METRO MART-March 2019

Volume 8 Issue 9 March 2019

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CHAMBER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CZARINA’S

KOTA UTSAV IS BACK Basking in the Glory of

1000 Days

T

he state is heating up. With a scorching summer ahead, Kerala is feeling the summer heat across the state.

Amidst this summer, leading designer boutique Czarina’s is back with a new blend of style and clothing in the city.

Czarina’s Kota sarees is renowned for its fine weaves, understated elegance, lightweight and versatility. Czarina’s signature Kota fest has emerged extremely popular in the city over the years. This year, she is back with an array of dazzling summer specials.

Kerala has been a key spot in the world tourism chart for its exquisite landscape, beaches and cuisine as well.

Metro Mart, the pulse of Kerala, brings you the juiciest thing for the mind, heart and bellies – Metro Food Awards – making both the food and the awards scrumptious. The event organised by Metro Mart is to recognize the efforts made by restaurants in and around Kerala. Metro Food Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the F&B and Hospitality industry.

Foreword

Hi Readers

Happy reading!

SIJI NAIR

Managing Editor & Director e-mail: sijicn@gmail.com

March 2019

9

Volume 8 - Issue 09 - March 2019

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 Editor

N. Vijayagopalan Editor

Contents in the Glory of 12 Basking 1000 Days

18 CZARINA’S Kota Utsav is back with

scintillating summer specials

V. Viswanath

Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair Projects Head

Raj Nijith Business Development Manager

Ratheesh Kumar Asst Manager - Sales & Marketing

Jayaprakash RP Creative Head

Kiran Mohan Manager - Administration

Sabu C.N. Manager - Accounts

Sindhu R. Corporate Office:Metromart Thiruvananthapuram MERA 44, Eanthivila Lane, Murinjapalam, Medical College P.O. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 011 Tel: 0471 4015593 M: 0091 9995139933 / 9947733339

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

Pune Office:2nd Floor, ARIANA, Above Unnati, Near New Poona Bakery, Wakad, Pune - 411 057 India

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.

Pune | Kolkata | Bangalore | Kochi

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March 2019

Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum, Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

All Rights Reserved

RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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Chamber Excellence Awards Presented by Hon’ble Governor T. Sathasivam

Food Awards 24 Metro Recognizing the best in food

Contents Tourism Holds Trade 40 Kerala Meets in USA; Draws Sound Response

to Dining out, 26 Bye Hi to Eating-in

Jeweller’s 34 Sthithi-Bhima CSR Activity Launched

Meeting 32 Memorable Moments at SKHF

Miss Kerala”, 44 “Never Say Top Bloggers from

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Ust Global Thiruvananthapuram Center Organizes Family Day

36 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 28

Around World

Sree Bhagavathy 46 Vellanad Showering Blessings on the Devotees

50 The Picture Page

India’s First Quadricycle launched in Kerala by Bajaj Auto

March 2019

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GOVERNANCE

Basking in the Glory of

1000 Days

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March 2019

W

ith the Honorable Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the helm and an efficient team, the LDF government has completed 1000 days since swearing into office.

It has proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with. A state-wide celebration named “1000 Nalla Divasangal” (“1000 Good Days”) was kicked off on the 20th of February which lasted till the 27th. 1000 new development and welfare schemes were inaugurated across the state.

Exhibitions, developments seminars and cultural programmes were organized throughout the state.

The 1000 days mark witnesses the success of the LDF government.

There have been significant advancements in various fields like the social and economic sectors.

Some of the highlights of the LDF rule include revival of public sector undertakings, significant improvement in health sector and education sector, systematised social security pension, infrastructure development, improving the life of the working class, and focusing on the upliftment of the marginalized classes and castes.

The 1000 days also bore witness to a series of natural disasters, Ockhi, Nipah and 2018 Floods, unlike never before. The government’s efficiency and timely intervention prevented the worst and helped the people overcome the perilous effects.

Despite the harsh tests, the LDF government and fellow Keralites survived and beat the worst.

The 1000 days mark witnesses the success of the LDF government.

There have been significant advancements in various fields like the social and economic sectors.

1000 Good Days.

The LDF government has made a substantial leap in several areas, making marked progress in projects that faced roadblocks earlier.

Several major and minor projects in infrastructure, finance, health, educational etc have commenced.

Committing to new and more challenging works, the government is setting itself against a gold standard.

Some of the achievements and future projects of the government are given below.

Budget Achievements

It is deemed the success of the government that the budget was made successfully according to the LDF manifesto. Social welfare budgets and key infrastructure sector was given a strong support.

Achievements in the education sector is evident. The expenditure on education sector has increased from Rs 12620.26 crore in 2014-15 to 19226.54 (RE) since 2018-19.

Health Sector also shined through.

The expenditure in the health sector March 2019

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rose from Rs. 3842.61 crore to 6691.99 budget, KIIFB has done extraordinary crore. work in terms of key infrastructure.

