Metro Mart March 2014

METRO mart Volume 3 Issue 9 March 2014

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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

Being the capital city and also having high profile candidates running to take the mantle of Thiruvananthapuram we are on the national media radar. Kerala once regarded as the only complete literate state is now behind Tripura, had always turned out in good numbers in performing their mandates.

From the state was formed in 1956 the people of the state used to choose left or right fronts in harmonized intervals.

The scenario is not expected to change in the near future.

Irrespective of the critical issues around us, other political issues always play a vital role and the city is always neglected of its due growth. It will be surprising to keep ourselves reminded that our city doesn’t have a proper master plan for the last 25 years. For years we are hearing about national games to be hosted by the city, with an office functioning at Chandrsekharan Nair stadium, and today we don’t know the existence of the same. This is just one issue, but who is responsible for these lapses? We require someone to represent us who know our city, our growth prospects and be with us to fight with the authorities to implement welfare measures. I am sure the citiyites will elect the right candidate to represent us this time, and we wish all the very best to every candidate in fray from the city and the state.

Elections forced Gujarat Travel Mart to be postponed. But the tourist operators in Gujarat are exploring newer and innovative opportunities to encash this election season. Gujaratis are thrilled by the possibility of getting Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. The tour operators are getting very good response from the people to travel to Uttar Pradesh where Modi is expected to contest from Varanasi and doing campaigns on other cities. There are opportunities everywhere; how we project it will bring us results. This is a good example to explore the possibility of getting visitors from abroad where they can experience peaceful elections in our state.

Foreword

Its election time and the world is ardently keeping an eye on the outcome of the biggest democratic verdict where more than eighty crore people will decide the fate of our country in the coming two months. Reaching behind United States the most expensive elections held till today, more than 30000 crores of rupees are expected to be pumped into the market which one way will rejuvenate the ailing economy. Leading national parties advertisement budget itself is around 400 crores.

Hari Shanker Manag8ing Editor

Hi,

We included our regular ingredients to make METRO a delight for your reading pleasure. We look forward to hear from you to make us better. Signing off to prepare the next edition. www.metromartdaily.com

March 2014

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CONTENTS Volume 3 Issue 9 March 2014 www.metromartdaily.com

Annual Subscription `400

10 Pakittu A Treasure House of Traditional and Hand Woven Sarees

12 Cafe Jade Offers a delightful experience in eating out

14 Utsav of Kota Creations at Czarina

16 Recipe : A Perfect Chocolate Brownie

Managing Editor Hari Shanker hari@martinfotech.in

CEO & Managing Director Siji Nair sijicn@gmail.com Sub Editor

V Viswanath

Editorial Assistant

Ampili Nair

Creative Assistant

Sayan Chaudhuri Roopesh Shekhar

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26

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34

ON FACE

Varkala

P. Ramasubbu,

Growing by Leaps and Bounds

People For Animals A

Kerala Tourism Wins Tourism ‘Oscar’ for

Managing Director of Hycinth

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38

Uplifting the Financially Backward Segment The Kallingal Endeavors

The Goddess Chamundi is worshipped at Karikkakom Temple

Shelter for ‘Great Injured or Sick Homeless Backwaters’ Campaign Animals

40 Thiruvananthapuram Corporation at the Partner Kerala Meet

50 The Last Leaf

GM Sales

Sibu Nair

GM Administration

Binoy Krishna

Corporate Office:-

Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram Jayaraj Plus Towers, Murinjapalam, Medical College Post Trivandrum - 695011 Tel: +91 471 6065511/ 9947733339 Email: metromart.tvm@gmail.com Bangalore Office:-

No:217, 3B Main, OMBR Layout Bangalore – 560 043 Tel: +919038000711 Email: info@martinfotech.in

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 695001 and Published from Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post, Trivandrum 695013 Metro Mart is a monthly journal published from Trivandrum. Views and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Publishers.

Metro Mart reserves the right to use the information published here in any manner whatsoever. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in this edition, neither the Publisher no any of its employees accept any responsibilities for any errors or omissions. © All Rights Reserved

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RNI No: KERENG/2011/40037

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

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SHOPPING

Pakittu A Treasure House of

Traditional and Hand-Woven Sarees Pakittu aims at introducing the Thiruvananthapuram cityites to the handloom products of India. Hand woven artists are introduced to our cityites and vice versa. This enables the artists to weave art works which would be suitable for us. Every clothing available at Pakittu is created in this manner. The colour combinations and motifs of Orissa would be more suitable for the people of that land. At times, it could be too colourful or not matching our locality.

Pakittu bridges the gap between what we require and what they have. Only traditional motifs and designs are promoted by this boutique.

Pakittu aims at introducing the Thiruvananthapuram cityites to the handloom products of India.

Hand woven artists are introduced to our cityites and vice versa.

This enables the artists to weave art works which would be suitable for us.

Every clothing available at Pakittu is created in this manner. The colour

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combinations and motifs of Orissa would be more suitable for the people of that land. At times, it could be too colourful or not matching our locality.

Pakittu bridges the gap between what we require and what they have. Only traditional motifs and designs are promoted by this boutique.

Anyone wearing a Saree

MM Desk

would stand apart from the rest of the crowd.

It energizes and makes them look more beautiful.

Even in catwalks, saree cannot be beaten by any other designer wear.

It makes one more dignified. The collections at Pakittu include sarees from Madhya Pradesh.

The Kinara is designed from the carvings at an

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

ancient palace in that state. Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar, a patron of arts was the brain behind this designer sarees. It has simple and humble designs. Beautiful and low-weight sarees give great comfort to the users.

It is woven with silk in the warp (paav) and cotton in the weft (oodu). It gives a royal touch and feel to the wearer.

Pure mulberry silk sarees with prints are also available at Pakittu. The prints are of ancient Bagru prints of Rajasthan. Silk sarees with Batic prints are also made available at this boutique. Sarees from Bengal with Kantha work adds to the variety at Pakittu. These sarees are hand-woven with the value addition of embroidery work done by hand.

Each and every saree at Pakittu is selected by Jayan K.P. He promotes traditional master weavers and dyers. He interacts with these artists and shares his ideas with them.

This helps him identify unique products and in finding a way to make it suitable for our state.

