Metro Mart March 2021

Volume 10 Issue 04 March 2021

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KTM 2021 Special

KTM Virtual

New World New Solutions METRO MEDIA RECOGNISES EXCELLENCE IN FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY

2020

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

A KERALA

Foreword

T RAVEL MAR T

nother edition of Metro Mart is with you.

We have brought out this issue as KTM 2021 Special.

Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) is a prestigious biennial event and the biggest tourism and hospitality event organised by the Kerala Travel Mart Society. KTM Society has brought a radical change in the 11th Edition of KTM by launching it as a Virtual Expo on March 1st. KTM has established a name as the Travel Industry’s largest Buyer Seller Meet. The focus of this year's KTM will be on showcasing products and SOPs tailor-made to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event has always served as the global rendezvous for travel trade in Kerala. Metro Mart is the official publisher of the KTM Sellers Book for three consecutive events and this time it is being brought out as a virtual handbook.

As another landmark event, Metro Media presented the Metro Food Awards 2020 in February in recognition of excellence in the Food Service industry.

High achievers under various realms of this sector were honoured through the Awards, which were presented by Ministers of the State cabinet in a gala function held in Thiruvananthapuram. This edition of Metro Mart has featured the Metro food Awards also.

You will also find articles on many topics including travel and tourism, industry and technology.

We hope our esteemed readers would find this edition interesting and informative.

Happy reading.

SIJI NAIR

Managing Editor & Director

March 2021

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Volume 10 - Issue 04 - March 2021

www.metromartdaily.com Read our e-edition: www.issuu.com/metromart Annual Subscription Rs- 500

Publisher

Hari Shanker Managing Editor & Director

Siji Nair

Sijicn@gmail.com Executive Director

Prasad M. Executive Editor

N. Vijayagopalan Editor

V. Viswanath Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair Sub Editor

P.J. Sam Alex Project Head

Raj Nijith Business Development Manager

Ratheesh Kumar Asst Manager - Sales & Marketing

Jayaprakash R. P. Digital Marketing Officer

Preethi J. L. Design

Kiran Manager - Administration

Sabu C.N. Manager - Accounts

Sindhu R. Corporate Office:Metro Mart, MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011 Tel: 0471 4015593 M: 0091 9995139933 / 9947733339 email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com Pune Office:2nd Floor, ARIANA, Above Unnati, Near New Poona Bakery, Wakad, Pune - 411 057 India Pune | Kolkata | Bangalore | Kochi

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Contents KTM Virtual:

10 New World New Solutions Metro Media Recognises

14 Excellence in Food Service Industry 16 Metro Food Awards Winners Kadakampally Surendran:

32 Driving insights to development Attukal Pongala 2021

38 Bhakthi Overcomes All Hurdles Ananthapuri Hospitals And

44 Research Institute

ANERT - Leading the

48 Alternative-energy Crusade KINFRA's Initiatives for Promotion

52 of Food Processing Industries

Published, Edited and Printed by Hari Shanker A.G. and Owned by Haritha Media Pvt Ltd and Printed by him at SB Press Private Limited, Statue, Trivandrum 695 001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695 013 Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum, Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher nor any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions.

All Rights Reserved

ENDORSED BY

RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

Cover Feature

KTM Virtual

New World New Solutions 10

March 2021

K E R A L A TRAVEL MART

I

t is true that the unprecedented COVID19 pandemic had brought the whole tourism sector to a standstill. Efforts are being undertaken to revive the tourism industry across the globe. Kerala – God’s own Country has always been one of the most preferred destination worldwide and still exists as a hot tourist destination in the global market. To revive the tourism and hospitality sector in Kerala, innovative methods are being adopted. The latest edition of the prestigious Kerala Travel Mart was held virtual, for the first time, bringing a radical change by the organizer of the biggest tourism and hospitality event. The just-concluded Kerala Travel Meet (KTM) - Virtual Summit facilitated more than 7,000 business meets, taking major strides in overcoming the Covid-induced economic crisis in the state and bringing back the vitality

of tourism in a post-pandemic situation.

KTM took the prestigious event virtual. Yeah you read that right.

KTM launched KTM 2021 (Virtual Travel Mart), a Virtual Expo that elevated the status of Travel Industry’s largest Buyer Seller Meet.

The key player in the travel and tourism events in Kerala, the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), presented their first virtual edition of the event in much glamor. The first edition of KTM Virtual Mart opened its doors on 1st March and went on till 5th March 2021. The focus of this year's KTM was on showcasing products and SOPs tailor-made to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual edition started off on February 28th eve, with the State Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan inaugurating the March 2021

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country’s biggest tourism meet with a call to highlight domestic tourism for better collaboration among states and greater understanding between people.

The event as always served as the global rendezvous for travel trade in Kerala wherein unprecedented access to Kerala’s innovative and diverse tourism products were granted.

What is perhaps more important is the prospect the event offers to interact in person and do business with an unparalleled choice of sellers and the entrepreneurs behind them.

The virtual event surely enabled a much larger audience to connect and network with fellow travel industry professionals.

The KTM edition, which featured 701 buyers - both international and domestic, saw participants from 38 countries. Exhibitors of the fete mostly included owners and operators of hotels, resorts, houseboats, Ayurveda centers, specialty hospitals, and hosts families and tour operators as well. The 5-day event had prominent guests from India and around the world participate in business meets.

The meets had around 2600 foreign

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buyers and 4,175 domestic buyers sharing new insights and predictions. The exhibition put in motion a communication and information platform for the key players in the industry and offers the exhibiting organizations the chance to introduce themselves to an expert gathering of people. In the post-covid situation, the event facilitated innovative methods where the guest can learn extensively about the most recent developments, trends, services and products.