KIIFB has invested in the Social Security Pension rising of the Kundannoor-Vytila Social security pension and its flyover which is a huge relief to distribution was also keenly focused. the immense traffic. Creating coastal The distribution of the social security and high range highways also takes pension was made more accurate and away a load of traffic; KIIFB has systematic.Social security pension included it under its projects. distribution was collaborated with co- The permission has been granted operative society and made efficient. to PWD by KIIFB for the construction The pension was even distributed to of roads worth Rs 5905 crore. Rs those who stayed in the relief camps 635.5 crore has been sanctioned during the 2018 floods. for 9 flyovers in total by KIIFB. 50 There is an increase in 11 lakh bridges and 22 railroads are also pensioners during the tenure of this sanctioned by KIIFB worth Rs 2019 government. The number of Social crore.

Security pensioners rose from Rs 31 KIIFB has sanctioned projects lakh to Rs 42 lakh. Its achievement for schools worth INR 2038 crore. is evident in the fact that pension More than 50,000 classrooms will amount was doubled from Rs. 600 to be upgraded with smart technology.

Rs. 1100 / - per month.

Basic infrastructure at schools are at Monthly expenditure for social an all time record. Model Residential security / welfare pension rose from school have been granted INR 186 260 crore during UDF period to Rs 525 crore for various schemes.KIIFB crore during this period. projects worth INR 562 crore has The total amount of pension paid during the UDF tenure was Rs 9270.10 crore. The total amount of pension distributed amount to INR 18615 crore.

KIIFB

KIIFB is proving to be the key arm of Government to facilitate planned, hassle-free and sustained development.

This is evident in the physical and social infrastructure being erected all around, announcing the progress towards prosperity in the State. Its success resonated through the various new projects that are materialising. Outside of the 14

March 2019

been accepted for universities and colleges.

Projects worth Rs 3220 crore has been granted permission in water distribution. Rs 566 crore has been granted for schemes related to water ways.

Rs 529 crore has been granted for key infrastructure for stadiums and sports.

8 cultural centres have been given permission with funds worth INR 194 crore.

Transgrid projects worth INR 5200 crore has been accepted by KIIFB. KIIFB has granted permission to the procurement of 5100 acre land worth INR 12,710 crore for business parks.

44 new dialysis centres are under development with the help of KIIFB. 10 new cath labs are also under construction.

KIIFB has invested in various medical sectors like the Ernakulam General Hospital, Kochi Cancer Center, the Super Speciality wing of the Ernakulam Medical College, modern facilities at Punaloor Taluk Hospital.

Treasury

Major achievements in Treasury include the implementation of core banking in the Treasury. It is moving towards a complete digital platform for transactions. 20 new Treasury Buildings are also sanctioned in the Treasury Infrastructure Development Program

Lottery

Lottery had a turnover of around Rs 10,000 crore. Strict Control over gambling and lotteries from other states are also implemented. Measures have been taken to control lottery from other states by making stricter laws in the GST laws and lottery norms.

Steps have also been taken to make State Lottery prizes have been made more attractive. The prize portion has been increased by 5 %.

KSFE

KSFE has a turnover of over Rs. 35,000 crore. Online platforms for joining chit funds for NRIs have also been started.

2019 marked the golden jubilee year for KSFE. Rs 50,000 crore turnover expected in the golden jubilee year.

Coir

Coir sector also saw considerable achievements. NCDC has provided assistance of Rs 200 crore for second coir restructuring.

100 new fiber mills were installed. Minimum wage of coir workers was increased to Rs. 350; Allowances for Welfare Fund benefits have been substantially increased.

Pension increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1100.

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GOVERNANCE

1000 DAYS OF

DEVELOPMENT

T

he LDF government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has showcased exceptional progress in many areas some of which are basic infrastructure, education, Health, worker welfare, social security schemes. The government was a manifestation of their slogan “The Government is with you”.

Healthy work culture and employee-employer relationships were the focus of governmental schemes, thus creating a fertile environment for new work and investment opportunities. Among the various new reforms brought about in the area of labour welfare, the most noted one was the right of the employees of business outlets to have a seat when needed. This law was passed with much praise and is considered a milestone in the history of the workers’ welfare of Kerala.

17 new government ITIs were started in a bid to provide the technical skill to the younger generation. The LDF government put special emphasis on creating a generation of skilled and competent youngsters and devised schemes to bring about this. New job opportunities were created and new postings via PSC were also carried out.

A major step carried out in the 1000 days was making the work

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environment is making it work friendly and investment friendly.

Kerala is marked the highest in minimum wages, it was taken a step ahead by reforming the minimum wages in 26 sectors that were outdated.

Steps were taken to protect fresher nurses from being exploited by private institutions. Rs 9000 for GNM nurses and Rs 10,000 for BSc nurses were allotted as a fixed monthly stipend. The training period was fixed for one year.

Social security protection was made for workers who migrated from other states. The Awaz insurance scheme for migrant workers from other states allotted Rs 15,000 for free medical treatment and Rs 2 lakh for accident insurance, thus earning international praise.

The Janani scheme was carried out to ensure a home consisting of a flat of

two-bedrooms for minimum wage labourers. This was carried out in Idukki and Perumbavoor, Ernakulam.

Steps were taken to ensure the welfare of plantation workers including ensuring minimum wage.