Jayan feels Saree is like a flowing river, which flows

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between the banks of a river. Occasionally she laughs, mellows, or gets furious – all these within the banks of the river.

There could be blooming flowers or leaves on the banks. All these beautify the flowing river. Likewise ‘Munthani’ or the ‘border’ is the part which decides the beauty of the saree.

He has chosen sarees for

marketing keeping this in mind. While selecting each saree he looks out whether it fulfills this concept.

The wide range of handwoven sarees is constantly increasing. The beauty of exquisite cotton sarees and a variety of silk sarees are showcased at the Pakittu Boutique in Pattom.

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DINING

Cafe Jade

Offers a delightful experience in eating out Cafe Jade is at Hycinth by Sparsa – the latest significant addition to the hospitality sector businesses in Thiruvananthapuram. Situated at Manorama Road, Thampanoor, it is very near to the bus terminal and railway station.

Cafe Jade is in an apt location for travelers as well as local crowd to step in to get good food. It fits the bill for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian lovers. As you drop in at the restaurant, the plush interiors catch your eye.

The all-day restaurant is at the lobby level overlooking the luscious green gardens. The seating arrangements are cleverly designed. The decor is very pretty. The artworks displayed on the walls are aesthetically appealing.

The Executive Chef at Hycinth, S. Mohan, has over 32 years of experience in the culinary world. He had his education in the hospitality sector from IHM Chennai.

His career started with Taj in Mumbai. He was at various properties of Taj including the Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi properties for 12 years.

S Mohan Executive Chef, Hycith,Trivandrum

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Then he proceeded to Costa Rica and was at The Marriotts. His career then spanned across UAE, Sarovar Park Group, and Concept Hospitality’s Fern Group. He was in Hyderabad and later in Goa. He also had the opportunity to enhance his career with a stint of 12 years in UAE. While abroad he has had great exposure to Continental, Italian and Oriental cuisines. He believes being in India, the strength in Indian cuisine is a must and thus he has mastered himself in that too.

Cafe Jade – the all-day eatery has a multi-cuisine menu. Local Kerala cuisine, other Indian cuisines, Oriental and Continental cuisines are

MM Desk

offered to the customers.

The restaurateurs have brought in two new additions at Cafe Jade.

The first is Traditional Kerala Thali or lunch which costs Rs. 250 + Tax. This would include unlimited serving of rice, appam and chappathi. Pre-portioned items would include dal, a number of traditional vegetable items, pappad, a variety of pickles, etc.

For the non-vegetarians the option of ordering fish, chicken or mutton curry at an additional price of Rs. 50 + Tax is provided.

It gives one a chance to experience the typical Keralite food and also it gives you a chance to have a quick meal consisting of a variety of dishes.

Keeping in mind the requirements

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of the people of Thiruvananthapuram, the establishment has realized the need for a decent place to eat out at night. This thought has made them start the Daily Midnight Buffet.

This is between 23:30 to 02:00 hrs. It is priced at Rs. 349 plus tax during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while the other days it would cost just Rs. 300 plus tax. It again caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food lovers. The sumptuous buffet offers a wide range of choices that would be energizing.

The chef suggests Mughlai kababs among other things for the clients.

A good assortment of Kerala cuisine is also made available at the

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restaurant. They have a very good bakery and confectionary and plans are on to put up pastry counters at the restaurant.

One can even try the various dessert items such as Strawberry Tart, Chocolate Mousse, Orange Pastry, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Bolendi, Semiya Payasam, Bread-Butter Pudding, Gato, Cold Cuts, and different Salads including vegetarian and

non-vegetarian. Inchi Puli, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey Mustard Pesto, Blue Cheese Dressing, Thai Peanut are some of the other items at this restaurant. Those who are in to Mocktail can choose from the rather long list which includes Fire on Ice, Italian Smooch Paradise Medley, Monkey Jump, Pink Floyd, etc.

Cafe Jade employs welltrained professionals from leading hospitality and catering colleges. They source their raw materials locally. Authorized suppliers are put in place for non-vegetarian items.

Pricing at Cafe Jade are very competitive. The restaurant has a serene atmosphere. The natives of Thiruvananthapuram and people traveling down to this city would find Cafe Jade an ideal eatery with its easy accessibility and sensational food.

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SHOPPING

Utsav of Kota Creations at

Czarina

Cool chic makes a fashion statement once again with the launch of Kota Utsav at Czarina. The annual summer extravaganza at Trivandum’s leading designer boutique brings a collection of stunning sarees selected from across the country. Czarina’s Kota Utsav has always been immensely popular. Given the range of sarees that will be on display this year, the collection’s popularity is likely to raise the heat this summer.

The Kota collection at Czarina has the entire range of Kota sarees including Silk Kotas and Supernet Kotas. What makes the 2014 Kota Utsav truly different is the fact that there are wonderful creations in fabric crafted exclusively for Czarina’s clientele by our talented in-house artisans. These creations use fabric like brocade and tissue in a unique manner to give the

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Kota saree an irresistible appeal.

The fine weaves and its light weight make our Kota sarees easy and comfortable to wear.

As a result, they are the favourite of every woman – age no bar! Versatile in its use and with their quiet elegance, Czarina’s Kota sarees can be worn on occasions ranging from

parties to office wear.

Czarina has also launched a fresh range of blouses to complement the sarees in the Kota Utsav. The materials used for the blouses include brocade, tissue, kalankari and ikkat.

The styles range from the evergreen boat-neck to the sophisticated halterneck. Velvet net fabric is also available as blouse material.

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RECIPE

A Perfect

Chocolate Brownie

Deepu Dinesh Student IHMCT College,Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram A chocolate brownie is a flat, baked square or bar developed in the United States at the end of the 19th century and popularized in both the U.S. and Canada during the first half of the 20th century.

The brownie is a cross between a cake and a cookie in texture. Brownies come in a variety of forms. They are either fudgy or cakey, depending on their density, and they may include nuts, frosting, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or other ingredients. A variation that is made with brown sugar and no chocolate is called a blondie.

Brownies are common unchbox fare, typically eaten by hand, and often accompanied by milk or coffee. They are sometimes served warm with ice cream,topped with whipped cream or marzipan, or sprinkled with powdered sugar.

They are especially popular in restaurants, where they can be found in variation on many dessert menus.