The five days of extravaganza presented many great networking opportunities and insightful seminar sessions. With an objective to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinions and trends, inbound and outbound tourism professionals from around the world benefited from the mega event. The event has emerged as a platform to establish valuable partnerships and new business relationships that are crucial for businesses. It has become a significant platform that creates new opportunities and brings to reality the scope and future expansion of the tourism sector.

KTM is the largest biennial conclave of tourism stakeholders in the state and the only such gathering in India focusing on a single destination – Kerala, which helps in nurturing the economic prospects of the state. As for the Indian travel market, things are starting to look positive and KTM 2021 – Virtual presented a great opportunity that opened up new venues for growth. The Kerala Travel Mart has always maintained a transformational role in shaping the tourism and hospitality sectors in the state. The event always strives to showcase the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands and KTM continues to be the prime choice for many international and regional hospitality brands to improve their position in the regional market space. As one of the leading global platforms that present the newest trends in the industry, the event presents diverse opportunities for all stakeholders to strengthen their businesses. Kerala Travel Mart exist as a fertile breeding ground for business concerns involving outstanding tourism products like farm tourism, health holidays, monsoon tourism, riverside tourism, spice plantation tours and village tourism.

As a great show to connect and share, Kerala Travel Mart leads by example by putting forward a chance to realize the wealth and diversity that this part of India has to offer to world tourism and enhance Kerala’s place on the global tourism map. KTM is emerging successfully and puts forward an indication of further devel-

K E R A L A tourism opment prospects in Kerala’s market onT an R Ainternational V E L M A R T scale. The first edition of the virtual event has magnificently marked the beginning of a new trajectory of prosperity for the Indian tourism market. Even as the online summit emphasized more on domestic tourism amid a new world order, the deliberations proved that Kerala’s pre-eminence remains intact on the international travel map, as pointed out by KTM Society President Shri Baby Mathew Somatheeram.

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From Roadblocks to Recovery: KTM sets to uplift State’s Tourism Sector Amidst the Pandemic

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020 was a life-changing year with the COVID 19 pandemic causing devastating economic and social disruption across the world.. The tourism industry was one of the sectors badly hit, with the pandemic posing unprecedented challenges for destinations across the world including Kerala.

Rani George IAS Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism 14

March 2021

Kerala was one of the few destinations that rose up to the challenge, turning roadblocks into stepping-stones. Reassessing our priorities, refocusing on our aims, re-charting our strategies… we started our journey to recovery.

too were steps towards supporting the sector. With Covid protocols in place, exclusive campaigns have also been launched to encourage people to travel again. The local Keralam Kanaam campaign and the national campaign, A Change of Air are initiatives in this direction and a welcome change to the silent scenario in the sector.

The Government of Kerala initiated steps to restore and reactivate the various sectors in the tourism industry. Focus was to ensure that the livelihood and economic well-being of those reliant on tourism were supported through schemes like the Tourism Working Capital Support Scheme, Tourism Employment support Scheme, Tourism Houseboats Support Scheme and Tourism Guides Support Scheme. Reducing the property tax for Homestays, extending financial support to KTDC and DTPCs and waiving the lease rent for the lessees of DTPCs also provided some relief to the tourism sector. Other interventions like part waiver of electricity fixed charge and road tax concession for a few months and extension of validity of classification of properties

Today, with all destinations and businesses open in the tourism sector, there is a slow, but steady trickle of travellers to the State.

However, we still have a long way to go. Our journey ahead will be aimed at rebuilding a more resilient tourism economy with focus on sustainability – and the Kerala Travel Mart 2021 from 1st - 5th March is a key step towards this.

As you know, this year KTM will be going virtual for the first time in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and focus will be on showcasing products tailor-made to address the challenges posed by it. I’m sure the mart will offer all participants a much-needed impetus to improve their businesses.

Though domestic tourism is gaining momentum, international tourism is not yet open and we look forward to welcoming foreign tourists as well in the near future.

Wishing the virtual Kerala Travel Mart 2021 as well as the participants all success.

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KTM Virtual: Ray of Hope for the Recovering Kerala Tourism Tourism industry in Kerala is characterised by its world –renowned brand, consistent growth, diverse products and multiplicity of local enterprises. Thourgh international tourist arrivals and domestic arrivals have shown steady growth over the years, the tourism industry in Kerala faced severe setback during the last five years by a series of issues such as Ockhi, Nipah virus, the natural calamities in 2018 and 2019, and finally the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Mr. Krishna Teja IAS Vice Chairman, Mg.Director KTDC Ltd 16

March 2021

The massive flood in 2018 was devastating for the tourism sector in Kerala. The industry faced a standstill with cancellations all over

the state. At this juncture of uncertainty, Kerala Tourism came up with an aggressive marketing campaign in varies media, targeting various segments of audience. This stunning effort brought positive result in arrivals both from domestic and international markets. In 2019 , Kerala marked a growth rate of 17.20%, the highest in last 24 years.

Kerala’s Tourism sector was grounded to a halt by the COVID 19 pandemic with 7 months of zero tourist arrivals and zero occupancy in hotels and resorts. It has severely affected many businesses in the Tourism Sector and thousands of livelihoods.

International tourist trafiic has grown consistently over the years. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, international tourism has been hit significantly, with estimates of the recovery period varying from one to

several years. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimated that international tourist arrivals could drop 60 to 80 per cent in 2020, with revenue losses of up to 1.2 trillion US Dollars.

The first edition of KTM Virtual has it’s own relevance in restoring the pace of growth of tourism that has been badly affected owing to the outbreak of the global pandemic, and in igniting confidence among the stakeholders. I am sure that KTM Virtual -2021 will help the tourism industry in Kerala to a large extend, to bounce back in the market, attract more tourists to the state, and help tourism businesses to survive this never-before critical phase.

