Metro Mart March 2017

Volume 6 Issue 9 March 2017 ₹40

THOTTAMPATTU

the ritual art of ancient Kerala

METRO FOOD AWARDS 2017 Recognition to Merit

ONE MEAL SALADS for Lunch!

Answering the Call of Devotees

2

February 2017

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

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METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Foreword

Hi Readers India is home to a rich culture and legacy. It celebrates mixture and embraces multiplicity. Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has time and again highlighted on building “Brand India” with a special focus on Spiritual Tourism.

Kerala, God’s Own Country, comes alive with festival of Gods during the Malayalam months of Kumbham, Meenam and Medam. Several world famous annual festivals happen in Kerala during this time.

The various festivals have a charm of their own. Many of these have their own particular rituals. The legends behind these festivities are multifarious. Although, all of these state the triumph of good over evil. Several performances at this temple have been photographed, recorded in video and are hitting social media like wild fire. Anayottam at Guruvayur, Kettukazhcha, a splendid display of decorated wooden chariots, ritualistic Garudan Thookkam, Kaavu Theendal at Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Thookkam and Paranettu at Vellanad – all these form this group. However, it is high time the governments realize the potential to take these festivals to the next level of popularity.

This spiritual travels would ensure that our traditions continue. We need more and more people to learn and follow traditions. It is not just a marketing strategy that we are talking about, but also to remember and maintain our culture.

Happy Reading!

Siji Nair Managing Editor & Director https://www.facebook.com/sijicn https://twitter.com/sijicn www.linkedin.com/in/siji-nair email- sijicn@gmail.com

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Contents

Kerala: Skimming forward! forward!

08 Kerala: 08 Skimming Learn from Learn the from Past the Past 12 Keralam@60: 12FocusKeralam@60: and and onFocus the future on the future

16 The 16MightTheof Might Goddess of Goddess Kannaki Kannaki Attukalamma: Your abode, Your abode, 20 Attukalamma: 20solace!

Our Our solace!

KOTA Utsav KOTA is back!

Utsav is back!

24 CZARINA’S 24 CZARINA’S on Coastal on Delights Coastal Delights 30 Feasting 30 Feasting Trivandrum Trivandrum Motors Motors

36 Making 36 ItsMaking Mark In ItsCar Mark Dealership In Car Dealership

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Sree Bhagavathy – Answering the Call of Devotees

mart mart

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Thottampattu – the ritual art of ancient Kerala Metro Food Awards 2017 – Recognition to Merit Bengal travel marts starts 2017 with Grandeur Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran flags off Fourth Kerala Blog Express One meal Salads for Lunch!

India International Waiters’ Race -2017

Publisher Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in Managing Editor & Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com Lead Editorial V Viswanath

Editorial Team Ampili Nair Nazia Ali Neha Selokar Arnab Mondal Ramya Ramakrishnan Lead Response Pramod Pillai Business Development Manager Ratheesh Kumar Sajith Sadasivan Marketing Manager R. P. Jayaprakash

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Cover Illustration & Design B Raveendran Nirakkoodu raveendran2857@gmail.com

MARCH 2017 9

Cover Story

Answering the Call of Devotees To establish virtue, save the good, and to show the light of righteousness - the Divine Mother Adhiparasakthi manifests herself in various names and forms. The land of Vellanad is blessed with the incarnation of Adhiparasakthi as Sree Bhagavathy.

V. Viswanath 10 MARCH 2017

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here are several legends about Vellanad Bhagavathy Temple.

It is believed that to kill the Dharikasuran (evil king) who ruled the three worlds, the Divine Mother took this incarnation. The boon from Brahma to the demon Dharikan was such that he cannot be defeated by any man born in all the 14 worlds. Emboldened by this boon and becoming arrogant he conquered the whole world and even gods. God Shiva was requested by the

sage Narada to bring about an end to Dharikan. Kali brought forth by Lord Shiva opening his third eye was to kill Dharikan.

The incarnation from the third eye of the Lord Paramashiva was named as Sree Kandakali. Once Dharikan was killed, the Devi reached Vellanad and took rest here.

Hence, poojas were conducted for Sree Bhadrakali during the earlier years. When Brahmins conducted the poojas, Bhadrakali pooja was changed to Bhagavathy pooja.

The character of the Devi is believed to have changed from Kali (denoting www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

fierceness) to Bhagavathy (denoting gentleness) with the change in nature of poojas. Earlier, poojas were held only on Fridays and later also on Tuesdays. For the last several years, the poojas are conducted on a daily basis.

There is a more widely accepted legend, which states the incarnation of Adhiparasakthi – Vellanattamma – after killing Dharikasuran, appeared in the dream of a landlord and instructed him that she was in a seashore village family at Thiruvallom. The Devi also informed him MARCH 2017 11

Cover Story

that if her idol is erected and consecrated in a temple at Vellanad, the place will be prosperous ever after. This is believed to have led to the construction of a temple in Vellanad and the Devi being worshipped.

The annual 10-day festival finds several rituals being conducted in the temple.

Some of the significant ones include Dhikku Bali, Kalam Kaval, Thookam, Urul, Pongala, Paranettu, Nilathil poru, Kuthiyottam, Thottum pattu, and Thalapoli.