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Ingredients

Add The Sugar And Stir Continously. Crack 2 Eggs Dark Chocolate- 90 Gram, Into Bowl, One At A Time Chopped And Whisk Vigorously. Stir Butter- 100 Gram, Softened In The Flour And Mix. Add + Extra For Greasing The Vanilla Essence And Castor Sugar Or Brown Mix , Allowing The Flour To Sugar- 225 Gram Fold Into The Mixture.

Eggs- 2 • Line A Greased 8*8 Inch All Purpose Flour- 90 Gram Baking Tray With ParchVanilla Essence 1 Tbsp ment Paper. Pour The Icing Sugar- 2 To 3 Tbsp, Batter Into The Tray And For Dusting Bake In The Oven For 20 Minutes At 180 Degree Method Celsius. Alternatively, Cook In The Microwave On • Place The Chopped Dark Convection Settings.

Chocolate In A Bowl. Melt • Remove The Tray From The Chocolate And Butter The Microwave And Allow In A Microwave For 1-2 Min- It To Cool For Some Time. utes Or Until The Mixture Once Cooled, Slice Into Is Of Liquid Consistency.

Squares , Then Dust With • Remove From The Micro- Icing Sugar Using A Sieve. wave And Stir Really Well.

Serve Warm.

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BEAUTY

Scientific and Healthy Beauty Care at

Jaji’s Innovation

The most relaxing and exclusive beauty clinic in Kollam city is the Jaji’s beauty clinic. It was established in 1999. The clinic has been frequented by a huge clientele for its warm, welcoming style with a relaxing atmosphere and the clinic’s most safe and modern technical procedures. The experienced and extensively qualified beauty therapists offer a comprehensive range of beauty and body treatments.

Dr Jaji Mol Director Jajis Innovation

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M M Desk

Brides have to take

able to guide a bride in

good care of themselves

selecting the most fitting

in preparation for the

accessories and dresses

big day. Clothing and

– especially in the case of

ornaments would make a

a theme makeup. It does

bride look good. However,

not stop with selecting

it would be advisable

dresses and ornaments.

to seek a beautician’s

Wedding photos are to

views before selecting

be preserved for ever.

such things. A skilled

Looking back at them,

beautician would be

they should reflect the

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

beauty effectively. Beauty

the customer. They go a

wedding venue visits. The

therapists would ensure

step further and provide

beauty artists would visit

the glow and vibrancy of

additional information and

the bride at home or the

skin is highlighted and any

advice to lead a healthy

venue and provide the

skin issues are treated.

lifestyle. They ensure that

beauty consultation and

Acid balance, oil balance,

their customer’s skin looks

treatments.

etc. are to be analyzed and

its best throughout the

maintained with beauty

day.

The other areas of

The wedding skin

include dermatology,

care packages have

trichology, and tattooing.

a combination of

The hair styling done at

synergistic advanced

Jaji’s would boost one’s

skin care techniques like

personal image and

peels, meso therapy,

attitude. The treatments

microdermabrasion, and

and permanent solutions

Aqua Radiance to make

provided by Jaji’s for

the skin perfect on the

hair problems like hair

bride’s D-day. The types

falling and dandruff are

of packages include

guaranteed. Laser hair

Advanced Bridal Glow,

removal, alopecia and grey

Bridal Glow and Express

hair treatments, are some

Glow.

of the hair care treatments

treatments.

Dr. Jajimol K., the Director of Jaji’s Innovation is very particular that beauty treatments should be healthy and scientific. She has based her treatments on the concept of Science behind beauty. Dr. Jajimol has Beauty and Cosmetic Technology certification from Cidesco, Australia. She also has a PhD in beauty and cosmetic technology and a rank holder in fashion technology. She is a recipient of various national and international awards for her remarkable work in the area of beauty care and treatment.

Bridal packages at Jaji’s begin with a thorough skin consultation.

Appropriate skin treatments and products are recommended as per the customer’s skin type.

What makes Jaji’s stand out is that they care for www.metromartdaily.com

The packages have procedures like body polishing, skin whitening, waxing, pedicure,

specialization by the Jaji’s

offered. Non-surgical facelifts and acne and pimple treatments are also offered at Jaji’s.

manicure, etc. Special

Dr. Jajimol - an expert in

features for the brides

Skin, Spa and Trichology

consist of Eye-Brow Lift,

has brought in innovative

Golden glow, Whitening

ideas to the beauty care

glow, Eye Makeover, Lip

segment. Jaji’s Innovation

Enhancement, Platinum

also conducts beauty care

glow, Diamond glow, and

courses. Many of Jaji’s

Full body glow.

students have turned full-

The bridal treatments

ensures a comprehensive

and make-ups by Jaji’s

skin and hair care

are guaranteed. Jaji’s

regimen is provided to its

also offer at-home or

customers.

time professionals. Jaji’s

March 2014

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ON FACE

‘Food habits of people’ and ‘the hotel industry’ have come a long way Anyone familiar with hotels in Thiruvananthapuram would not hesitate to guide their dear ones to Ariya Nivaas Hotel, which is close to Thiruvananthapuram railway station and bus terminal. Such is the confidence that Ariya Nivaas has built over the last 15 years.

Now, the people behind this pure vegetarian hotel have started another venture – Hycinth, a premium boutique hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.

P. Ramasubbu, Managing Director of Hycinth, who grew up in the hotel industry outlines the growth of Ariya Nivaas and Hycinth and his views on our city to V Viswanath of Metro Mart Thiruvananthapuram.

Could you give us a history of your hotel’s growth?

My father Sri. Perumal came to the hotel industry at an early age. He went to Sri Lanka as an employee.

Then along with his brothers started a small shop and slowly developed from there. In 1958 he took up the Ariya Bhavan here. During those times, there were Arya Bhavans at Colombo, Trivandrum, Dindigul, Pattukottai, and Thanjavur. The rest of the Ariya Bhavans are now owned by other members of the family. The Colombo hotel had to be closed after 1974. Ariya Nivaas started in 1998. Now we have hotels in Kodaikanal and Madurai. This is a business which we learned

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like Monorail project and techno corridors coming up in the city, the footfalls to the city would increase and they would need good How do you feel places to stay. Hycinth Hycinth would fare in would cater to high-end Thiruvananthapuram? clients from this group.