I wholeheartedly wish all success to KTM Virtual 2021, and fruitful business opportunity to all the participants.

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KTM Society Instrumental in Revival of Kerala Tourism

W

ith great pleasure and privilege, I welcome you all to the Virtual Kerala Travel Mart 2021, Sellers Directory. Ever since its inception, KTM has been a perfect model in travel shows, for other states and countries. KTM Society’s earnest efforts were to showcase the diversity of our tourism prospects and products before the National and International buyers.

Mr. Baby Mathew

President Kerala Travel Mart Society.

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Virtual KTM 2021 will also serve as a strong platform to showcase its time-tested, as well as new and innovative products of Kerala, all under one roof. The Virtual take on KTM 2021 is an innovative step, which will help us overcome barriers beyond the pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic is more or less in a receding phase and the much-awaited vaccine has become a reality. KTM Society realizes that the task ahead is a huge one, as the resurgence of the tourism industry post-Covid-19 is one that has to receive focused and constant attention from the Government & all Stakeholders.

KTM Society reassures its whole-hearted contribution in reinvigorating the sector in every possible way during the days ahead.

The virtual edition of KTM-21 is expected to add momentum to our efforts. Let’s do extensive marketing to boost the tourism business, and to support the rebuilding process.

KTM Virtual: Set to Shine Across Global Hospitality Sector

K

TM Society is duty-bound to ensure that Kerala’s pride of place in India’s tourism map remains intact as the post-Covid-19 scenario has slowly started unfolding itself. The

Jose Pradeep

Secretary Kerala Travel Mart society

Society realizes that Kerala is a State where within a short number of days tourists can experience a wide variety of attractions – be it wildlife, hill stations, beaches, heritage, backwater, pilgrimage, etc. The State became a preferred destination for tourists due to this.

Kerala offers abundant scope for domestic tourism for tourists from other parts of India. This is an area that deserves the best attention of all stakeholders so that the muchawaited recovery of Kerala tourism post-Covid-19 would soon become a reality.

KTM Society would endeavor its best in making Kerala a shining star in the country’s tourism arena.

Virtual KTM-2021 is expected to substantially contribute to this task.

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Metro Event

Metro Media Recognises Excellence in Food Service Industry Metro Food Awards 2020 Presented

M

etro Food Awards 2020 were presented at a glittering function held at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram on February 10th. The programme was inaugurated by P.Thilothaman, Minister or Food & Civil Supplies. E.P.Jayarajan, Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs and Mercykutty Amma, Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Cashew Industry attended the programme. S.N.Raghuchandran Nair, President, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry presided over the function.

The Awards were presented by Minister E.P.Jayarajan. Speaking on the

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occasion, the Minister said Kerala is the most conducive State in India for starting industries. He further said that the industrial policy adopted by the State has been giving predominance to the entrepreneurs and during the last few years, thousands of small, medium and large industries were started in Kerala.

Minister P.Thilothaman underlined the significance of the role being played by the food service industry and complimented its contribution to the well being of the society. Minister Mercykutty Amma honoured the leading brands and

active Seminar on ‘Hospitality Sector-Challenges, Opportunities and Future, post Covid-19’. Dr.Lakshmi Nair, noted Culinary Expert, Johnson Daniel, Head-Energy Management Cenre, Guru Yogi Sivan of Indimasi Yoga Village, and N.Vijayagopalan, Executive Editor Metro Media spoke on different facets of the subject.

Metro Good Food Hand Book Cover, and logos of MFA Kochi Edition, EKL Education Conclave & Awards 2021 and Metro MSME Awards 2021 were also released during the programme.

organizations of the food production service industry.

Advocate D.Suresh Kumar, District Panchayath President; M.Vijayakumar, Chairman, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation; Santhosh Koshy, Managing Director, KINFRA; E.M.Najeeb, Executive Director, KIMS Hospital; Baby Mathew Somatheeram, Managing Director of Somatheeram Group of Companies; S.N.Raghuchandran Nair, President, TCCI; Prasad Manjali, Chairman, Metro Foods Awards Committee; and Siji Nair, Managing Director, Metro Media spoke on the occasion.

The programme started with an inter-

The programme was very well attended by a cross section of the society including officials, dignitaries, other prominent personalities, key representatives of the food service industry, media persons and the general public.

Metro Food Awards which started in 2016 with the objective of recognising excellence in culinary business and food service industry have established an identity of its own by setting a benchmark in recognizing the performing restaurants, food joints etc. Metro Awards 2020 presentation programme was organized by Metro Media in association with Kerala Tourism, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, South Kerala Hoteliers Forum and South India Hotels and Restaurants Association.

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BEST SERVICE PROVIDER - FOOD INDUSTRY Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA)

BEST LOAN SERVICE PROVIDER - HOTELS & RESTAURANTS Kerala Financial Corporation

BEST WHEAT FLOUR Sabari Chakki Fresh Atta

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Winners

BEST IN CLASS READY TO EAT - FISH PRODUCTS Matsyafed Eats

BEST PACKAGED BEVERAGES Jyothi Maangoz (KAICO )

LIFE TIME ACHIVEMENT Smt.Lakshmi Nair

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LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT Sri. Ganesh Kumar-Avoki Resorts

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR Mr. Nanthu Ommen Raju,

Corporate Director, Rajadhani Group of Hotels

WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR Smt. Shruti Shibulal, CEO, O By Thamara Leisure

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Winners

BEST AYURVEDIC FOOD Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

BEST DINE EXPERIENCE The Oceanus - Poovar Island Resort

BEST MULTI CUISINE Mascot Hotel

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CEO OF THE YEAR Mr Raja Gopaal Iyer, UDS Hotels

GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR Mr.JayKumar, Poovar Island Resort