India’s first Career Development Centre under the government was started in Perambra, India’s first Tribal Employment Exchange cum Career Development Centre was also started. 29,580 jobs were allocated via Employment Exchange and 35,000 through job fairs. ESI schemes were carried out throughout the State to ensure worker health and welfare.

The LDF government showcased its determination by creating a new sense of direction for the Excise Department. Stringent measures were taken against the production and sale of narcotic substances. The slogan taken up by the department was “Avoiding Narcotics to create a Narcotic-free Kerala”. De-addiction

T P Ramakrishnan Minister for Labour and Excise Govt. of Kerala centres were started throughout the state giving free treatment and to rehabilitate youngsters, and strict surveillance is set out to keep substance abuse at bay.

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FASHION

CZARINA’S

Kota Utsav is back with scintillating summer specials

F

Sheila James Founder and Proprietor of Czarina Boutique 18

March 2019

or this year’s Kota Utsav, Trivandrum’s leading designer boutique is bringing together an awe-inspiring collection of exquisite sarees from across the country. Famed for its fine weaves, understated elegance, lightweight and versatility, Czarina’s signature Kota sarees have become extremely popular in the city. Kota Utsav begins on March 1.

The new collection at this year’s Kota Utsav includes a wide array of block-printed, embroidered, fabricpainted, badla-work, mirror-work and applique-worked Kota sarees, in addition to authentic Silk Kota and Supernet Kota. The in-house designers at Czarina also customise the sarees, using tissue and brocade, to give it a unique look. Customers can take their pick from a big set of party wear, formal wear and casual wear. There is also a special office wear collection for working women.

Czarina has also introduced a new range of designer blouses and ethnic blouse materials to complement the sarees in the Kota Utsav.

Kota Utsav ends on March 15.

The showroom will also be open on

Sundays, during Kota Utsav, for the convenience of the customers.

Czarina is located at Catholic Centre, on Statue-General Hospital Road. Those who want to know more about Kota Utsav can visit Czarina’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ CzarinaDesignerSarees or call 9387721322.

March 2019

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COVER STORY

CHAMBER EXCELLENCE AWARDS PRESENTED BY

GOVERNOR T.SATHASIVAM

K

Metro Mart Correspondent erala Governor Justice P.Sathasivam (Retd.) presented the Chamber Excellence Awards 2019 instituted by the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) in recognition of the people and organisations that have demonstrated unique vision, innovation and achievement in their spheres, in support of the State’s development.

In a function organized at

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Hotel Hilton Garden Inn, Thiruvananthapuram, the Hon’ble Governor presented the awards to His Excellency Janab Jamal Al Zaabi, Consul General of UAE Consulate for Kerala and South India for International Understanding & Bilateral Relations ; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church for Education; Karan Adani, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Ports

for Infrastructure & Ports; Tony Thomas, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, Japan for Information Technology; and Ajay Prasad, Taurus Investment Holdings, United States for Community Development - Modern Integrated Township.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that “The number of institutions in the higher education sector has increased considerably in Kerala and the State is slowly establishing its strength as a preferred educational destination”. He said that “With an educated workforce, Kerala is poised to reap a lion’s share of the fruits of demographic dividend in the coming years.” The Governor commended that the “Smart City project and the initiatives in the transport and other areas are poised to change the face of Thiruvananthapuram city and the State in the coming years.” He also expressed his concern that “Though every emerging technology offers a new business area, we have a dearth of trained manpower to take such businesses forward and make profit from them. This situation calls for

urgent stepping up of our facilities for training and skill development.”

The Governor lauded TCCI for identifying education as the most significant area of development and expressed the hope that TCCI would take the lead in this direction and become a guiding force.

Dr.Shashi Tharoor and several other prominent persons attended the programme. Chief Secretary Tom Jose; S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, President, TCCI; Suresh Mathew, Chairman, Awards Committee; and Abraham Thomas, Secretary, TCCI spoke on the occasion.

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Glimpses of

Chamber Excellence Awards 2019

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AWARDS

Metro Food Awards

Recognizing the best in food

W

inning a Metro Food Award is an outstanding achievement. It means that your product has been judged to be the very best in its category by renowned industry experts – and that really is something to shout about.

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Our Story Begins

The food business particularly of restaurants was receiving low recognition. This was mainly due to a lack of mechanism that could highlight the professionalism and dynamism involved. However, there comes a time in life when acumen and skills has to be focused upon and the good showing of their workmanship needs to be duly rewarded. This time, the diners shall be voting and acknowledging the efforts made by experts in the culinary field who have rendered good food and a good dining experience.

Metro Food Awards does not happen to be an event of ordinary Business category. It is a podium that shall recognise the culinary business and aid in brand building. Being the first of its kind in the city, Metro Food Awards will be setting a benchmark in recognizing the performing restaurants. It is a big challenge to evaluate the top restaurants and food joints in the cities of Kerala, and recommend the same to the public to vote for their favorite eating venue. Metro Mart is rising up to the challenge.

Any award function puts up competing participants in the best spirit and tone so that it becomes a reference point in future award ceremonies. That’s the same at Metro Food Awards Summit, which would be an apt platform for the participants to showcase their potential and worth in appeasing the palate of the consumers who like to taste perfection.