Hycinth is only less than Thiruvananthapuram has two month’s old, but the developed like anything in response is quite good. the last 10 years comparing We already have repeat to other cities in India. customers.

City limits are extending quite far. There is no other Having had a long city in India which gives association with the hotel the level of living comfort industry, could you tell us like Thiruvananthapuram. how the food habits or Pollution level is very cuisine has changed? low. With development Earlier we had very limited competition also starts. menu for vegetarian The necessity of more food. Nowadays there is a hotels is also increasing. vast menu for vegetarian Thiruvananthapuram cuisine itself. In nonhas good potential. With vegetarian category also development activities from an early age and we have not diverted from it.

Hycinth by Sparsa began functioning a month ago.

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

we now have a variety of dishes. However, many middle-aged and old-aged people find their comfort level with vegetarian food, while the youth prefer non-vegetarian items. People earlier used to rarely eat out. Only necessity made them come to a restaurant.

But now eating-out has become fashion and fun.

Students find it a great way to chill out. We have come a long way.

What makes your hotels stand out among its peers?

If you give good quality food, definitely public would appreciate it. Last 15 years we have regular guests - some of them daily guests. I would say around 10% guests are daily guests. We have a good measure of our guests and we work towards achieving their satisfaction in terms of their stay at the hotel and the cuisine at the restaurant. Extreme caution is taken when purchasing raw materials in our restaurants. We have used the best plant and machinery in our hotels. Air-conditioning, ventilation, TFA, etc. are maintained efficiently. We have very high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

We have unmatchable standards of hospitality and our team works www.metromartdaily.com

together to preserve that.

What are your environment-friendly initiatives?

We have rain water harvesting. We use treated water for gardening. Solar power is used as back support. We have started with these things and would progress as time goes on.

Could you give us an overview on your staff recruitment and training?

We have a separate human resources team. They identify proper candidates and select them. We have professionals as our staff.

We also have training classes for all our staff.

Experts from Chennai are brought in to give training in hospitality. Every aspect of hospitality including proper communication skills and techniques are reinforced in our staff from time to time. We have the policy that ‘as the company grows so should the employees grow’. We recognize the

talents and efforts of the employees. We give adequate importance to the welfare of the staff.

Welfare measures for the staff and family are also taken up by us.

There are several hotels established and many would come up. What would you say would make them achieve success?

Hotel work is a hard-work business. Marketing has a significant role in the success of hotel business.

Marketing has to be done in all major cities. Along with Sales and Marketing, a good Finance team is also a must. Seek valuable feedback from and guests. Pay attention and there will be something to learn everyday. Keep on enhancing customer satisfaction goals. Keep the guests happy.

Mr. Ramasubbu’s wife Mrs. Shanthi Ramasubbu is an entrepreneur. She runs the Silky Way boutique.

Their daughter Kruthika is an engineering student.

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HOSPITALITY

Meet, Stay and Celebrate at The

Quilon Beach Hotel

The city of Kollam has its first five-star hotel – The Quilon Beach Hotel. The hotel is situated very close to the pristine Kollam beach. Providing international level hospitality and services, the hotel has achieved a remarkable growth since its establishment. Along with wining and dining, a comfortable stay is ensured at this hotel. The hotel has been an ideal choice for accommodation for visitors to Kollam and its nearby places.

Manoj Kumar K S F&B Manager The Quilon Beach Hotel

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Another significant feature of The Quilon Beach Hotel is its convention center.

The center has a capacity of accommodating 1500 people inside. Along with a pavilion on the outside the center has abundant space to hold more than 3000 people. The location is a perfect place for conferences, exhibitions, product lounges as well as

the corporate events. The team at this hotel offers to its clients a wealth of ideas that would ensure every event is held with the significance it demands.

The hotel provides an entertaining experience of exceptional standard.

Organizing theme-based event is another aspect where The Quilon Beach Hotel excels.

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

The hotel creates an ideological blend of pleasure and purpose for the functions held at its gracious and ambient convention center. The Quilon Beach Hotel scores over other places in entertainment and celebrations that give its customers a heavenly feeling.

Whether it is a Wedding, Betrothal, Birthday, Baptism, First Holly Communion, Private event, the convention center’s imaginative venue makes it an ideal location for celebrations. The center brings to life the magic and tuneless mystic of celebrations in a unique blend of Indian, Russian, Arabic, Beach Wedding, and Wedding in the Jungle with the culture, art, costumes, and the traditional food.

The state-of-the-art conference hall and meeting/board rooms at this hotel provide all facilities for the business travelers. The professionals, officials and the corporate team coming to this hotel can rest assured that all requirements for conducting their business

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will be in place – be it audio-visual equipments, high-speed internet, Wi Fi, or video conferencing provisions. Seminars, board meetings and corporate get-togethers can be held at leisure and with efficiency.

Situated at the serene coastline of Kollam, this eco-friendly hotel has a warm welcoming vibrant area with pool and sea view. The restaurant at this hotel ensures a hearty welcome to the best-ever ocean-front dining experience of a lifetime, with ‘a la carte’ and buffet to choose from.

The carefully planned menu at Black Gold Cafe has selected dishes from around the globe as well as authentic Kerala dishes and North Indian treats.

The customers could experience fine dining alongside the infinity

pool, deep blue sky and the Arabian Sea. Cafe, Cashew & More offers the experience of finest grade and extensive range of tea, coffee, cashews and pastries. The trendy, elegant and well-stocked bar - Marco Polo - provides exquisite wines, cocktails, and exclusive beverages from across the world.

The ethnic restaurant Kuttanaadan Wine & Dine enables the clients to find and discover the taste and flavor of traditional Keralite recipes with wines.

The amenities at The Quilon Beach Hotel are infinite. The scenic location, ambience, trained and focused staff, swimming pool, ayurvedic center, health club, uniquely designed tour packages – all would give a pleasurable experience for the visitors to this hotel.

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LIFESTYLE

An eye clinic par excellence

Rose Opticals

The year 1975 saw the establishment of Rose Opticals in Thiruvananthapuram city. The organization has grown steadfastly over the last four decades giving quality eye care with the most modern and sophisticated equipments. This ophthalmic care group has devoted themselves in providing clarity vision and eye care solutions. Expert professionals and ophthalmologists have enabled Rose Opticals to make great strides in the ophthalmic treatment scenario.