MOST POPULAR CULINARY SHOW Simply Naadan by a Kappa TV

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Winners

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Tharavattil Caterers

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Indian Coffee House

BEST IN CLASS TRADITIONAL FLAVORS Eat by Citrine

March 2021

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BEST FRANCHISE BRAND - BEVERAGES DESICUPPA

DINERS CHOICE Valiyakadayil Restaurant

BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT MOTHERS VEGPLAZA

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Winners

BEST IN CLASS - TRADING (SPICES) Peermade Marketing Co-Operative Society Ltd

BEST NORTH INDIAN RESTAURANT The Yellow Chilli

BEST ARABIC RESTAURANT Irani Restaurant

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BEST GRAND THALI HOTEL PRASANTH

BEST SHAWARMA SHAWARMIGOS

BEST MANDI BAIT AL MANDI

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Winners

BEST BUDGET RESTAURANT Tom & Jerry Street Food by B Six Events

BEST EUROPEAN CAFÉ Kaffeehaus

BEST PIZZA NAPLES PIZZA CITY

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BEST IN CLASS CATERING Vee Kay Vee's Caterers

BEST WEDDING CATERERS Nikunjam Outdoor Caterers

BEST HOSPITAL CANTEEN Cosmopolitan Hospital Canteen By SP Caterers

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Winners

THE BREAD FORT BEST IN CLASS BAKES & CAKES

BEST IN CLASS TAKE AWAY STATION ORU POROTTA KADA

BEST IN CLASS STREET FOOD LAGORA

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Winners

BEST IN CLASS SWEETS & SNACKS Sree Nandhaas

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Metro Leadership Icon of the Year Award presented to E. P. Jayarajan

E

.P. Jayarajan, Kerala Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs was awarded Metro Leadership Icon of the Year Award. The Award was presented to the Minister

by Siji Nair, Managing Director, Metro Media during the Metro Food Awards 2020 presentation programme held at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram on February 10th.

The Award is instituted in recognition of excellence in leadership role played by those holding high office under the State Government. Minister E.P.Jayarajan was adjudged for the Award through a readership survey conducted by Metro Media and endorsed by an Expert Panel headed

by N.Vijayagopalan, Executive Editor, Metro Media.

E.P.Jayarajan’s tenure in the Ministry headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saw the industrial climate in Kerala becoming highly conducive for new entrepreneurs through the exemplary leadership provided by the Minister.

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P. Thilothaman received Metro Excellence in Governance Award

S

ri. P Tholothaman, Kerala Minister for Food and Civil Supplies was awarded Metro Excellence in Governance Award. The award was presented for his outstanding contribution in the area of Food and Civil Supplies.

The Award was presented to the Minister by Siji Nair, Managing Director, Metro Media during the Metro Food Awards 2020 presentation program held at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram on February 10th.

The Award is instituted in recognition of excellence in the governance role played by those holding high office under the State Government. Minister P Thilothaman was adjudged for the Award through a readership survey conducted by Metro Media and en-

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dorsed by an Expert Panel headed

by N.Vijayagopalan, Executive Editor, Metro Media.

Development

Kadakampally Surendran:

Driving insights to development

K

azhakootam, the IT hub in the capital city of Kerala has witnessed tremendous change in the last 5 years. It was the crucial interventions by Shri Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of Tourism that made this possible.

Shri Kadakampally Surendran is one leader who is well-intentional in addressing the rising concerns of the people and make serious interventions aimed at the development of his constituency. Unique development

His efforts in the educational sector have helped elevate the infrastructural and educational quality of public schools in the area. Developing the public school systems as centres of excellence has been a key objective for the LDF-run state government.

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strategies were formulated and during his tenure as the representative from Kazhakootam and holding the responsibility of the three major departments, he made sure all the promises made to the people were fulfilled. He never failed to be part of both comforts and sorrow of his people irrespective of caste, religion and politics. His leadership was the key factor that helped the Kazhakootam constituency lead its way in various development initiatives at the ground level. The various initiatives made possible in the Kazhakootam constituency is a model of progress and testament to the significant achievements made under the leadership of Kadakampally Surendran.

His efforts in the educational sector have helped elevate the infrastructural and educational quality of public schools in the area. Developing the public school systems as centres of excellence has been a key objective for the LDF-run state government. The Kazhakootam Govt, High School, Kulathoor was selected as one of the institutions to be renovated under this policy. In an attempt to change the face of government schools, the Kazhakootam High School had a tremendous facelift.

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An amount of 5.69 Crore was allotted for the infrastructural development of the school aiming to improve the standards of public sector education and provide high-standard facilities to the students. The school stands tall among other privately-run schools with highly furnished learning facilities. Apart from this, the Government Higher Secondary School, Kulathoor, Sreekaryam Govt. High School, HSS, Medical College, Karikkakam HSS and many other schools were allocated huge funds for the renovation projects. All these initiatives were made possible by the critical interventions of Minister Kadakampally Surendran to uplift the quality of education and 40

March 2021

educational institutions in the public sector, delivering world-class educational facilities and quality teaching services.

Focussing on improving the prospects of higher education and career choices for the students, an innovative programme called Prakasam was initiated in the constituency by Kadakampally Surendran. The project aimed at capacitating the students who completed SSLC or Higher Secondary exams for higher study options. Under these projects, critical career guidance workshops were conducted, both for students and their parents. The workshops were coordinated by eminent persons

Focussing on improving the prospects of higher education and career choices for the students, an innovative programme called Prakasam was initiated in the constituency by Kadakampally Surendran.

The project aimed at capacitating the students who completed SSLC or Higher Secondary exams for higher study options.

from various fields like career guru P R Venkitaraman, world-famous magician Gopinath Muthukad, psychologist and film artist Mala Parvathi. Initially envisioned as a novel attempt for the upliftment of children in the Kazhakoottam constituency, the project inspired other leaders as well and were implemented in other constituencies as well.