Significant Value to The Winners

l Gain broad international recognition and significant market visibility l Distinguish your team, your company, and your innovation l Attend the annual awards ceremony and meet other business magnates l High visibility in the business media on your award-winning l Help to encourage, foster and mentor promising young entrepreneurs

Metro Mart -The Narrative

Metro group’s diversity spans across a broad spectrum of media and event associations.

And in each of them, the group has excelled with an unparalleled approach to provide outstanding functionality and remarkable output to a range of businesses and sectors such as Educational, Governmental, Hospitality, Infrastructure, Publications, Technology, Travel, Tourism, etc.

The group’s capabilities are such that its intervention has given the much-needed impetus to several enterprises internationally.

For Nomination/Registrationhttp://www.themetroawards.com/ food-awards.php#register Call + 91 9995139933/.9947733339 March 2019

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LIFE STYLE

BYE TO DINING OUT, HI TO EATING-IN

I

N.Vijayagopalan

n India, the dining out culture is fast giving way to “eating in” with hotels, restaurants and fastfood chains latching on to fooddelivery startups, and several food ordering apps are even transforming restaurant chains’ view of their own businesses.

There are a few instances worth mentioning in this context. Chai Point, the tea retailer had launched a new cafe in Bengaluru a few months back with a never-before layout with an area demarcated for food-delivery apps’ personnel. The chain is on the job of replicating this design, laying emphasis on delivery aggregators, at most of its new outlets. And the retailer finds that the orders coming through these apps are growing at a fast rate. Global food brands like KFC

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and McDonald’s are strengthening their tie-ups with food aggregator startups like Zomato and Swiggy and even setting up separate teams to manage these platforms. Café Coffee Day (CCD), India’s largest homegrown coffee shop chain, launched a “virtual restaurant” at its existing outlets a month back to cater only to orders from UberEats, the food-delivery arm of the cabhailing app Uber.

India’s online food-delivery market is currently pegged at $7 billion (Rs50,375 crore). Of late, the sector has attracted deep-pocketed new entrants. Google, for instance, launched its restaurant-delivery and home-services platform, Areo, in March 2018. But it is Zomato and Swiggy that lead the pack with a combined 80% share. Revenues at

Swiggy grew over six times from the previous year to touch Rs133 crore in 2017, while Zomato posted an 80% year-on-year jump in turnover to Rs.333 crore in the same year. As per news reports, Bengaluru-based Swiggy hosts over 45,000 restaurants on its platform and their strategy is to take brands such as Domino’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and Faasos to newer locations especially in tier 2 and 3 markets.

But the market is still in its infancy as aggregators form a small part of the delivery business. Yet, the “uberification” of the sector is potentially transformational.

Retailers feel that now they even take decisions on opening new stores based on data from their aggregation partners. The scenario is more or less the same at McDonald’s, which has been witnessing a marked consumer shift to online orders for its burgers and beverages. As per news reports, around 70% of McDonald’s deliveries by volume come via online ordering (including those through the McDonald’s in-house app and third-party aggregators).

The association of some global fast food chains like KFC with food aggregators has graduated from an engagement level to being business partners. Restaurant chains are also pairing up with aggregators for marketing campaigns. It is reported that recently, the restaurant chain Subway tied up with Swiggy to deliver over a lakh sandwiches across its 400 outlets.

But not all is rosy with this sector.

Recently, the Food Safety and

The scenario is more or less the same at McDonald’s, which has been witnessing a marked consumer shift to online orders for its burgers and beverages.

Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) pulled up aggregators for hosting unverified outlets on their platforms.

The watchdog asked them to ensure “training and capacity building of restaurants for improving food safety and hygiene rather than focusing only on deep discounts and aggressive marketing.”

Profit-marring deep discounts and the lack of safety checks have cast a shadow on the survival chances of the aggregators in the long run.

Restaurants, therefore, are cautious not to be overly reliant. Some like Jubilant Foodworks, which runs the Domino’s chain of pizza stores in India, has revamped their in-house ordering app. Its updated app got downloaded 1.7 million times, the company said during its secondquarter earnings for this fiscal.

Jatia of McDonald’s, too, prefers preserving the in-house delivery infrastructure even as aggregators are expanding. The trend appears to keep both in-house platform and third-party (apps) complementary.

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AUTO PULSE

India’s First Quadricycle launched in Kerala by

Bajaj Auto

B

Metro Mart correspondent

ajaj Auto, the leading manufacturer of three wheelers has launched a vehicle named ‘Qute’ which belongs to the category of Quadricycle. ‘Qute’ which was launched in Thiruvanthapuram on March 21, 2019 is India’s first Quadricycle.

‘Qute’ is also the first 4-wheeler specially designed for today’s intra-city travel. According to Bajaj, ‘Qute’ has four major differntiators,

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viz., Highly fuel efficient, Low cost of Maintenance, Easy to drive and Provides weather protection. The vehicle is launched at a price of Rs.2,58,065- (ex showroom) in Kerala.

Quadricycle, which is a new category in India, is a 4-wheeler motor vehicle designed to meet the requirements of various segments including daily or frequent city commuters, autorickshaw owners and two wheeler owners who

look forward to upgrading to an optimally fuel efficient four-wheeler and all those who wants a safer and more comfortable replacement for three-wheelers. Hence the Bajaj Qute is available for both private and commercial use, therefore allowing private owners to use it as a cheap means of transport in crowded urban areas while existing autorickshaw owners now have a brilliant upgrade option.