The success of Rose Opticals could be put down to its concept of offering all clinical and ophthalmic services at one place. The showrooms of this establishment are at Statue, Kovalam, Vellayambalam, and Kesavadasapuram.

Another two showrooms would come up at Ambalamukku and Karamana. The showroom at Vellayambalam has a hospital along with it where customers could consult a doctor.

The best suitable eye care solutions are offered at Rose Opticals. Their specialty include Contact Lens and high quality eyewear. Rose Opticals’ typical quality assurance and committed service is well-acknowledged by their clients. The glass studio at Rose Opticals is exhaustive. The range of frames, lens and contact lens selection is much more than one would

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find at any other opticals.

The raw materials for presciption lenses are of Essilor USA, Corning France and other globallyleading opthalmic companies. Rose Opticals has its own hi-tech optical lab, where prescription lenses are produced using Gerber CoburnUSA, instruments and technology.

Rose Opticals has started a state-of-the-art laboratory with sophisticated hi-tech equipments to provide international quality lenses. The latest Kappa technology fo high precision is used at this establishment. The frames, lenses, cooling wears, contact lenses, sunglasses,

all are of leading and famous brands. The best brand names are made available at competitive prices at these optical showrooms. The 50 well-trained staff at Rose Opticals would guide you in finding the best options in eye care. Moreover this is a shop where one will get the option of selecting from a variety of designer frames and also find one’s own frame personality.

The thousands of customers of Rose Opticals would vouch for the efficiency and satisfaction levels they have provided over the last 40 years.

Rose Opticals is indeed the one-stop shopping place for all your optical needs.

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

www.metromartdaily.com

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METRO FOCUS

Varkala Growing by Leaps and Bounds Varkala is coming up lately in everyone’s radar for a lot of good reasons. This cliff-top and beach destination has been a paradise for enthusiasts in Photography for a long time.

V Viswanath

The 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards was won

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by Varkala Beach. The award was announced by TripAdvisor. The beach also has been listed in the category of ‘Top 25 beaches in Asia’ by them.

Varkala beach stands at 12th position in the list, and commented as an excellent, clean and shallow beach. The beach at Varkala has wonderful warm waters and good waves that make it an

ideal surfing destination.

Tourists have been thronging the beach more and more. A lot of people are now seeing Varkala as a growing surf destination even though it is not as big as a destination as some other places in the world.

Varkala also has grabbed the 28th position among the 100 top ‘Best Value Index’ around the globe.

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

This survey was carried out by Trivago - the travel search engine.

Every tourist season sees the influx of a large number of tourists to this destination. However, there is little action to preserve the main attraction of Varkala Cliff.

There have been efforts to declare the Cliff and the surrounding area of Varkala beach as a National Geopark under Geological Survey of India.

The government on its part has inaugurated

Varkala Taluk in the beginning of this year. It has been a long-pending demand of local people.

The creation of this taluk enables local people to obtain revenue-related services without traveling great distances. The government is also setting up a Centre for Performing Arts in Varkala. The pilgrims coming to Varkala would find solace with the building of a traditional ‘Bali Mandapam.’ The rituals to appease the spirit of ancestors can now be held at this Bali

Mandapam. The projected cost of these are Rs. 10 crore and Rs. 1.43 crore respectively.

This spectacular beach destination is bound to grow in the coming years. It would be to the great advantage for the tourists and locals alike if the current development efforts by the government are speeded up and a visionary developmental framework is formed. A concerted effort by the various departments of the government is the need of the hour.

Paragliding and boating should be encouraged in Varkala

Shaji S. Director Akhil Beach Resort Pvt. Ltd. www.metromartdaily.com

The time we came in Varkala was not developed. The last three years had seen a lot of development in this area.

Quite a few resorts, home stays have come up.

Varkala Beach has taken the 12th position among the 25 best beaches. Over the next 10 years, Varkala is bound to see rapid growth in the tourism sector. However, there is little support from the government’s side.

Streetlights, asphalt roads, drainage system, etc. has to be improved.

Infrastructure has to be created in the remote areas too. All these have to be looked in to for overall development of Varkala.

The government is not doing any promotional activities for Varkala. Cliff at Varkala has to be well maintained and protected.

Varkala is an apt place for paragliding.

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METRO FOCUS

Now, a

kids fashion week

Trivandrum to host the South India Kids Fashion Week-the first in Kerala Fashion shows are usually held for grown-up, but South India Kids Fashion Week is designed for mini catwalkers strut their stuff.

SIKFW, the organizers of the event for baby, children and maternity products is set to launch a new trade show for children’s fashion this summer. The event will run on 25th May 2014 and will take place at the Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum. South India Kids Fashion Week aims to bring together established international children clothing brands, as well as emerging children’s wear designers under one roof to show the upcoming trends in children fashion (4-14 years.) The trade show also aims to showcase children accessories alongside fashion during the event and will feature a kids fashion runway, fashion museum, and

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lectures such as trend forums and fashion talks.

It provides a platform to promote kids brands, connect with distributors and get a foothold into the Kerala market. It aims to become the ‘dominant platform gateway’ for any brand looking to enter Kerala children fashion market. Any brands or labels who are interested to join ‘South India Kids Fashion Week ‘ can submit an application form to the trade show technical committee for review and qualification to show.

The first event of its kind, with fashion shows and activities staged in south Indian States, stylish parents and children

can experience a playful performance of current and next season trends in children’s fashion. It’s true that fashion shows not only give designers and brands a platform to show their collections, but to establish a point of view and communicate the rich stories for which the luxury world depends on. Fashion shows create numerous opportunities for content, for brands, editors, retailers, bloggers & celebrities .Many international and national level designers will get an opportunity to showcase their kids’ wear designs.

For more information and registration- http:/ /www.sikfw.com/

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

www.metromartdaily.com

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METRO FOCUS

People For Animals

A Shelter for Injured or Sick Homeless Animals Animal welfare is not just about animals. It is about us. Our living conditions, our children, our earth. Cruelty to animals has a significant and irreversible impact on human health, economy and environment.

MM Desk People for Animals also

sterilization programs,

60 mobile units. PFA aims

known as PFA is India’s

treatment camps and

to have an animal welfare

largest animal welfare

disaster rescue missions

center in each of the

organization with a

for animals. We conduct

nation’s 600 districts.

nationwide network of 26

education programs in

hospitals, 165 units and 2.5

schools, fight cases in

Lakh members. We work

court and lobby on animal

(PFA) started in

to rescue and rehabilitate

issues in parliament.