Taking into concern the issue of commuting, the Minister allocated 18 school buses to 15 schools in the constituency. Few buses were also attached to the latest GPS tracking facilities on an experimental basis.

Kadakampally Surendran has made efforts for the development of key

higher education institutions as well.

Development plans to change the face of the Govt. Medical College, Sreekaryam Govt. Engineering College and University of Kerala campus at Kariavattom were initiated under his leadership and funds allocated. Infrastructure development has been undertaken at these institutions in an attempt to modernize the facilities and elevate them to international standards. New educational institutions, new courses and infrastructure development were realized in the Kazhakootam constituency. All these efforts prove how determined his leadership is for the development of the public educational and skill development sector.

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Efforts have been made to widen the scope of the IT hub in Kazhakootam. Policies have been formulated to improve foreign deposits into the IT infrastructural and business models in the state.

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Aiming to resolve the issue of traffic congestion, projects for flyovers at Sreekaryam and Ulloor were commenced. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has allotted the fund for land acquisition for the flyover at Sreekaryam and preliminary work on the first phase of the Ulloor project has begun. Upon mediation by the Minister, funds were allocated for the renovation works for the widening of the Pettah-Anayara-Venpalavattom road and the initial land acquisition for the Mannanthala – Powdikkonam roads have begun as well. Development of the basic infrastructure has always been a key agenda under his guidance and leadership.

Conceptualised as a memorial for yesteryear Malayalam film actor Sathyan, the Kerala Chalachitra Academy’s Centre for International Film Research and Archives (CIFRA) at the Kazhakoottam KINFRA Film and Video Park serves as a one-of-its-kind repository of film lore in the State.

Brought into fruition by the constant efforts of the Minister, the institution has gained a huge reputation and marks Kazhakootam on the global map. Expected to boost film studies in the state, CIFRA would help address the issues of non-availability of archival records for academic work in the domain of film studies. The centre is expected to expand its infrastructure facilities in the future.

Efforts have been made to widen the scope of the IT hub in Kazhakootam. Policies have been formulated to improve foreign deposits into the IT infrastructural and business models in the state. This will help the IT sector flourish and develop huge employment prospects. High players in the IT sector like H R Block, Tech Mahindra, Teranet has started functioning from the Technopark at Kazhakootam.

The first Global Digital Hub under Nissan Motors was started here offering employment to 800 people which is expected to be raised to 1500 in recent years. The construction of IITMK – India’s first digital university is done. All these projects will help transform the IT domain in the state and mark Kerala as one of the prominent IT destinations in the country.

Apart from these several other projects were formulated and completed under the leadership of Shri Kadakampally Surendran in the Kazhakootam constituency.

The Kazhakootam civil station, Kadakampally mini civil station, Sreekaryam mini civil station, Kerala’s first integrated family health centre at Pangappara are few other accomplishments made under his guidance. Several other innovation works are being done, all of which aims to uplift the face of the constituency. It is the constant efforts and determination of Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who leads by example that made all this possible.

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Festival

Attukal Pongala 2021 Bhakthi Overcomes All Hurdles Attukal Bhagavathy Temple – popularly known as the ‘Sabarimala of Women’ – in Thiruvananthapuram celebrated the annual Pongala with great fervor. Held on the ninth day of the ten-day-long festival, Pongala is the most important ritual of the temple. Every year, the Attukal Pongala witnesses the largest congregation of women for a festival in the world. However, Pongala 2021 turned out to be a test of their devotion for the devotees.

Several precautions and regulations were put in place this year due to the current circumstances. This meant the Pongala – the offering at the temple – being limited to the Pandara Aduppu (main hearth) at the temple. While the main hearth was lighted at the temple, devotees lighted their own Pongala Aduppu’s at their homes.

The lack of massive crowds did not diminish the atmosphere of sanctity and worship as the devotees were allowed entry in to the temple for prayers.

Pongala, which means ‘to boil over’, is the

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ritual in which women prepare sweet payasam (a pudding made from rice, jaggery, coconut and plantains cooked together) and offer it to the Goddess or ‘Bhagavathy’. ‘Pongala’ is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The offering of Pongala is a very special temple practice in the southern parts of Kerala. The ten-daylong celebration commences in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the Karthika star.

Pongala ceremony is on the auspicious day of Pooram star which coincides with full moon. The festival commences with the musical rendering of the story of the Goddess (Kannaki Charitham) during the “Kappukettu ceremony”. The musical renderings are conducted by the families authorised for this purpose. The story invokes the presence of Kodungallur Bhagavathy and the slaying of the Pandyan King.

The song will continue for all the nine days preceding Pongala. The event of the Goddess annihilating the Pandyan King is accompanied by much sound and fury of the temple drums and “Vaykurava” by devotees, immediately followed by the lighting of the hearths for the preparation of the offering for the Goddess.

This festival commemorates the victory of Good over Evil, by the slaying of Pandyan King. The Goddess Kannaki (Bhadrakali) is the main deity in Attukal temple. As per local legend, the Pongala festival commemorates the hospitality accorded by women in the locality to Kannaki, the divine incarnation of the heroine of the Tamil epic ‘Silappadhikaram’ while she was on

This festival commemorates the victory of Good over Evil, by the slaying of Pandyan King. The Goddess Kannaki (Bhadrakali) is the main deity in Attukal temple. her way to Kodungallur in central Kerala after destroying Madurai city to avenge the injustice done to her husband Kovilan.

Throughout the festival an atmosphere of celebration and festivity prevails and there are the solemn observances such as regular conduct of Bhajans, musical concerts, ballets depicting folk and temple arts etc. in the temple premises.