Bajaj Qute has been made available in two variants - Petrol and CNG. Introduction of an electric variant is also on the anvil. Despite having an appearance that suggests it is a small car, Bajaj Auto insists that the light weight ‘Qute’ is not a car.

The Bajaj Qute is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 216cc DTS-i engine. When fueled by petrol,

Bajaj Qute has been made available in two variants Petrol and CNG. Introduction of an electric variant is also on the anvil. it produces a maximum power output of 13.1bhp and a peak torque output of 18.9Nm. Fueling it using CNG drops the output considerably to 10.9bhp and 16.1Nm. ‘Qute’ with a kerb weight of 451 kgs, maximum speed of 70 kmph, maximum engine output of 8.08 KW and a seating capacity of D+3 meets the Indian Quadricycle norms.

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Qute which is designed for the intra city travel is expected to relieve cities from congestion, pollution and the danger that big, heavy and fast cars inflict on it.

The launch function which was held at the Leela Pakace Hotel, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram was attended by officials from Bajaj Auto namely Mr. R. C. Maheshwari, President (Sales & Marketing); Mr. M. Narasimham, All India General Manager; Mr. Prashant Aher, Business Planning Manager and Mr. Pradeep Ramachandran, Kerala Head. The function was hosted by Kallingal Bajaj, Thiruvananthapuram dealers for Bajaj Auto, who are the

authorized distributors for Bajaj Qute. Mr. Kallingal Shafeeque, Managing Director, Kallingal Group of companies and his team were present on the occasion. Other Bajaj Auto Kerala dealers also attended the launch function. The programme had a good participation from the media persons.

The bookings for ‘Qute’ have started and delivery of the vehicle is expected to be within a week from the date of booking. For booking enquiries, Kallingal Automobiles can be contacted on mobile no.

7560820000 and phone no. 04722802274.

Metro Mart felicitating Mr. R.C. Maheshwari, President (Sales & Marketing), Bajaj Auto. Seen in the picture along with him (from left to right) are Mr. Siji Nair, Managing Editor & Director, Metro Mart; Mr. N. Vijayagopalan, Executive Editor, Metro Mart and Mr. Kallingal Rafeeque, Managing Director, Kallingal Bajaj.

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BAJAJ QUTE TO MAKE A BIG ENTRY INTO THE UBER SPACE

B

ajaj Auto, the Indian manufacture is all set to release the first Quadricycle Qute in India. With the Qute, Bajaj is planning to open up a new segment of vehicles called Quadricycles focusing in the city transport system. A quadricycle is a four-wheel motor vehicle with much lesser power and a lower maximum speed than a conventional small car.

Qute claims to have a higher fuel efficiency, at least 65% more than the most popular small car. The vehicle is Made in India and hence, parts are easily available. The maintenance cost is comparable with a 3–wheeler. It is suitable for daily commuting. The engine is 216cc and lightweight. With the smallest turning radius of 3.5m, Qute is extremely easy to manoeuvre through congested Indian traffic.

The new sensation is expected to make a huge impact in the online taxi service sector in India.

The automobile maker is looking forward to engage with leading

Mr. R.C. Maheshwari President (Sales & Marketing), Bajaj Auto

cab aggregators like Uber and Ola for plying the new vehicle in the domestic ride-hailing segment.

So far, Qute has been launched in Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh of late. The Qute is equipped with an LPG, CNG or Petrol fuel capacity. Bajaj is looking forward to bring out the electric versions of Quadricycles soon.

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Memorable Meeting Moments

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FAMILY

UST GLOBAL

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CENTER ORGANIZES

FAMILY DAY

U

ST Global organised its Family Day at its Trivandrum campus Family Day is an annual event organized by Colors of UST Global, an initiative of the UST HR team.

As many as 6000 families participated in this year’s UST Global Family Day. The families were taken on a campus tour. The kids’ zone was a major hot spot for all the families, where the UST Global associates had arranged games, giveaways, multiple caricature artists, magician, balloon art and the like.

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More than 2800 kids were hosted as part of the celebration. For the family members, many events and competitions, including Dance, Music, Kids Fancy Dress, etc, were held at the amphitheater.

The event was inaugurated

by Alexandar Varghese, Chief Administrative Office, UST Global; and Shilpa Menon, Thiruvananthapuram Center Head, UST Global, along with other senior members of UST Global.

TREATMENT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

R

A is a common debilitating joint disease. The disease has a prevalence of 1-2 % in the general population. RA is a disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It is one of many different types of arthritis. It can affect both males and females, but females are more commonly affected. It usually affects adults and elderly. However when it occurs in children, it is called as ‘Juvenile idiopathic arthritis’. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be driven by body’s infection-fighting system, called the immune system, that functions erroneously and “attacks” patients’ own body, mainly the joints. Thus RA is a prototype of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD).

RA is a type of autoimmune disease. Genes alone do not cause rheumatoid arthritis; they merely affect the risk of its development.