Thiruvananthapuram

sick and needy animals. We

At present, we have a

about 18 years ago. It is

set up and run shelters,

nationwide network of

at Pravachambalam. The

ambulance services,

165 units, 26 hospitals and

land – around 1.5 acres –

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People For Animals

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

was purchased by Menaka

“We should be more responsible to the animals�

Maria Jacob

Gandhi and the Animal Welfare Board has put up the buildings. Further funds are raised by PFA. A shelter is constructed for injured or sick homeless animals. Whether it is goat, dogs, cats, any animals are provided shelter at

Maneka Gandhi and Maria Jacob Volunteer of People For Animals

this place. PFA has its own veterinary hospital in the campus and a doctor whom the PFA pays. A number of surgeries, sterilizations, and treatment is given for the animals by the doctor.

PFA believes in sheltering homeless sick and injured animals. They also do sterilizations of street dogs especially. The injured animals that are brought to the campus are given sterilization after the treatment is completed. Since dogs are used to an area, they are put back from where they are brought in. Dogs from an area are taken up for sterilization, given rabies vaccination and put back on the same area.

Every month two to three adoption camps are held.

It could be in different www.metromartdaily.com

Today, a rescue was done from Mahila Mandiram in Poojappura. There was a dog in the campus that had six puppies. We took the six puppies and the mother. The puppies will be at the shelter and we will find homes for the puppies. The mother will be sterilized and put back.

Recently a dog was thrown out on the roadside, because it had a tumor. A simple operation was done on this dog and treatment was provided. Affording to keep all the animals at the shelter is a problem. The puppies taken up would also be given vaccination.

They will be going for adoption camps that we conduct.

The government is concerned only about animal husbandry. They are only bothered about money making. I feel that we are orphaned fighting alone for this cause.

The breeders do not

check for the bloodline, they just breed for greed.

This results in physically challenged puppies and they are just taken and dumped on the streets.

Government needs to take adequate action against these.

I have been with PFA for around six years.

I discovered PFA by chance. I never knew that Thiruvananthapuram had a shelter for these animals. Our Secretary Leela Latheef is very active coordinating all the rescue calls. We have an elderly gentleman Daryl Parish assisting us in terms of funds for the shelter. He pays everyone well and he has plastered the shelter home walls. It is a very nice and clean shelter.

We have a little space for the kitchen. I have built a little place for the puppies. Now there are six staff members in PFA Thiruvananthapuram.

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places such as Shangumughom Beach, Kanakakunnu Palace, etc. More than 60% of the puppies put up for adoption is taken up by well wishers.

Forms are filled out for adoption. PFA also promises that if these dogs are

are identified and groups

around 20-30 puppies. This

are created. PFA is also

shelter has cats numbering

fighting against the

around 15-20 and the same

horrible way of cattle

number of kittens. Two

transportation and the

horses confiscated from

awful manner they are

Shangumughom because

being killed. PFA also takes

of cruelty and two bulls

talks. They visit places

up the conditions inside

also inhabit the shelter of

like Varkala and provide

hatcheries and slaughter

PFA.

rabies vaccination drive.

houses. Elephant torture

Animal lover groups are

and trauma is another

also created so as they

area which PFA fights

can be vigilant against

against. Currently there

cruelty to animals. People

are around 70 dogs and

brought back in six or eight months, they will be sterilized. PFA also follows up after an adoption.

Outside the shelter home, PFA gives awareness

For any Rescue, Any Query, Any Donation & Membership, Any Volunteership, Job Openings, Any Other Matters Concerns Related To Animals Contact: People For Animals Trivandrum Office: Karthika, Anayara, Trivandrum - 695029.

Tel: 0471 2740748 Rescue Help line : 0471 6444122 Email : pfa2002tvm@yahoo.com Tweet-@pfaindia Head Office at 011 23357088/23355883

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www.metromartdaily.com

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METRO FOCUS

Kerala Tourism Wins Tourism ‘Oscar’ for

‘Great Backwaters’ Campaign

Kerala Tourism has taken the top prize at the world’s largest tourism trade show held in Germany, winning the ITB-Berlin’s Golden City Gate gold award, dubbed the ‘Oscar of Tourism Communications’.

This is the second major international award for Kerala Tourism in the last two months. Kerala Tourism won the Golden City Gate top award, the gold prize, of the ITB-Berlin for its print campaign on the backwaters, beating tough competition from major national tourism boards in the world.

Presented every year at the prestigious ITB-Berlin fair, the Das Golden Stattdor or the Golden City Gate Awards are considered the ultimate recognition in global

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tourism communication.

The awards are held under the patronage of the German Federal Association of Film and Audio-Visual Producers.

This year’s ITB-Berlin began on March 5 in the German capital city. It is the first time that Kerala Tourism has won the gold in the print category.

Malaysia Tourism had won the gold in the print category last year.

Kerala Tourism’s print campaign this year on the backwaters presents the state’s famous water

bodies as a fascinating water world, in the big league of the Great Wall of China and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

This is the third honour in as many months for Kerala Tourism at the international and national level. In January, Kerala Tourism had won the United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO) Ulysses Prize, the first for India, for excellence and innovation in tourism. Last month, it had dominated the National Tourism Awards for 2012-13, winning four

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top prizes.

“We are truly honoured by this remarkable recognition from the world’s biggest travel trade show,” said Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar.

“The top award at Berlin demonstrates the significant place of Kerala’s beautiful backwaters among the most important destinations in the world,” Anilkumar said. “This is a recognition for the Kerala brand,” he added.

The print campaign of Kerala Tourism, titled ‘The Great Backwaters’, was launched late last year.

The campaign presented the backwaters of Kerala, stretching from one end of the state to the other, as a single destination and a once-in-lifetime experience for the traveller. The National Geographic Traveler rated Kerala’s backwaters 60th among 133 great destinations around the globe.