This is symbolic of the philosophy that human and divine affairs are minutely inter-woven. These were held as per the protocols set by the government this year.

Devotion prevails over the troubling times Every year, the 9th day of the festival, it would appear as though all roads in and around Thiruvananthapuram city leads to the Attukal Temple. The entire area of about 10 km radius around the temple, with houses of people of all March 2021

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For the purpose they have to pass through rigorous physical and mental discipline such as sleeping in mat, observing strict diet restrictions, staying in the temple etc. caste, creed and religion open fields, roads and commercial institutions emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala ritual for the lakhs women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside.

This ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk. It is a delightful sight to see waves after waves of women of all age groups without caste, colour and creed surging into this area well

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in advance mostly carrying on their head materials such as firewood, earthern pots rice, jaggery, coconut etc. to mark out specific spots for the preparation of their offerings to the Goddess. Scaling down of the festival and the governmental regulations in place due to the situation, all these were missing.

Ardent devotees – though upset over not being able to perform Pongala near the temple – performed Pongala at their homes with the same sanctity and devotion.

The important ritual in the ‘Pongala’ is the preparation of rice or varieties of sweet rice using hearths and the earthern pots in the open.

Kuthiyottam Kuthiyottam ritual was conducted this year with just one boy. Generally it is performed by boys with the hope that the Goddess almighty would be pleased to bestow on them inward and outward beauty, health, wealth and happiness. Boys

below the age of 12 years make the offering of Kuthiyottam. These young boys represent the wounded soldiers of the Goddess Mahishasura Marddini.

On the third day of the festival these young boys receive the prasadam (offering) from the temple priest and start a seven day penance to purify their body and mind. For the purpose they have to pass through rigorous physical and mental discipline such as sleeping in mat, observing strict diet restrictions, staying in the temple etc.

Besides these, the boys have to undergo such disciplines like prostrating 1008 times before the deity after their morning and evening oblations.

Thalappoli This year saw the Thalappoli ritual being restricted to girls only between 10 and 12. Customarily this ritual sees a stream of young girls below 12 years dressed in traditional attire holding Thalappoli. It starts very early in the morning with the hope that the Goddess almighty would be pleased to bestow on them inward and outward beauty, health, wealth and happiness.

Vilakkukettu The most spectacular sight of the festival ‘Vilakkukettu’ as nercha(offering) was cancelled this year. In this ritual, beautifully decorated structures bearing idols and pictures of the Goddess are carried in the heads of the devotees, all they way to the temple from different parts of the city every night of festival accompanied by chendamelam, music etc.

In previous years, a grand procession with illumination, floats and colourful festoons on either side of the road generating a gala atmosphere and made more attractive with various art 48

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forms like peacock dance, poykuthira dance, kolkali, theyyam, kumbhadance, display of other art forms which are followed by kuthiyottam, panchavadyam used to take place.

The magnificent procession of Attukal Bhagavathy on the caparisoned elephant with Alavattom and Venchamaram under the resounding echo of occasional gun shots starts from Attukal temple reaches the Sastha Temple at Manacaud and after the necessary pooja ceremonies performed there, the entourage returns to Attukal.

However, the current scenario forced the authorities to curtail them to avoid public gatherings.

The deity is received back at the sanctum with Deeparadhana. Soon

The camaraderie of women folk from various parts of the world gathering at one place was missing. All this did not dampen the devotees ‘Bhakthi.’ after the Deeparadhana, the Kuthiyottam boys are delivered of the penance in an orderly manner. At night, rendering of devotional songs takes place which is followed by the ceremonial removal of the “Kappu”.

The ten day festival Culminates with the sacrificial offering known as ‘Kuruthi Tharpanam’ at night.

The ten days’ Attukal Pongala festival also used to give a tremendous boost to Kerala’s economy in myriad ways.

Several sectors are major beneficiaries of this festival. In 2009, Attukal Pongala made it to the Guinness

Book of World Records for being the largest religious gathering of women on a single day when over 2.5 million people took part in it.

The annual event is organised by the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust.

For the first time in the memory of Thiruvananthapuram residents, Attukal Pongala was performed in their own homes. Established protocols had to be followed to perform established rituals. The camaraderie of women folk from various parts of the world gathering at one place was missing. All this did not dampen the devotees ‘Bhakthi.’ The belief system remained intact. While the ladies of the house performed Pongala at their home, the entire family was there to support them. They prepared hearths, cooked offerings and performed Nivedyam with prayers in their heart.

With the blessings of Attukal Bhagavathy, Pongala ceremony would be back to its splendour in the year 2022.

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Health Care

ANANTHAPURI HOSPITALS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE A TRAILBLAZER IN THE FIELD OF HEALTHCARE

T

he health sector has gained huge significance in the last year, owing to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic across the globe. The whole domain of global health care has transformed and started to shape itself to meet the rising demands. Health care facilities are faced with newer challenges.

Committed to clinical practice and delivering high-quality healthcare facilities, Ananthapuri Hospitals from the capital city of Kerala is one of the leading tertiary care hospitals in Asia.

Ananthapuri Hospitals are at the forefront of the transformation occurring in the health sector, adapting to the new challenges, all the while ensuring top-notch patient care.

Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research

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Institute (AHRI) is a 400 bedded Tertiary care Hospital delivering a higher level of speciality care for patients. AHRI ensures the service of some of the most eminent specialists from the health care industry who have marked themselves distinguished in their respective fields of expertise. With an array of eminent doctors and healthcare professionals, AHRI is committed to delivering the best health care.

Owning a stature as a vital medical hub in the capital city of Kerala, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute (AHRI) has advanced both medical research and practice. With the line-up of 13 intensive care units and an expanded mother & child wing, AHRI never fails to deliver the

best comprehensive health care service. The institute is equipped with a team of highly dedicated healthcare personnel manning the various departments, ensuring the hospital’s mission of providing service with sincerity and solicitude. Envisioned as a premium institute of medical care and health care research, AHRI stays committed to sharing cutting-edge medical practices to transform the health care sector for the best.