Kannagi Charitham or the epic of Kannagi is sung in hymns at Kappu Kettu and Thottam Pattu which marks the beginning of rituals. Invoking the slaying of the king of Madurai by Kannagi, the hymns are sung by dedicated singers. The festival is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil. The several stages of the epic is sung during the course of the festival.

The ritual of Dhikku Bali denotes Goddess Kali searching for Dharika in 12 MARCH 2017

all four ‘dhikku’ or directions. The chief priest enacts or performs the search in Kalamkaval. The idol of the goddess is carried by him on his head and he dances or takes steps in a totally entranced way, culminating with his becoming unconscious. The Thiruvabharanam or traditional gold ornaments of the goddess is adorned by him during this performance.

Thiruvabharanam consists of Kappu, vanki, odyanam, necklaces such as paalakka, pichi mottu, muthu, etc. According to belief, only with the blessings of the Devi enshrined in the temple, the priest can perform this.

The devotees pay obeisance to the Goddess by offering Pongala at the temple premises. The number of devotees offering Pongala at this Shrine has increased over the years. Women conduct this ritual with unmatched devotion. They tend to be entranced in their prayers to Bhagavathy, which shows their devotion to Goddess www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 13

Cover Story

Bhagavathy. It is believed that the fight between Goddess Kali and the demon Dharikan began in the sky. A 100-feet high stage is set up to enact this fight, which is held at night. This ritual is called Paranettu.

The ensuing fight is on land which is termed Nilathilpporu. The culmination of the fight would see the demon asking for forgiveness and at the end of the seventh fight, depiction of the Goddess taking Dharikan’s head and visiting Lord Shiva takes place. The good is seen to be triumphing over this fight between good and evil.

As a trial run before Thookkam is the Vandiyottam. The effective functioning of the cart and the bow used to carry men and children are ensured at this popular event.

Urul is another major event during the 14 MARCH 2017

festival. After taking vows of penance and fasting for several days before the ceremony, the Urul or ‘rolling through the ground’ is carried out by devotees. Different folk art performances and musical bands such as Vadyamelam, Nagaswaram, etc., accompany the devotees who perform Urul. Long distances are rolled through by the Urul devotees to reach the temple premises and pay obeisance to the Goddess.

Boys below the age of 13 years perform the offering of Kuthiyottam, representing the wounded soldiers of the Goddess Mahishasura Mardini. After receiving Prasadam from the temple priest, these boys start a seven-day penance, which would purify their mind and body. During their stay at the temple, they sleep on the floor and observe strict diet restrictions

Cover Story

and prostrate before the goddess 108 times every morning and evening.

Young girls dressed in traditional attire offer Thalappoli to the goddess. Rice, owers and a lighted lamp is held on a Thaalam or plate. These young girls pray to the Goddess to bless them with inward and outward beauty and bless them with health, wealth and happiness.

The Thookkam ritual is witnessed by thousands of devotees from far and wide.

The belief is that the children who undergo this ritual would be blessed with fortune

and all illnesses will be cured. Fasting is observed for three days before this ritual by the men who carry the children in the bow and observe strict religious procedures.

Ottam, Poomala, and Annadanam are some of the other rituals in this temple festival.

Wholehearted prayers to the Devi would be answered with Peace and Prosperity.

Devotees who follow a righteous path would surely be showered with blessings

by Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy.

Vellanad Sree Bhagavathi Temple Trust – Office Bearers

K. Jannardhanan Nair - President

Vellanad Sreekantan Vice President

M.Sukumaran Nair Secretary

D. Bhrahmadevan Jt. Secreatary

S.R.Anilkumar Treasurer

Executive Members

K.Achuthan Nair

K.G.Anil Kumar

K. Divakaran Nair

N.Gopalakrishnan Nair

P. Hari

R. Padmakumar

R. Rathish

B.K. Sivakumar

T. Sreekumaran Nair

Advt.M.S. Udayakumar

15 MARCH 2017

Tradition

the ritual art of ancient Kerala “Mange mange manikurale Naaluvashathum kaithozhuthu konge konge kuyil mozhiyale Palodupazhamoduundavale Onnu chavuti nadannoru kurumbe Eruka jnangade pandallil�

Ampili Nair

18 MARCH 2017

O

h! What a simple way to invite the most powerful and perhaps the most ferocious goddess Bhadrakali to the simple coconut leaves thatched temporary shed made in the temple premises in connection with the Thottampattu held at the traditional festivals during the Utharayana period. This speaks of the benign and benevolent nature of the Goddess. She needs no schooled Sanskrit verses or mantras to be pleased. She is at the beck and call of every Bhakta or devotee irrespective of their caste, creed, status or education. All are equal to Amma. Or how else, she could be tied to a place with the simple rendering of her saga in the rustic vernacular.

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Tradition

Thottampattu ,also known as Bhadrakalipattu is a ballad song sung in connection with the festival of temples were the prime deity is Bhadrakali or Bhagavathi.

Along with the commencement of the festival the ‘Kodungaloor Bhagavathi’ who embarks on a journey from Kodungaloor temple by the fag end of Makara month is invoked and placed in the thatched shed.

The ceremony begins with the installation ritual known as kappu Ketti Kudiyiruthu. It is also known in some parts as Arayirutthu as the installation and consecration of Bhagavathi is temporary. The ceremony is a pact between the Bhagavathi and the Asan or the guru who performs the Thottampattu that both of them will not leave the premises till the culmination of the rituals.