“It is a huge achievement for Kerala and a major boost to the state’s reputation as one of the top tourism destinations in the world,” said Kerala Tourism Secretary Suman Billa, who received the award at the ITB-Berlin awards ceremony held on March 6. “The award www.metromartdaily.com

shows the important place of our backwaters on the global tourism map,” he added.Kerala Tourism Director S Harikishore hailed the award as an endorsement of the continuing efforts of the tourism department in showcasing the vast tourism potential of the state. “It is our objective to present our distinguished visitors with the best in the world in terms of variety, originality and creativity,” he added.

an international jury.

The Kerala Tourism stall at the ITB-Berlin this year, which was also based on the Great backwaters campaign theme . The Kerala stand featured installations of narrow canal with water, country boats, walking bridge etc which attracted thousands of visitors.

The Kerala Tourism delegation, led by Shri Suman Billa, comprised 19 co-exhibitors, namely Abad Hotels, Coconut Bay, Dune Started in 1966, ITB-Berlin Eco Group, Kumarakom is the world’s leading Lake Resort, Eastend travel trade show, with Hotels and Resorts, the Who’s Who of the Neeleshwar Hermitage, tourism and travel industry Nikki’s Nest, Poovar present at the event. With Island Resort, Thomas 180 countries participating Hotels and Resorts, Uday in the event, ITB-Berlin Samudra Leisure Beach is expected to attract a Hotel and Spa, Dravidian mindboggling 180,000 Trails, Jayasree Travels visitors, including 113,000 and Tours, Intersight Tours trade visitors, in this year’s and Travels, Spiceland edition, which runs up to Holidays, The Travel March 9.

Planners, Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness The Golden City Gate Resort, Kairali Ayurvedic awards are presented in Health Resort, Nattika the print, film and media Beach Ayurveda Resort categories and assessed by and Vaidya Sutras.

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METRO FOCUS

Uplifting the Financially Backward Segment

The Kallingal Endeavors Even while running an established and growing business, M.B. Shafeek – the MD of Kallingal Motors has kept aside time and taken great efforts to empower the womenfolk.

Kallingal Shafeek Managing Director Kallingal Bajaj Kallingal Motors - now having offices in a number of towns in the capital city - is the result of the hard work and business acumen of the Kallingal group. Kallingal Basheer - M.B. Shafeek’s father was a political activist for more than two decades.

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Later, he started a ration shop for a living. In 1987 he started an auto service centre along with the ration shop.

Seeing the standard of professionalism and quality service the service centre provided, the Bajaj Company made it an Authorized Service Centre of their vehicles.

In 1997, Bajaj gave them the Best Service Award.

In 2006, Bajaj gave them the dealership status and it became Kallingal Automobiles. By 2007, Kallingal Automobiles had sold more auto rickshaws than any other dealers in India. In 2007, Kallingal Basheer spoke in Sydney and presented a paper

which made a mark in the auto rickshaw segment. It was sheer determination and hard work that led to the growth of Kallingal group.

At first appearance itself one would note the humility and respectful nature of Shafeek. His endeavors towards the welfare of the financially backward are known only to a close circle of people, even though it has produced far reaching results in uplifting the needy. Kallingal Shafeek has taken up several projects for the lowincome people. This includes enabling them to get low-interest loans from banks to buy autos,

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

assisting the women folks to get autos. Hundreds of women were able to get autos through this project, which has made them independent. Shafeek has coordinated with the auto makers as well as banks to facilitate easy availability of loans to buy autos for the women. More than 10 women were provided free autos by Kallingal group. In addition to that efforts to provide the women folks a safe social surrounding with the help of panchayat officials and police were taken up by Kallingal. The next focus is the Technopark area where a large number of females work. If womendriven auto rickshaws are made available in this area, it would benefit both the auto drivers as well as the women folk at Technopark. Kallingal group is in constant touch with the several voluntary organizations as well as government officials to make this possible.

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The Vanitha autos which started in 2012 has achieved great momentum within a very short time period and has benefited a large number of people directly and indirectly.

Basheer Training Centre – another establishment by the Kallingal group – offers driving classes for the women. Another major initiative by Kallingal Basheer Charitable Trust is providing financial assistance to the deserving females for their marriage.

Shafeek states that he learned from his father that one should live a life which helps the needy. He also states that in all his endeavors he remembers this and has lived by this

concept.

From being a two-wheeler service centre, the Kallingal group has grown to great heights. They were the first dealers of Tata Nano cars in Kerala.

Their primary focus is still auto rickshaws. Shafeek says this is so, because autos are bought by middle class and people of low financial capability.

He feels through dealing in autos, he gets an opportunity to uplift the downtrodden.

Shafeek has learned automobile engineering.

He knows all aspects of vehicles. The business acumen he has developed over the years leads to the rapid rise of Kallingal. He has followed his father’s footsteps in helping the impoverished. Kallingal Shafeek states his only aim is to create an amiable circumstance for the common folks to lead a self-sufficient life. He believes any enterprise that has goodness as its foundation will succeed.

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FESTIVAL

The Goddess Chamundi is worshipped at Karikkakom Temple The temple of Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Devi is located on the outskirts of the city of Thiruvananhapuram. The temple situated in a scenic place is one of Kerala’s renowned shrines.

Brahmasree Rishimangalam Vasudeva Potti led the reinstallation of panchaloha Idol of the Goddess Sri Chamundi in 1997. The main hall, outer halls and the sub shrines were built under the supervision of Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboothiri. The temple opens at 5 in the morning and closes at 11.30. Evening timings are between 5 and 8. Everyday thousands of devotees offer their prayers in this temple. During festival days the crowd goes up. From ancient days, the temple is believed to be the shrine of Justice and Truth.

Every year, in the Malayalam month of Meenam, the famous Karikkakom Pongala is held. Rice with jaggery, ghee, coconut and other ingredients is cooked to appease the goddess.

Devotees offering Pongala would be millions of women.

On the right side of the Sri Chamundi Devi is Raktha Chamundi. There is no idol here, but a wall painting of the goddess in a fierce form. Earlier during the

reign of the Maharajas, it is at this place people were brought to promise to tell the truth. It is believed that the goddess would protect them if they said the truth in front of this temple. On the other hand, if they speak lies they would be punished by the goddess. It is also believed that this goddess would remove obstacles caused by enemies. Right next to Raktha Chamundi is Bala Chamundi. Childless couples worship this goddess who is in childhood form. It is believed that this goddess

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helps cure children of ailments.

