not have good schools, and the quality of education in rural schools was poor. This is all set to change now. “Children in the State want to study,” says Aruna Rathnam, education specialist with UNICEF. “Peo-
ple increasingly believe in education. Literacy rate, especially with regard
By providing education, the State aims to create a talent pool for future to English language, is showing a negative trend in several States, but it is improving in Tamil Nadu. The number of dropouts is definitely on the decline.” She said the 2011 edu-
cation census will show Tamil Nadu at a whole new level. “By providing education, the State aims to build a viable talent pool for future. Ten years from now, Tamil Nadu will be the most child-literate State in the country,” says A Bhaskaran, Chief Education Officer of Krishnagiri. Tamil Nadu is on course to score high by helping its children dream. Some big dreams, at that.
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GREEN ZONE
Lighting a revolution Big establishments turn to LEDs to slash power consumption and help cut power bills Kuruvilla Chacko
F
or the untrained eye, it looks like another of those Christmas lights, albeit brighter. For those having understood its significance, it is the holy grail of future lighting applications that comes attached with a guarantee to a reduced power bill. From lighting the world to powering entertainment and electronic gizmos, the world of a light emitting diode (LED) is an endless possibility waiting to be explored. Incorporating a host of features and powerful applications, the small device has caught
the fancy of enthusiasts around the globe. Kerala too follows the global trend in switching over to LEDs. Organisations and business establishments with regular and long-duration lighting applications have already started discovering its advantages. Like the Santhigiri Ashram in Thiruvananthapuram. The ashram, which has for long been relying on halogen lamps for its colour lighting purpose, is readying itself for the switch to LEDs. The change has not been without reason. The project’s lighting consultant and an ardent
devotee of the ashram, Mr M P Salim, said: “We felt the need to replace the harshness of the existing halogen lamps and create an aura of peace within the ashram.” The LEDs brought not only an aura of peace, but substantial savings, too. The ashram had planned to use 180 metal halides of 1000W each. The 180KW project required an additional transformer costing `80-85 lakh. But, the choice of LEDs reduced the energy demand to just around 20KW, obviating the need for a transformer. Though the initial investment for procuring the LED lamps was high, the
The Santhigiri Ashram had planned to use 180 metal halides of 1000W each. But, the choice of LEDs reduced the energy demand to just around 20KW, obviating the need for a new transformer.
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ashram has retrieved the costs even before the project is over. The total cost of ownership of LED lights is low compared with halogen or even CFL lamps. The LEDs also brought in another advantage: “The 1000W halogen weighs 25kg whereas the replacement LED weighs just 2-3kg. The advantages surely weigh in favour of LEDs,” said Mr Fayaz Babu, marketing manager of consultants 3S LED in Kochi. These advantages are playing a crucial role in its growth in the commercial sector, with several businesses discovering its benefits. Textiles major Emmanuval Silks, Thrissur and jewellery retailer H Venkatesh Naik Jewellers, Kochi, are among others who have opted for LED to light certain display areas in their shops. Said Mr Babu of 3S LED which handled the lighting makeover at the store, “The changeover to 6W LED lamps from the existing 50W halogens and to 1W
The LED advantage... ● Low energy consumption: One tenth that of an incandescent and one third that of a CFL. Saves on power bill. ● Longer life: 50000 hours against 10000 hours of CFL lamp. ● Very less heat emission. Reduces cooling needs. ● Smoothing light. Better display of products. ● Tolerant to on/off periods. No need for constant replacements. ● Low carbon emission. ... and disadvantage ● High initial investment. ● Spurious products flooding the market.
ment quickly.” Emmanuval Silks recovered their investment in 1.7 years while according to Mr Salim, the ashram did it even before the LED lamps were installed completely. An LED module might cost 10-15 times that of a CFL of similar light intensity, but once the initial investment is recovered, it is savings all the way, as the ashram is set to find out, Commercial establishments such as he adds. Also its high life - 50,000 supermarkets, hotels, malls and hours compared showrooms world over find shift to to 10,000 hours of a CFL - and LED lightings a worthy investment. tolerance to irregular on/off periods mean that the LEDs from the 15W zero watt lamps consumer needn’t look for constant has resulted in more than 80 per cent replacements. energy savings for Emmanuval Silks.” With the global lighting order The non-emission of UV rays by LED looking at phasing out traditional lamps also helps ensure the quality of lighting sources, companies like the items on display. Philips have brought out innovative LED also helps one to latch on to products such as the mood changing the green brigade. It has a lower carLED lighting systems. The system can bon footprint as it consumes much less be adjusted to suit the consumer’s difenergy – one tenth that of an incanferent moods wirelessly, creating the descent and one third that of a CFL. right ambience for the occasion. Currently LEDs are suitable for LEDs are also being brought industrial and commercial applicaout into full public view. Automotions which require lighting for long bile lamps with LED lights are nondurations regularly. Said Mr Salim, glaring and radiate better light onto “LEDs are being increasingly used in the road, increasing visibility and supermarkets, hotels, malls and other road safety. Projects using LEDs for business establishments which require lighting street lamps and government lighting for a long duration. The low energy consumption and the lower institutions such as the one in Perincooling needs due to less heat emis- gottukurissi panchayat in Palakkad sions help regain the initial invest- are being launched. Add to that the 52
launch of the world’s first organic LED which runs directly on AC power, unlike the present day LEDs that rely on bulky drivers. Though the high cost can be countered by finding effective applications, spurious photocopies cause concern. The life of an LED depends on how well it can dissipate the heat at its junctions. The lumen output of products from manufacturers with little expertise can diminish quickly, resulting in an unexpectedly low life and a dent in the image of a product waiting to gain public acceptance. Improper auxiliary systems reduce its efficiency to just 30 per cent. Of the LEDs manufactured worldwide, only 40 per cent get clearance from the American National Standards Institute. “It’s the remaining 60 per cent that finds its way from the dumping grounds into the flea markets and eventually to consumer homes,” says Mr Babu. “By compromising quality for costs, consumers might just do themselves more harm than good.” To counter the attack of spurious products, the global LED industry has brought out specifications called Zhaga standards to ensure that quality is maintained and the sale of cheap duplicates countered. The LED industry is plugging all loopholes to secure the device’s pole position in the starting grid for the race ahead. For a developing country like India, it’s time to join in riding the LED wave.