After the ceremonial lamp is lit before the offering of padukka consisting of betel leaves ,aval ,pori and banana, three persons with the Guru sitting at the right end and his main shishyan(student) at the centre and a fresher at the left side,sing the saga of kannaki –the heroine of Shilapathikaram composed by ilangovatikal who is none other than Devi herself.

Thottampattu rendering can be divided into two parts; the first part consists of fight between Bhadrakali and Darukan the demon and the second part is the saga of

20 MARCH 2017

Kannaki and Kovalan. In some temples it is sung for ten days and in some for seven days depending on the number of days the festival is held. Thottampattu begins with the description of Darikapuram-the abode of Darukan.. After getting the boon from Lord Shiva that no man should ever kill him, Darikan became all the more powerful and went on a killing spree. The atrocities of Darukan reach the zenith that lord Brahma and lord Vishnu seek the help of Lord Shiva to put an end to it. Bhadrakali, born out of Shiva’s third eye ventures out in search of Darukan and kills him.

Thereafter,Lord shiva makes the fierce Bhadrakali a small child and give her to a Narayanan from thekkan Kollam who had no children. Same time another Marayar and his wife from Vadakkan kollam also pleads to lord Shiva for a child. A boy named palakan or Kovalan was born to them. These two children kani and palakan grew up and they get married to each other. The marriage of Kannaki(Devi)at the age of seven is the famed Maalappuram. inThottampattu.The ornaments of Kannaki are brought in a procession. After sometime Kannaki gave her Chilambu or anklets to Kovalan to sell it and do some business.

In madurai ,Kovalan was cheated by a goldsmith and was killed by King Pandian accusing him of robbing the queen’s anklet. Devi saw everything in a dream and goes to Madurai and brings kovalan back to life. That day’s thottampattu is called konnuthottu pattu and it reflects the sorrow of Devi. After that the murderous looking Devi set aflame the city of Madurai.

Later she goes to Kailas and ask Mahadev to accomodate her somewhere. Legend says that she came to Kodungalloor along with kovalan and settled there. The saga of kannaki and Kovalan ends in a befitting manner so also the ThottamPattu and Kodungalooramma,leaves to kodungaloor after blessing her children.

Award

Recognition to Merit

M

etro Mart believes that the individuals and groups who strive to provide quintessential experiences in the hospitality and food sector should be recognized and honored.

Extending its journey in recognizing them, Metro Mart reaches out to Kollam,Cochin,Calicut,Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram with Metro Food Awards 2017. The recently concluded Metro Food Awards 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram had set a high benchmark in deďŹ ning the level of excellence for the hospitality and food industry. The event provides an excellent platform to showcase strength and potential and also achieve recognition from the decision makers in the industry.

22 MARCH 2017

Criteria for Recognition Scores are set for each criteria of recognition by esteemed authorities in the industry. The range of guidelines is vast, which includes quality, hygiene, skill sets, customer orientation, and Brand outreach. Public voting, mystery shopping and judging by eminent panel would be the basis for selection in various criteria.

The winners would also be considered based on the advancement that they bring in for the Restaurant industry.

Metro Mart will be providing extensive media coverage for the event.

The leading players in the industry would be participating at the function.

The winners would get exclusive media coverage across all the publications in our group, such as www. metromartdaily.com, www. metromartnews.com, Metro Mart magazine and in other media partners’ publications.

Get noticed by the leading Brand marketers and managers, display your core specialties, attain new client base, get exclusive coverage in online and offline media – For all this, nominate yourself for Metro Food Awards 2017.

For more informationContact +91 9995139933/ email- metromart.tvm@ gmail.com www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 23

Event

Bengal Travel Mart starts 2017 with Grandeur 24 MARCH 2017

T

he month of January Witnessed the extravagant event by Bengal Travel Mart, organised by Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operater Association, West Bengal Governments department of Tourism and the North Bengal Development Department. The event began on 27th January and was finally concluded on 29th of January at Siliguri.

The beautiful and extraordinary is known for its colourful culture and delightful traditions. Every tourist who ever steps foot in this land of wonders will never leave without falling in love with the state and its people.

The tourism in West Bengal is increasing due to the scenic and cultural

The objective of this B2B event was to bring together the buyers and sellers of service and products under the same roof. The platform provided a gateway for the businessmen who belonged to the fraternity of tourism to unite and forge unbreakable partnership between a buyer and a seller www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 25

Event

treat that the state has to offer. A boost for tourism in such scenario will help to increase employment and provide financial independence to the multiple economically backward natives which in turn will help to improve the economic condition of the country The objective of this B2B event was to bring together the buyers and sellers of service and products under the same roof. The platform provided a gateway for the businessmen who belonged to the fraternity of tourism to unite and forge unbreakable partnership between a buyer

26 MARCH 2017

and a seller. It also gave a key for new player to vesture in the areas and services which previously they dint have any access to. Small investors and upcoming developers were given special thrust.

The three event witnessed a host of buyers which included Individual Buyers, Major Tour Operators General Buyers from Siliguri and Individual buyers. Sellers were mostly State tourism department of West Bengal Private tour operators, travel agents, Stakeholders of Bengal ,Transporters etc. The other Participants belonged from

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MARCH 2017 27

Event

State tourism department of other states (for B2C segment only) ,Private tour operators from all over (for B2C segment only) ,Tourism departments and Private operators from neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, etc.