We are well aware of the rising demands of our health care systems. Advancing demand for quality health care has developed a need to ensure efficient faculty both in health care practices and research.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute (AHRI) is making excellent interventions with a novel aim to advance the future of the medical profession. Yet to meet the rising health care challenges effectively, we have a long way ahead. AHRI, the first tertiary hospital project of Ananthapuri Hospitals Private Limited, is conceived in such a manner to meet these rising demands.

With the guidance of a rich team of medical expertise, AHRI continues

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to play a significant role in shaping healthcare services in India. AHRI always manages to stay ahead of the times, bringing in new insights coupled with their rich expertise to deliver cutting edge medical technology and healthcare service. Catering to the healthcare needs of all sections of society at affordable rates, AHRI continuously strives to meet the healthcare challenges the new era possess. Envisioned as a one-of-itskind dedicated facility for comprehensive health care and management, AHRI delivers clinical support and medical care on par with the top hospitals around the globe. Combined with its world-class infrastructure and professional service, Ananthapuri has emerged as one of the pioneers of health care and research in the state.

ANANTHAPURI HOSPITALS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (AHRI) CHACKA, NH BYPASS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - 695024 0471 - 2579900, 6609900, 2506565 EMERGENCY : 0471 - 2507575 FAX: 0471 - 2506969 AHRI@AHRI.IN Operator – 9 or (+91 471 2579900) Housekeeping – 1099 PRO / Enquiry – 2016, 2017 Maintenance – 1008

Energy Conservation

ANERT

Leading the Alternative-energy Crusade

O

ver the last couple of decades, the potential non-conventional sources of energy possess for a better future are being discussed.

Major technological innovations have made it utilize these sources of energy for our energy needs at low costs.

Renewable energy as a business domain possesses vast opportunities and entrepreneurs across the globe are making significant interventions to utilize these opportunities. Governments around the world are also taking steps to tap into this untapped resource and take advantage of the green revolution. Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology, ANERT is the state nodal agency for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources that makes notewor-

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thy efforts to create awareness about non-conventional energy, energy conservation, and rural technology.

This is the primary agency under the state government which undertakes important programs in energy-related areas.

ANERT has been instrumental in spreading awareness and initiating steps to formulate policies that will help save our planet from serious environmental deterioration. Considering the high incidence of solar energy, sincere measures to tap solar energy were initiated by ANERT. The Solar Photovoltaic Programme run

by ANERT was at the forefront in distributing solar devices across the state including solar lanterns, home

lighting systems, street light systems.

ANERT took steps to popularise alternative and environment-friendly sources of energy and technologies across the state. The policies and suggestions put forth by the organization made the state government of Kerala prioritize non-conventional sources of energy and related technologies in the policy formulations of the state. ANERT made major efforts to make people aware of the benefits of these alternative sources of energy.

The different activities undertook by the agency were very effective in shaping a popular opinion to utilize the available non-conventional energy sources. Small-scale installations in houses and offices were familiarised by their efforts. The activities of ANERT proved highly beneficial and served a social purpose. Attempts to impart awareness on the environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources were found to be successful. Since the inception of the agency, there has been a significant rise in the adoption of renewable sources of energy in households and offices across the state. Debates on environmental protection triggered

by ANERT’s activities affected the government’s policies as well. This has further enhanced the viability of these alternate sources of energy and associated technologies.

The object of the Agency is to gather and disseminate useful knowledge in the various fields on Non-conventional Energy, Energy conservation and Rural Technology, conduct studies, demonstrate, Implement

and support the implementation of schemes and projects in these fields, thereby deal with the problems arising out of the rapid depletion of Non-renewable energy sources, update the technologies used in rural areas as well as introduce appropriate new technologies with an aim to reduce drudgery, increase production and improve the quality of life.

In particular the objects are: n To identify, formulate, implement, and implementation of projects aimed at providing energy requirements of the State of Kerala by harnessing solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, biogas, biomass, energy plantations, micro and mini hydel projects, improved chulahs and kilns etc. with the object of evolving long term plans based on the same. n To identify, formulate, implement and support the implementation of a broad-based energy conservation program including the conservation of energy at the source of generation, at the state of distribution and/ or its utilization. n To identify, formulate implement, and support implementation of demonstration projects in the area of rural technology. n To provide technical, financial or other assistance for the formulation of program designs, and projects

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meant for extension of alternative energy development program, energy conservation, and rural technologies in the state. n To provide technical, financial, or other assistance for popularization and creation of awareness on alternative sources of energy, energy conservation and rural technologies.

To undertake or sponsor techno-economic or socio-economic feasibility studies or cost-benefit analysis with respect to new and alternative sources of energy, energy conservation and rural technology.

n

n To undertake or sponsor training program, seminars workshops, etc. on non-conventional sources of energy, energy conservation, and rural technology. n To sponsor, co-ordinate or promote research programs or projects of a development nature involving the development of prototypes, pilot plant investigation, etc. in the area of alternative and new sources of energy and rural technologies, and

n To make available knowledge and experience to the State Government, Central Government. Municipal Corporation, Municipalities, Panchayats and other local bodies and semi-Government and other development agencies in the State and elsewhere and also offer consultancy services on all such matters pertaining to alternative sources of energy, energy conservation, and rural technology as may be referred to it from time to time and to undertake on its own or in collaboration or on other arrange56

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ments with national or international agencies, a program of research, application, extension, and development of new energy sources, methods of energy conservation and rural technologies; and n To do all such other things as may be incidental on conducive to the attainment of the above objects.