The risk factors include – certain HLA gens, infection, stress, cigarette smoking and others yet unknown factors (Figure 1) Although joint are the major targets, it can also involve eyes (red painful eyes with visual blurring), skin nodules and ulcers, anemia, breathing difficulties due to involvement of lungs and increases the risk of heart attack. Patients may have low grade fever and weight loss. It is important to diagnose

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whether this joint pain is due to RA or other diseases like Chikungunya or Osteoarthritis, as treatment and prognosis differs in all these conditions.

Some clues may help, like -rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the small joints in the fingers, feet, and the wrists. It usually affects both the left and the right side at the same time. (Other types of arthritis tend to first affect larger joints, like the knees or hips and they might affect one side much more than the other). (Figure 2)Even though it might start in the fingers and toes,

Figure 1 : showing the cause and mechanism of autoimmune diseases (AID) including RA

rheumatoid arthritis can affect any of the joints. If untreated- it damages the joints forever and cause various deformities (Figure 3)which are irreversible. Long standing disease can damage the cervical

spine (neck spine) and cause spinal cord compression. Patient may thus develop difficulties in walking and sensory disturbances and even sudden death.

The disease is disabling.

Patients cannot do their normal household activities.

There may be difficulties even with self-care like eating or drinking, dressing or bathing as they cannot hold a cup of tea or walk around, due to joint pains.

The symptoms are worse in the morning when they feel that their joints have become stiff and gradually

Figure2 :showing the pattern of joint involvement in Osteoarthritis and RA Black color – represents – very commonly involved Grey color – represents – commonly involved Uncolored – rarely involved March 2019

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Figure 3 : showing the damage to the joints and deformities in late stage RA loosen up after putting hands in warm water or after few hours of activity. Paradoxically, these patients feel better after walking around or doing some activity in the morning after getting up, as compared to Osteoarthritis patients, who get worse following activity.

The disease is a clinical diagnosis and can be made by an expert in the field. Certain tests like Rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPA (anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, also called as anti-CCP) support the diagnosis but by no means are an absolute requirement for diagnosis.

Both the tests can be negative in around 10% of RA patients. So it is important to consult an expert in case of symptoms of joint pains, especially if persisting for more than 6 weeks and affecting joints of hands and feet, for early diagnosis and treatment.

The treatment of RA (once diagnosed) should begin as soon as possible (within 3-6 months of disease onset) so as to prevent 38

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joint damage. Also early treatment helps to achieve a better response to therapy. Do not wait until your symptoms get worse. RA is not a self-remitting disease and needs to be treated early. The disease can remit initially and then reappear but never subsides spontaneously without treatment. So, patient shouldn’t wait for spontaneous remission and shouldn’t waste time in experimenting with unproven forms of therapy. Treatment includes medicines and physiotherapy.

There are various medicines (tablets and injections) for RA some are for symptom relief and others to control the disease.

Disease controlling drugs work by suppressing the overacting immune system and the obvious adverse reaction is increased risk of infections. But all these drugs have favorable risk versus benefit ratio and so are recommended.

Also patients need regular close follow up to look for these adverse events as well as treatment response

especially when treatment is initiated or changed. Drugs prescribed will depend on severity of your symptoms, number of joints are affected, medicine side effects and efficacy, certain blood tests and any other organ involvement. In general, tablets have slow onset of action and take about 3-4 months for disease control .Injections target specific molecule/ protein that causes this joint inflammation.

Some of these target molecules include- TNF (Tumor necrosis factor), interleukin -6, and antibodies. Some of these injections work faster than tablets (within days) and so are used in patients with severe disease or who are not responding to tablets. In general, the effectiveness of tablets and injections is similar, just that injections work faster.

Symptom relieving drugs may include- steroids, narcotic pain medicines and sometimes even steroid injections into the joint.

Apart from drugs, it is very important to stay active. Overactivity should be avoided. A physical therapist can help figure out which exercises are most suitable. An occupational therapist can guide on how to keep doing the everyday tasks and work/job related activities and cope up with arthritis.

It is equally important to eat a healthy diet. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk for heart disease, so avoid fatty foods. Instead, eats lots of fruits and vegetables. There is no specific diet restriction for RA patients, but in general a healthy lifestyle is encouraged – that

Apart from drugs, it is very important to stay active. Overactivity should be avoided. A physical therapist can help figure out which exercises are most suitable. includes regular exercise, weight management, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish, in general is considered healthy owing to high levels of omega 3 fatty acids and red meat is to be avoided in general. Alcohol and smoking is to be avoided strictly.

If patient wants to get pregnant, she should talk to her treating doctor about it before conceiving.

Some of the medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are not safe for a baby, so may need switching of medicines few months prior to pregnancy. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often get a lot better during pregnancy. But they can get worse again after the baby is born.

Thus RA is a autoimmune disease, that needs proper treatment to allow for normal routine function of the patient. Unnecessary delays can damage the joints which become irreversible. With advancement of treatment, the disease control is possible, but as of today the disease needs lifelong treatment (just like hypertension and diabetes).

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TOURISM

Kerala Tourism holds trade meets in USA; draws sound response

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n an aggressive bid to cement its position as a top international destination, Kerala Tourism held a string of trade meets in major cities of USA, showcasing its signature assets before leading stakeholders of travel and tourism industry that drew an enthusiastic response in American markets.