The inaugural ceremony and registration followed by cocktail dinners were the activities carried on the first day to let the

28 MARCH 2017

participants get acquainted. The second day was a busy schedule of Business sessions and technical session to further incorporate there participants as an integral part of the event and the day ended with a B2C event, cultural programme and dinner. The third and the last day was schedule was similar to the second with a grand gala dinner to mark the end of the event.

Event Scan

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran flags off

Fourth Kerala Blog Express Thirty bloggers from 29 countries go on two-week road trip exploring ‘God’s Own Country’

T

hirty influential online travel writers from around the world began a fifteen day long exploration of ‘God’s Own Country’, with Tourism Minister Shri Kadakampally Surendran flagging off the fourth edition of Kerala Blog Express from Bolgatty Palace in Ernakulam as part of a campaign to present the state to a wider international audience.

“The Blog Express is an innovation that we have pioneered and we will continue to raise the bar for tourism marketing in the future,”the Minister said. Blog Express initiative have definitely augmented the destination pull of Kerala and given an impetus to building and sustaining the tempo of tourism growth, a sector which is so crucial for Kerala’s economy.”

30 MARCH 2017

“I hope as participants you enjoy this trip and share the wonderful stories and culture of our land with international audience,”he added.

The 30 bloggers this year represent 29 countries and all the continents, and were selected through a voting system with over 38,000 votes garnered online. They will traverse hills, beaches, backwaters and experience life in villages and cities, as part of the award-winning promotional campaign of Kerala Tourism.

Besides the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, travel writers from Europe this year include from regions such as Moldova and Gibraltar. The only Indian in the group is Dipanshu Goyal from New Delhi and the most experienced blogger is Carla Mota from Portugal who has travelled around

Event Scan

82 countries over the years. Most of the bloggers are visiting India for the first time.

With participants from around the globe, Blog Express 4 has already grabbed the attention of various social media platforms and online travel and tour forums.

KBE was piloted in 2014 as a social media campaign, familiarisation trip, bloggers meet and road trip rolled into one, with the aim of creating a pool of global brand ambassadors who have experienced Kerala at close quarters and have the ability to reach out to aspiring international travellers.

Over the past three editions the KBE has shaped 87 such ambassadors, who have documented their journey, experiences and memories across conventional, digital and social media platforms in several different languages, taking the Kerala Tourism brand to ever wider audiences.

KBE, which promises‘the trip of a lifetime!’ in its tagline, selects participants through an online voting process. It has received more than 5,300 entries over the last four years and continues to grow in popularity.

The campaign itself has set new benchmarks in destination marketing. The third edition of Kerala Blog Express 3 last year

32 MARCH 2017

won the Bronze for Social Media (Outreach) at the prestigious ABBY Awards 2016.

It generated more than 9,000 Tweets, over 300,000 website visits, over 2,000 Instagram pictures and more than 100 blog articles. Kerala, as a travel destination, was covered on the Czech National radio, Polish radio, Bulgarian radio and TV show and local newspapers in New Zealand and Italy.

A crew from Envoyé spécial l’été, the entertainment channel of France, flew down to Kerala to document French bloggers Arnaud Caillou and Céline Simon, who were of KBE 3. They spent four days with the whole KBE 3 team and featured a documentary film on their channel, focusing on Kerala and its cultural richness.

Kerala Blog Express 4 will travel through Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod before completing its journey on April 3 in the capital city Thirvananthapuram, where the guests will be given a grand farewell by the Tourism department.

Shri. P G Shivan, Joint Director, Kerala Tourism and Shri. V S Anil, Deputy Director, Kerala Tourism, also attended the function.

Auto World

The

The iconic BMW logo shows the propellers of an aircraft, depicted in blue, cutting through the sky, depicted in white.

Modern Auto World BMW

Here’s the German giant that’s all about performance. Nothing can get in the way of a “Bimmer” when it comes to sportness, as their engines are perhaps the best out there, in terms of power. The company has successfully completed a century of existence and turned 101 this March.

Normally during the centenary celebration of every brand, a special model is created to look back upon their historic creations, as homage; but BMW looked at this as a glimpse into the future and gave birth to the BMW,

34 MARCH 2017

NEXT100 model that looks like something straight out of the future. This car is BMW’s way of saying that they are already ahead, not only in terms of design, but also technology that can blow ones mind. BMW is also known for their futuristic designs before it’s time. It was founded by Karl Rapp, Franz Josef Popp and Camillo Castiglioni.

The iconic BMW logo shows the propellers of an aircraft, depicted in blue, cutting through the sky, depicted in white. This shows the early history of the brand, a time when they used to make fighter jet engines.

Now, an interesting question. What does the name BMW stand for?

Every layman knows the brand as BMW, but without knowing the full form. The name expands quite simply to form the name Bavarian Motor Work, (Bayerische Motoren Werke in German).

After 101, years the company remains crowned the ultimate driving machine and still holds up the title without any compromises. Luxury is top notch in any standard edition Bimmer, and driving one would simply give you chills. Oh, Mini Cooper and Rolls Royce Motor Cars, are owned by BMW.