With the increasing demand for alternative, eco-friendly sources of energy, ANERT’s initiatives continue to focus on the production of alternative energy and popularising it. ANERT stands as a trusted advisor to the government on emerging problems related to renewable energy and as a regulator of quality standards in this sector. Growing social concern regarding the emerging ecological issues has increased the importance of an agency like ANERT in the state. ANERT is packed with a team of highly qualified professionals who developed expertise in the domain of alternative energy sources and technologies. Their expertise may also soon benefit the private runners in the alternative energy business in the coming years. ANERT has been exceptionally successful in promoting the consumption of renewable energy in Kerala and possesses the capacity to prepare us for future scenarios as well.

ContactPhone: 0471 - 2338077, 2334122, 2333124, 2331803 email : info@anert.in Toll free Number:1-800-425-1803

Industry

KINFRA'S INITIATIVE INITIATIVESFOR FOR PROMOTION OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

K

erala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) was set up by an Act of State Legislature in February 1993 with the objective of accelerating industrial development of the State by providing infrastructure facilities for industries. Ever since its inception, KINFRA has been doing a yeomen service in bringing together all the appropriate resources available in the state and developing infrastructure to woo the industrial growth of the state. The organization has been providing dedicated service in catalysing the industrial growth in Kerala by providing the best industry-specific-infrastructure.

The several mega projects, Industri-

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al Parks, Apparel & Textile Parks, Hitech Parks, Food Parks, Integrated Industrial & Textile Parks, Joint Venture Parks and Subsidiary Companies set up by KINFRA and the contribution of each of these ventures bear eloquent testimony for the pivotal role being played by KINFRA in acting as a powerful industrial catalyst of the State. KINFRA has been instrumental in providing all infrastructure facilities for entrepreneurs to start business in KINFRA Industrial Parks in the thrust sectors identified by the Government.

The State has a robust industrial infrastructure with five fully functional Food Parks exclusively for Food Processing sector Two of the

earliest facilities have been set up in Kozhikode and Ernakulam districts. The first ever Food Park (KINFRA Food Processing Park) in India was set up by KINFRA at Kakkancherry near Kozhikode. The KINFRA Food Processing Park in Kakkancherry was followed by the Food Zone (area earmarked for food processing) at KINFRA Small Industries Park in Mazhuvannoor near Ernakulam, The third Food Park is at Adoor in Pathanamthitta District, which caters to the southern part of the State. KINFRA has also set up a Seafood Park, as a joint venture with MPEDA and Seafood Exporters Association, at Aroor in Alleppy District, fully equipped and meeting interMarch 2021

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The Food Processing Units are eligible for direct grant-in-aid support from MOFPI under the “Scheme for Creation of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities” under which assistance is available to the extent of 35% of eligible project cost up to a maximum of Rs 5.00 crores. national standards for undertaking preprocessing of marine products.

KINFRA has also established the first ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ), exclusively for food processing industry at Kakkancherry near Calicut.

eligible project cost up to a maximum of Rs 5.00 crores. The Food Processing Units coming up in KINFRA Mega Food Park are also eligible for concessional term loan lending from NABARD under the Food Processing Fund.

The sixth and the latest project for the food processing sector by KINFRA is the KINFRA Mega Food Park located in Elapully and Pudussery villages of Palakkad District. This project also includes 4 Primary Processing Centers (PPCs) located in the districts of Wayanad (KINFRA Park at Kalpetta), Malappuram (KINFRA Park at Kakkancherry), Thrissur (KINFRA Park at Koratty) and Ernakulam (KINFRA Park at Mazhuvannoor) with infrastructure facilities for pre-processing activities to facilitate backward linkage.

The Park would be among the first “Green-Certified Parks” in the country.

Food Parks offer a host of sector specific common facilities centers such as quality control laboratories, water treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, incubation centers, cold storages, etc. The KINFRA Mega Food Park has additionally Pack House, Ripening Chamber and Spice Processing Facility.

These common facilities centers enable “sharing of infrastructure” by entrepreneurs, because of which they do not have to invest individually, nor bother about the operations of such facilities.

Various supports are available for units coming up in the KINFRA Mega Food Park at Palakkad. The Food Processing Units are eligible for direct grant-in-aid support from MOFPI under the “Scheme for Creation of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities” under which assistance is available to the extent of 35% of 60

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All food processing units in the State are eligible for support from the State Govt. under the “Entrepreneur Support Scheme” under which assistance up to a maximum of Rs 30.00 lakhs is available.

As land is scarce in Kerala, KINFRA also provides multi-storied ready-to-use “built up space” in Standard Design Factory Buildings for ‘plug and play’ model of business operations.

MAPATHON KERALAM and community organizations mapping groups will be created across Kerala. In addition to any geo-spatial data that is developed, campaign will leave behind local capability in mapping at every local body on the state.

This human resource can then be leveraged by development agencies for various development purposes.

M

apathon Keralam, is coordinated by the Kerala State IT Mission, with the concept of Let Us Make Our Map. Through the Mapathon Keralam, the Government of Kerala aims to create extensive local maps of Kerala including physical infrastructure natural resources and other information that are useful for planning and other developments. The project is being led by the Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSDI) under the Kerala State IT Mission and supported by other institutions.

Project got funding from Rebuild Kerala Initiative.

With the help of various voluntary

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OpenStreetMap Mapping Updates Following are the recent updates in OSM in 2021 after launching Mapathon Keralam + 3,30,600 Buildings were marked in OSM n

+29,800 Km Stream network were mapped OSM n

+69,750 Km Road Network were mapped in OSM n

+52,000 Assets were marked in OSM n n

+8700 Schools

n

+1300 Quarrys

+2200 New Mappers were joined in OpenStreetMap n