New Jersey, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles were the four American cities where Kerala Tourism held trade meets during February.

“USA is the second largest market for Kerala Tourism after Europe. The four trade meets that were conducted there were part of a concerted campaign to tap the full potential of American travel market. In particular, the campaign was aimed at tapping the premium segment of travellers from USA,” said Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Kadakampally Surendran.

“We also wanted to send out a strong message to American travellers

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and prominent stakeholders of travel and hospitality industry in that country that Kerala has fully overcome the impact of last year’s floods and is ready to receive the guests with an array of new products and fascinating destinations,” he added.

Tourism Secretary Smt. Rani George, who led the trade meets, said Kerala may be a long-haul destination but its touristy charm has remained undiminished for travellers from America.

“The trade meets generated a very positive and good response. Kerala Tourism unveiled new destinations and tourism products during meetings with tour operators to woo American travellers and make them aware of magnificent holiday options in the state which provides not just a vacation but also a lifetime cultural experience,” she added.

CSR

Sthithi-Bhima Jeweller’s CSR activity launched

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s part of the Bhima Jeweller’s CSR activity initiatives to spread awareness about climate action and the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyle practices, the project named “ sthithi” patroned

by Thiruvananthapuram district collector Dr.K. Vasuki, launched a

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Buddy Bottle campaign in campuses, to promote the usage of steel bottles and avoiding plastic bottles.

In picture Suhas M.S. Managing Director, Bhima Jewellery, providing financial support for the project to Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Dr. K. Vasuki IAS.

TOURISM

“NEVER MISS KERALA”, SAY TOP BLOGGERS FROM AROUND WORLD

“Kerala is absolutely amazing.

It’s a land where nature, culture and people harmonise so well to make the visiting an unforgettable experience. It is simply unmissable.”

This was the general refrain of the members of a group of 26 bloggers from 21 countries who just concluded a fortnight-long tour of the state.

As top travel bloggers and social influencers who have been to many parts of the world, each one of them has his or her personal choices and judgments when it comes to rating and writing about the places they visit. But while sharing their experience of the current trip at the 44

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sea-front Hotel Leela Raviz, they were unanimous in their view that ‘Kerala is a place which no traveller can afford to miss.’

“It’s an experience of life. It’s all about getting memories,” said Shea Powell from Jamaica. “I will tell the world about the “complete and different experience of Kerala through my blog.”

Shea was especially bowled over by the exquisite taste and variety of Kerala’s spice-rich food and Alleppey (Alappuzha) remains one of the best places she has ever seen anywhere in the world.

Thanking the participants for showing keen interest in Kerala,

Tourism Secretary Smt. Rani George said the latest edition of KBE would certainly generate a lot more enthusiasm about the state the world over.

“They all say it had been a memorable experience. I am sure the writings and images to be put out by these 26 bloggers from 21 countries would take forward Kerala Tourism’s Human by Nature campaign,” said Smt. George, who was present to listen to their experiences and bid farewell to them.

“This time round, we have been able to bring bloggers from Latin American and African countries.

This will help create greater global interest about Kerala,” said Shri P Bala Kiran, Director of Tourism.

“All those who had joined the journey are going to be our brand ambassadors,” he said, adding: “It was a joint endeavour of the State Government and Tourism trade.”

Mr Baby Mathew, president, Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), was also present.

The KBE this time had a stronger representation from Latin American countries and had 16 of its 26 bloggers women. The endeavour was based on Kerala Tourism’s latest global campaign titled ‘Human by Nature’, a three-minute video film that encapsulates the scenic state’s unique charms.

KBE shaped up after organisers shortlisted more than 7,000 entries the department received from 50plus countries.

The bloggers in KBE 6 included the well-known Alex Chacon of the US and London-based Alex Outhwaite.

While Chaon has traversed through more than 60 countries on a motorcycle clocking over two lakh kilometres and has two lakh followers on Youtube, Outhwaite has more than one lakh followers on Facebook. Nelson Mochilero from Peru is a creator of the first website for backpackers in Spanish, having more than six lakh followers on Facebook.

During their Kerala trip, the bloggers were exposed to a multitude of experiences, including adventure activities, Responsible Tourism initiatives, culture, classical art forms and cuisines.

Combining the effect of all the six editions of Kerala Blog Express, Kerala Tourism has now more than a 100 Brand Ambassadors. The Kerala Tourism official facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/ keralatourismofficial/ -- is the number one portal of any such tourism departments in the country.

Apart from Facebook, Kerala Tourism has an active presence on Twitter and Instagram.

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FESTIVAL

VELLANAD SREE BHAGAVATHY

SHOWERING BLESSINGS ON THE DEVOTEES

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bout 20-km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram city is the famous and ancient temple of Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy. It is considered that Adhiparasakthi is incarnated as Sree Bhagavathy in Vellanad. To establish virtue, save the good, and to show the light of righteousness, the Divine Mother Adhiparasakthi manifests herself in various names and forms.

There are several legends behind the temple of Vellanad Bhagavathy.