Audi

The four-rings seems to be doing just fine and is having successful years lately. Sales are going up and so are the prices, but the engine power has been made significantly lesser in India for delivering more mileage per litre as we Indians spend a lot on fuel, but the power delivery is considerably high and so, hey, no ones complaining.

Each ring of the logo represents the companies that joined to form Auto Union that was later renamed Audi. Audi is pronounced “Ow-Dee’’ commonly mispronounced “Aw-Dee”. The company

even made a video to teach people how to pronounce their name properly.

Today Audi is owned by the noble Volks-Wagen, and its sister companies are Porsche, Bentley, Škoda, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Seat, MAN and Scania. Yes Volks-Wagen owns all these companies.

Who buys an Audi?

Normally people who are new to the luxury segment, go for an Audi. The brand shows off all the needs of a potent buyer, specifically safety, comfort, design and performance or in other words a Volvo, MercedesBenz, Lexus and BMW, all in one car. Catchy? This was used in a commercial by Audi to promote the brand and create loyalty.

Audi is now 107 years old and has been in the business for sometime now.

All we can say is that, it has established itself quite well in this time.

Which one’s going to be in your garage?

Which one’s going to be in your garage?

Ashwadh Prasad

www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 35

Culinary Station

One meal Salads for Lunch!

Do you think “Salads” are diet food? Then it’s time you changed your mind! Salads give you health benefit, but they are great ‘timesavers’ when you don’t have the time to prepare elaborate 3 dish lunches. Making a great salad is like creating an artwork in a bowl! These refreshing, colorful, wholesome salad recipes are surely going to be your all time favorite!

Apple Chickpeas Salad

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deepasanjaiyan@gmail.com

Ingredients 1. Chickpeas– 1 ½ bowl (boiled & drained) 2. Green chilli -1-2 Onion -1 Green Apple -1 Coriander leaves- 1 handful 3. Lemon -1 Olive oil/Virgin coconut oil 2-3tablespoons Rock Salt/Sea salt - to taste 4. Walnuts - 8-10 Method: • Chop the onion, chilli and green coriander leaves.

• Chop the apple and add a little lemon juice to it immediately to prevent it changing color. Now add all the chopped ingredients to the chickpeas.

For dressing • Mix the lemon juice, oil and salt in a bowl/bottle and mix well • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.

• Cover the bowl with a cling film. Keep it in the refrigerator till it is time to serve!

Garnish with crumbled walnut.

Roasted Sweet potato Salad with Chili dressing Ingredients 1. Sweet potato - 4 Onion - 1 large (cut in 1” cubes) 2. Red Kidney Bean (Rajma) – 1 cup (cooked & drained) 3. Capsicum (Red) – 1(cut in 1” cubes) Coriander leaves – 1 cup (Finely chopped) 4. Walnuts -5-8 5. Olive oil- 2-3 Tablespoon; Garlic – 1 clove; Green chilli -1; Lemon juice of 2 lemon; Salt to taste Method: • Scrub and wash the sweet potato and split them in two. Oil the split surface; put it on a baking tray with cut surface down. Peel & wash the onion, dry it and oil it and put it on the tray along with the sweet potato.

• Place them in a pre-heated oven and roast it at 200°C for 15-20 minutes or till well done.

• Peel off the skin of the sweet potato when it cools and cut into 1” cubes.

• In a bowl add the cooked red kidney bean, cubed capsicum, sweet potato and onion, chopped coriander and mix well.

For dressing • Add the lemon juice, green chilli, garlic, salt and olive oil/virgin coconut oil to a blender and blend well.

• Add the dressing to the salad and toss!

• Serve after 1-2 hours. Garnish with toasted walnut just before serving.

Greek Salad Ingredients 1. Lettuce – 1 head (torn into bite- size pieces) Tomato – 3 large (seeded & coarsely Chopped) Cucumber - 1 (The long, thin onepeeled and coarsely chopped) Onion- 1 medium (sliced very thin) Green capsicum – 1 Green olives – ¾ cup Feta Cheese- ¾ cup (crumbled) Fresh parsley - Chopped For Dressing Olive oil – 6 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice – 1 ½ tablespoons Red wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon Garlic cloves – 2 (crushed to fine paste) Salt & freshly ground pepper Lemon – whole for squeezing Sugar – 1 teaspoon Method: • Add the torn lettuce, cucumber chunks, onion slices, pitted and halved olives with half the feta in a large bowl • Combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, a little salt, pepper and chopped olives in bowl/ jar with a lid. Shake together till well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning (* Remember feta is salty, so don’t be too heavy handed with salt).

• Pour the dressing over the vegetables, then add a little salt and pepper and toss with a wooden spoon or clean hands.

• Top with the remaining feta and squeeze a little lemon juice just before serving! www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 37

Event

India International Waiters’ Race -2017 India International waiters Race an initiative by Uday Samudra Group of Hotels

I

IWR are pleased to announce the 4th India International Waiters Race 2017 on Saturday the 29th April 2017 at Shanghumugham from 4:00 pm onwards, more than 100 participants are expected to take part at this event covering an area of approximate 1500 meters long with a kind of Marathon.

This unique event was launched in France by the Hoteliers and Restaurateurs in the beginning of the 20th century (100 years ago) this is now annual event that has

38 MARCH 2017

spread throughout Europe which was first of its kind in India.

2017 is the 4th event conducted in a larger version through participation by National & International hoteliers, Chain of restaurants, Resorts, Hotel management colleges, senior bartenders & waiters’ & waitress.

The judging committee will be from different parts of the globe to evaluate the competition for the ultimate prize to be crowned the“Champion of Champions Waiter 2017”.

Metro Update

Navati celebrations of

P. Parameswarji As part of the lead-up to the 90th birth anniversary (Navati) of iconic Hindutva renaissance ideologue P. Parameswaran in October, Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram will hold a twoday celebration in Kochi from April 1-2.

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thinker, philosopher and reformer, Parameswarji, as he is affectionately called, has been a vocal promoter of both Indian nationhood and Hinduism for the past several decades. Born into a devout Hindu family in Cherthala in 1927, religion came early and naturally to Parameswarji. As a child, he would join his father, a priest in the village temple, in reciting mantras and hymns.

A brilliant student all through school, he completed his intermediate course from SB College, Changanassery. He graduated from Kerala University with a Bachelor’s degree in History (Honours), becoming the first-rank holder in the process.

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Parameswarji dedicated himself as a fulltime pracharak in the Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh. Later, he worked in many organisations associated with the RSS before founding Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram, a charitable society that championed the cause of national reconstruction through rigorous research, in 1982.

Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram.

It is a haven for thinkers and researchers who believe India’s future is inextricably linked to its cultural and spiritual roots.

By fostering publications and organising camps, debates, symposia and classes over the years, the Kendram has become a place where like-minded intelligentsia could gather and nurture ideas.

He was always happy to meet, exchange ideas and debate with eminent persons like Sri E.M.S. Namboothiripad and Sri P. Govinda Pillai. He was the General Secretary and National Vice President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and former Director of Deendayal Research Institute, New Delhi.

The celebrations committee, under the chairmanship of Justice K.T. Thomas, will see 1,001 personalities of national and international importance from various walks of life. This includes legendary poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, noted scholar Dr D. Babu Paul, celebrated scientist Dr G. Madhavan Nair, eminent historian Dr MGS Narayanan, Rajya Sabha MP Sri Veerendra Kumar and respected Ayurveda physician Dr P.K. Warrier.

Conventions of academics, women and youth, Bhagawat Gita seminar are on the design as part of the event. The celebrations will last till October 2017.

www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

MARCH 2017 41

Technology

Kerala Witnesses a glimpse of the future Kerala has never backed down on when it comes to cradle the future of the country.

T

he inaugural event for the flagship programme was at Travancore Hall, Technopark, Trivandrum. The event was graced by the presence of the Honourable Governor, Shri Justice P. Sathasivam, who was also the chief guest at the event.

The other chief guests include, Dr. Usha Titus- General Education Secretary, Hrishikesh Nair CEO of Technopark, Dr N B Suresh Kumar- Director of State Resource Center and CEO of Three Seas Info logics, Shasir Esmail.

The event was a celebration of the birth of an all comprehensive and self-learning study material( based on SEO and Digital Marketing), a first of its Kind Government approved Diploma course, which has been carefully designed after market research and conviction of possibilities from years of experience in Search Engine Optimisation in the soil of South India.

42 MARCH 2017

The Grand spectacle also witnessed DR Usha Titus handing over the first ever console in our nation to the Honourable Governor. The underlining objective behind it was to educate the masses about Governors next event, the protocols needed to be followed and the security concerns that needed to be considered.

The organisers only need to upload the brochures in their respected field and the personnel’s at the governor’s office may approve it if it fulfils all the criteria’s.

Three Seas Infologistics has filled the vacant spots as the first ever writers in the field of SEO and Digital Marketing in South India. The Honourable Governor inaugurated the text content in front of a wonderful and majestic crowd.

The event also comprised of UNESCO Scholarships awards being distributed amongst the worthy ones from their respected director.

Metro update

Tops in Urban Governance Again In a recent survey conducted by Janagraha, a Bengaluru based non-profit institution, Tiruvanantapuram was declared to be on top of the list amongst Indian Cities that have the most organised and developed “City-Systems�

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moment of pride for Kerala and Tiruvananthapuram as the city earned the tag of being the best in the terms of urban governance and quality of living. The research carried out by a Bengaluru based organization named Janagraha, which serves as an annual inspector that build and add to the Urban Governance on various parameters.

The Annual Survey of India’s CitySystems (ASICS) has conducted the study on 83 government parameters and 11 basic questions that include the cities laws, policies and enforcement of the same, finance , taxation , political participation of citizens etc. The basic questions were modelled on The capacity and resources of the city, the urban planning , political representation, transparency and accountability. www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

The survey was carried out in 21 cities across 18 states of India. The cities were judged on the various parameters and were to be marked out of 10. Tiruvananthapuram achieved a score of 4.4 followed by Pune at 4.1 and Kolkata at 4.1 The four basic aspects of the on which Janagraha judge the city system framework are Urban Planning and Designing, Urban Capacities and Resources ,Empowered and Legitimate Political Representation MARCH 2017 45

Metro update

and Transparency, Accountability and Participation. The city scored a little over 2.4 and 2.6 in Urban Planning and designing and in Urban capacities and resources, however it managed to regain its position in Empowered and Legitimate Political Representation and Transparency, Accountability and Participation by scoring a 6.2 and 6.4 respectively.