One of them is such that the Divine

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Mother took this incarnation to kill the evil king Dharika who ruled the three worlds. Having received a boon from God Brahma, the demon Dharika could not be defeated by any man born in the 14 worlds.

This made him arrogant and he conquered the whole world and even gods. This made the sage Narada to request Lord Paramashiva to bring about an end to Dharika.

Lord Shiva opened his third eye and produced Kali, who was to kill Dharika. The incarnation from the

third eye of God Shiva was named as Sree Kandakali. After killing the Asura, the Devi reached this place and took rest here. During the earlier years, poojas were conducted for Sree Bhadrakali. Later, when the poojas were handed over to the Brahmins, Bhadrakali pooja was changed to Bhagavathy pooja. With the change in nature of Poojas, it is believed that the character of the Devi has softened from Kali (denoting fierceness) to Bhagavathy (denoting gentleness). Fridays were the only days poojas were conducted in the beginning, later it was conducted on Tuesdays too.

Over the last several years the poojas are conducted on a daily basis and

an annual festival is celebrated by the devotees with grandeur.

A more widely accepted and believed legend is that Vellanattamma – the incarnation of Adhiparaksakthi - after killing the Asura Dharika appeared in the dream of a landlord and instructed him that she was in a seashore village family at Thiruvallom. She said to the landlord that if her idol is erected and consecrated in a temple at Vellanad, the place will be prosperous ever after. This lead to the construction of the temple in Vellanad and the Devi being worshipped.

During the annual 10-day festival there are several rituals conducted in the temple. Some of the significant ones are Dikku Bali, Kalam Kaval, Thookam, Urul, Pongala, Paranettu, Nilathil poru, Kuthiyottam, Thottum pattu, and Thalapoli.

The rituals start with Kappu Kettu and Thottam Pattu where Kannagi Charitham or the epic of Kannagi is sung in hymns. The hymns invoke the slaying of the king of Madurai by Kannagi. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The epic is sung during the festival days with stage of the epic being rendered on consecutive days.

Dikku Bali is where the Goddess Kali is searching for Darika in all four dikku or directions. In Kalamkaval, the search by the Goddess is enacted or performed by the chief priest. He carries the idol of the goddess on his head and dances in March 2019

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a totally entranced way. This goes on until he becomes unconscious.

At this performace, he adorns the thiruvabharanam or traditional gold ornaments of the goddess. This consists of Kappu, vanki, odyanam, necklaces such as paalakka, pichi mottu, muthu, etc.). It is believed that the priest can perform this 48

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only with the blessings of the Devi enshrined in the temple.

Pongala is conducted by the devotees at the temple premises to pay obeisance to the Goddess.

Over the years the number of devotees offering Pongala at this shrine has grown. The devotion with which the women conduct the ritual is unmatched. So great is their devotion to Goddess Bhagavathy that they tend to be entranced in their prayers to Bhagavathy.

The fight between Goddess Kali and the demon Dharika is believed to have begun in the sky. This is enacted at night on a tall stage of about 100 feet height. This ritual is called Paranettu.

After Paranettu, the fight ensues on land. This is termed Nilathilpporu.

In the end, it is seen that the demon asks for forgiveness and at the end of the seventh fight, the Goddess takes Dharika’s head and visits Lord Shiva. This marks the end of the fight between good and evil where the good triumphs.

Vandiyottam is performed as a trial run before Thookkam. This also ensures that the cart and the bow used to carry men and children are functioning effectively. This is a very popular event.

Another major event during the festival is Urul. The Urul or ‘rolling through the ground’ is carried out by devotees after taking vows of penance and fasting for several days before the ceremony. The Urul devotees are accompanied by different folk art performances and musical bands such as Vadyamelam, Nagaswaram, etc. The Urul devotees roll through the ground for long

distances to reach the temple premises and pay obeisance to the Goddess.

Kuthiyottam - Boys below the age of 13 years perform this offering.

These boys represents the wounded soldiers of the Goddess Mahishasura Mardini. These boys receive Prasadam from the temple priest and start a seven-day penance which enables them to purify their mind and body. They stay at the temple, sleep on the floor, and observe strict diet restrictions. Every morning and evening they prostrate before the goddess 108 times.

Thalappoli – Young girls dressed in traditional attire holds Thalappoli.

A thalam or plate is held with rice, flowers and a lighted lamp. It is of the belief that the Goddess would be pleased and would give them inward and outward beauty and bless them

with health, wealth and happiness.

The Thookkam ritual is witnessed by thousands of devotees who come from far and wide to the temple during the Thookkam day.

It is believed that the children who undergo this ritual would be blessed with fortune and all illnesses will be cured. The men who carry the children in the bow observe fasting for three days before this ritual and observe strict religious procedures.

Ottam, Poomala, Annadanam, etc. are some of the other rituals during Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy temple festival.

It is the belief of devotees that Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy would listen to their prayers and bless them with peace and prosperity. Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy Devi bestows her blessings on those devotees who follow a righteous path.

Vellanad Sree Bhagavathy Sharanam March 2019

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Caught crunching

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Photographed by Mr. Gokul Prasannan

The

PICTURE Page

Malabar Giant Squirrel spotted next to the second hairpin curve towards Ponmudi Hill Station.