The city managed to beat the national and financial capital of the country for the second consecutive year. The other southern cities like and Hyderabad, Chennai performed fairly in the survey with scoring 3.6, Bengaluru however dropped over 4 points to rank 16.

While cities like Jaipur and Chandigarh were ranked 21 with a score of 2 and Jaipur on rank 20 with 2.8. The biggest gainer in the list was Bhubaneshwar which jumped 8 spots to be 10th on the list.

46 MARCH 2017

However ASICS claims that Indian cities perform poorly and score between 2.1 and 4.4 against global cities like New York and London which score 9.8 and 9.3. This is a matter for concern considering that India is now advancing towards urbanisation and has yet makes a rather slow growth over this Index. This indicates that Indian cities still have a long way to go in the matter of strengthening the city systems that include quality of life, policy enforcement, state of public institution that delivers public service and governance.

Dream Home

Turret Builders Luxurious gated communities with the best of amenities is the focus of Turret Engineers & Builders Pvt. Ltd., who began operations in 2004. Ample greenery, spacious and modern design are the hallmarks of these builders. Known for their perseverance to provide homes with quality, Turret is nearing one and a half decade in the industry, completing a number of high profile projects. Over 50 residential/commercial projects spanning 23000 square feet has been successfully delivered and about 18000 square feet of projects are under development.

S

triving to become synonymous with quality and creative lifestyle, they operate from Thiruvananthapuram. Their projects have a comfortable blend of luxury with affordability and style, making a distinct image on the clientele. Trust and transparency being the foundation, they have forged a fine niche in this highly competitive market. Development of residential, commercial and retail properties are the primary business model for Turret

48 MARCH 2017

Builders. In addition they have several individual turnkey contracts.

The Turret team works hand in hand to ensure architectural perfection in each and every project they undertake. Their contemporary designs artfully incorporate tradition, a delightful mix of the vintage allure with the new age luxury.

Turret Builders is equipped to deliver what they promise with the highly experienced and dedicated team they have. Adhitya Home and Adhitya Empire in Chenkottukonam, Adhitya Marvel and Adhitya Majesty in Poojapura, and Gama Regency in P. T. P Nagar are some of the Apartment projects of Turret Builders.

Other than this they have carried out over 75 independent villa projects in Thiruvananthapuram.

Customer-oriented construction of Turret includes Vasthu-based constructions. The construction cost is comparatively lower to competition in the industry. However, there is no compromise on quality, which is efficiently maintained in all categories.

Qualified engineers work with the top quality materials sourced by Turret.

Ongoing projects of Turret Builders include Abodes Maple, with 75 premium residential homes costing near a crore. The homes of 2500 square feet onwards in area are located near Manvilla Engineering College. These are premium homes costing near a crore 2500 square feet onwards. Turret Galaxy, aimed at middle segment

range is priced starting from 35 lakhs and located near VSSC at Nedumangad.

Abodes Bougainvillea is a unique range of Boutique villas & Apartments located in Chenkottukonam, 6 kms from Technopark and near schools, colleges, hospitals and shopping centres. Promoted by Abodes Design & Build and built by Turret Builders, these villas and apartments are nestled on the hillside and unspoilt by the vagrancies of industrialization – it blends with nature.

18 apartments and 26 villas are being constructed at this location. The villas range from 1138 sq. ft. onwards. Customised to meet requirements of the client, the designs are open and practical with lots of light and ventilation. It is devoid of hidden costs or high maintenance costs. Each home is made to suit the individual tastes and demand, even if the exterior appearances may appear similar. Customers are given the provision to choose their own materials according to their wish. Located close to Technopark, www.metromartdaily.com metromartnews.com

ISRO, Karyavattam University, Engineering College, etc., it is easily accessible from the National Highway and Bypass. Grace Homes located 12 kms from Nagercoil on the side of Nagercoil-Chennai main highway is another project of Turret Builders.

The natural beauty, healthy environment and closeness to the highway is giving the location a greater advantage and other development activities are going on at this place. Grace Homes consists of threefloor apartments in a 200 sqm compound with car parking facility. The compact yet spacious apartments of 65 sqm and 110 sqm are customised to meet customer needs. The Turret Builders office is located at Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. They can be reached at 097451 20078 or visit their website www.turretbuilders. com for further information.

Trust Turret Engineers & Builders Pvt. Ltd. to turn your dream homes into reality.

MARCH 2017 49

Helpline

Ambulance

0471-2115054/98, 2335523

Fire Station 0471-2115054/98, 2335523 BSNL 101 Land Line: 155300 BSNL Land Line: 155300 BSNL Mobile: 0471-155300 BSNL Food Mobile: 0471-155300 Adulteration Helpline Anti Piracy Cell Piracy Cell Civil Supplies 1800 425 1125 (Toll free) 0471Anti 2460001 1967(Toll free no:) Mob: 9447210124, Civil Supplies 0471 2460001 1800-425-1550 (Toll free Forest Helpline 9497981037 1967(Toll no:) BSNL free Land Line: 155 300 no:) Mob: 9447210124, E-mail: spapc.pol@kerala.

BSNL Mobile: 0471 155 300 gov.in 1800-425-1550 (Toll free Coastal Police Alert and 9497981037 Other Networks: State 0471-2556699/no:) 0471- 211 5054/98, 2335523 Anti-Ragging E-mail:Helpline spapc.pol@kerala.

2320101 1800 180 5522 (Toll free) General Administration gov.in Coastal Police Police Monitoring Room 04712518463Alert and Online Enquiry: www.antiragging.in Commercial Taxes State (Co-ordination) 0471-2556699/ Ambulance 108 108

Anti-Ragging Helpline

1800 425 4777 (Toll free) Helpline for Ex-Service Men Chief Electoral Officer 9446505527 1800 180 5522 (Toll free) (Mobile)2320101 1800-11-3999 Control Room: 0471E-mail: vathelpline@ (All working days: 9.00 am2301080 keralataxes.gov.in Police Monitoring Room 5.30pm) Fax: Online 0471- 2301081 Enquiry: Consumer Toll E-mail: ceo_kerala@eci.

Free Helpline Helpline to nab Garbage www.antiragging.in gov.in Commercial Taxes9496434517 18004251550 offenders (Only 4777 for Chief Minister’s Distress 1800 425 (Toll free) CPC Call Center Chief Electoral Officer Thiruvananthapuram) Relief Fund 04719446505527 (Mobile) 1800-425-2229 2518513/0471-2518487/ Control Room: 0471Alert (CMDRF) E-mail:Highway vathelpline@ Crime Stopper 9846 100 100 2301080 0471-2518795/0471-2518332 1090 keralataxes.gov.in Kerala Public Service 04712301081 ChiefFax: Minister’s Grievance Disaster Management Consumer Toll 0471- 2554000 Commission 1076E-mail: (From BSNL) ceo_kerala@eci.

Helpline 1077 Redressal Cell Free Helpline Call Centre (Collectorate) gov.in(From 18004251076 18004251550 others) 1070 (State Control Room) KSRTC Helpline 91-471-1076 (From Outside Control Room Chief Minister’s E-filing Distress India) Call Center CPC Call Center Tel: 0471 - 2463799/ 0471080-26982000 Relief Fund 0471Child Helpline 2471011 ext 238 (for e-filing of return)1800-425-2229 10982518513/0471-2518487/ Mobile: 94470 710 21 Election Helpline (CMDRF) Citizens Call Centre CrimeKudumbashree Stopper Travels 1950

0471-2518795/0471-2518332

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February 2017

Chief Minister’s Grievance 1076 (From BSNL) Redressal Cell 18004251076 (From others) 91-471-1076 (From Outside India) Child Helpline 1098 Citizens Call Centre

50 MARCH 2017

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February 2017

1090

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

Disaster Management Helpline 1077 (Collectorate) 1070 (State Control Room) E-filing Call Center 080-26982000 (for e-filing of return) Election Helpline 1950

Fire Station 101 Food Adulteration Helpline 1800 425 1125 (Toll free) Forest Helpline BSNL Land Line: 155 300 BSNL Mobile: 0471 155 300 Other Networks: 0471- 211 5054/98, 2335523 General Administration 0471- 2518463 (Co-ordination) Helpline for Ex-Service Men 1800-11-3999 (All working days: 9.00 am5.30pm) Helpline to nab Garbage offenders 9496434517 (Only for Thiruvananthapuram) Highway Alert 9846 100 100 Kerala Public Service Commission 0471- 2554000 Call Centre KSRTC Helpline Control Room Tel: 0471 - 2463799/ 04712471011 ext 238 Mobile: 94470 710 21 Kudumbashree Travels

METRO mart T H I R U VA N A N T H A P U R A M

0471-2728454 call centre number (for Thiruvananthapuram city) Labour Minister’s Helpline 155 300 Police Station (Nearest) 100 Police Helpline (Head Quarters, Thiruvananthapuram) 0471-324 3000/4000/5000 Police Message Centre 94 97 900000 Police High Way Help Line 9846 100 100 Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana SLBC Call centre: 1800 425 11222 (PMJDY) (24X7 Toll free No.)

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PWD Helpline 1800 425 7771

State Consumer Helpline 1800-425-1550 (Toll free)

Rail Alert 9846 200 100

Sutharya Keralam 155 300

Ration card renewal Tel: 0471-2320379, 9495998223, 9495998224, 9495998225.

Tourist Information toll free 1-800-425-4747

Sabarimala Virtual Queue 0471-3243000/ 3244000/ 3245000 Secretariat Central Agency Tel: 0471- 2327558/ 2518202 (Out of Office hours) Secretariat Enquiry 0471- 2336576 Fax: 0471- 2333115 (IBMC/ Secretariat) SHE TAXI 24x7 Call Centre 8590000543

Trivandrum Medical College 0471-2528300 MCH Casualty : (24 hrs) UID/Aadhaar 1800-4251-1800 (Toll free number) Website: uid.kerala.gov.in Vigilance & 8592 900 900 (Toll Free Number) Anti-Corruption Bureau Women Helpline 1091

MARCH 2017 51

February 2017

Picture page

With summer gaining intensity, this elephant here is already feeling the heat. Could the tears be due to shortage of food and water...

Asiatic elephant photographed by Smitha Prasad at the Bandipur national park, Karnataka 50 MARCH 2017