The other deities in the temple premises are Sastha, Ganapathi, Bala Ganapathi, Yakshiyamma, Bhuvaneshvari, Ayiravalli, Manthramurthi and Yogeeshwaran. Nagar Kavu is located on the outside of the Main Temple. A variety of trees and medicinal plants are cultivated in this Nagar Kavu. Trees pertaining to each Nakshatra or Star is also found in this Nagar Kavu. On Ayilyam days, devotees can be seen offering Pooja and Nurum Palum at this Nagar Kavu.

The special rituals at this temple are Bali Sadya held in the Malayalam month of Karkitaka, Nirayum Puthariyum, Uthrada Thaneerkuda in the month of Chingam, Kodi Charthu on Thiruvonam day, Ayilyam Oottu in the month of Makaram.

The Goddess Chamundi is worshipped in all three forms at this temple. She is worshipped in the fierce form of Kali (providing justice), Goddess of truth and as Universal mother or in the nurturing form. The annual Pongala Festival of this ancient temple would be held in April this year. www.metromartdaily.com

STATEMENT ABOUT OWNERSHIP AND HIS PARTICULARS ABOUT THE NEWSPAPER METRO MART (Form IV – See Rule – 8) 1. Place of Publication

: Thiruvananthapuram

2. Periodicity of its Publication : Monthly 3. Printer’s Name

: Hari Shanker A G

Whether Citizen of India

: Yes

Address : Tharangam , Kodunganoor Post , Thiruvananthapuram - 695013 4. Publisher’s Name

: Hari Shanker A G

Whether Citizen of India

: Yes

Address : Tharangam , Kodunganoor Post , Thiruvananthapuram - 695013 5. Printer’s Name

: Hari Shanker A G

Whether Citizen of India

: Yes

Address : Tharangam , Kodunganoor Post , Thiruvananthapuram - 695013 6. Names and addresses of individual who own the newspaper & partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of total capital:Director, Haritha Media Private Limited Tharangam, Kodunganoor Post Thiruvananthapuram - 695013

I Hari Shanker A G, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my Knowledge and belief.

Dated : 1st March 2014 Sd/- (Publisher)

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METRO EVENT

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation at the

Partner Kerala Meet

Waste management and sewage treatment, the most pressing of the city’s needs, are at the centre of the projects showcased by the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC) at the Partner Kerala Urban Development Meet in Kochi.

Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Chalai: Rs 30 cr Among the biggest of the TMC’s projects is a Solid Waste Treatment Plant proposed to be set up over 2 acres of land owned by the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) in Chalai. The Corporation is looking at investment partnerships for a modern plant that utilizes gasification technology and functions like a factory to process

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November December January March 2014 2013 2013 March 2014 2014

waste without attracting flies, causing odour, leachate discharge or landfill activity.

The project is intended for completion within one year and is designed to manage solid waste generated in the central parts of the city, from 35 of the 100 wards under the corporation.

Multilevel Parking Plaza at Thampanoor: Rs 30 cr Thampanoor in the

heart of the city faces almost continuous traffic congestion from dawn to dusk. Corporation now proposes to construct a fully automated multi level parking plaza at Thampanoor over at a cost of Rs 30 crores.

The proposed period of completion of the project is 24 months, with the TMC offering to lease 50 cents of land in Thampanoor for the constructing the facility under build-

METRO METRO mart mart TH I RI R UU VA N AN TH AP U RR AM H V ANN N ANN N H APP PUU U AMM M TTTHH IR VV AA AA TTTHH AA RRAA I RUU

operate-transfer scheme.

The plaza will have a built up area of 6000 sq. meters, with a basement and six floors for parking 600 cars.

Modernisation of Slaughterhouse at Kunnukuzhi: Rs 4.5 cr TMC proposes to modernize the slaughter house at Kunnukuzhi which is currently located over 1.5 acres of land and a capacity to slaughter 200 animals a day. The goal is to increase the abattoir’s capacity to 300 and use the modern techniques instead of the traditional methods of slaughtering now practiced.

The total cost of the project is Rs 4.5 crores

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and the period of construction two years.

TMC will provide 1.5 acres including the existing abattoir on lease. The investor will be required to raise the existing unit to international standards, add another unit along with rendering plant, machinery and equipment and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP); all of which should comply with the pollution control and quality regulations.

Sludge Management Project at Muttathara: Rs 2 cr The sewage treatment plant constructed at Muttathara has a capacity of 107 million litres per day, with the expected sludge at 10 tonnes. However,

there is currently no sludge treatment plant alongside this. TMC plans to rope in investors to build sludge drying beds over one acre of land. The proposed cost of project is Rs 2 crores and the period of construction is two years.

Captive Power Project at Muttathara: Rs 2 cr TMC also plans to use the gas generated from the Sludge Treatment Plant for captive power production by having a power plant and accessories installed through a PPP-project at Muttathara. It hopes to use the electricity for yard lighting in Muttathara. The proposed cost of project is 2 crores and the period of construction is one year.

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METRO UPDATE

animated lesson

An of pure entertainment and illusion.

Kidsfest 2014 organised by Toonz Animation in association with NATANA - the arts club of Technopark, for the kids of Technopark employees saw huge participation of around 100.

Their wide grimace said it all! They were just getting back to the real world after being taken for a joy ride in to the world of animation and illusion. Organised as part of the 15th Anniversary celebrations of Toonz, the fest aimed at providing a learning experience to the kids while having fun with animation, illusion and creative images. “This fest kick-starts the year-long celebrations as part of our 15th anniversary and there is no better way than to start with an enthusiastic bunch of youngsters. We aimed to give the kids a basic understanding of animation and how their favourite characters come to life in the screen.� said P Jayakumar, CEO of Toonz Media group. Credited

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with the creation of popular cartoon characters like Tenali Raman, Kid Krish and Hanuman, kids have always remained as the fulcrum of Toonz and hence the rationale for this fest, adds Jayakumar.

The animation workshop was handled by Prosenjit Ganguly an alumnus and former member of the faculty of NID, Ahmedabad. PJ as he is fondly called, showcased

the different techniques of animation and the painstaking process through which a cartoon show is born. The session on illusion and magic was handled by Raja Moorthy who is the Director of the Academy of Magical Science in Kerala. He enchanted the kids with a blend of illusion and humour providing them a magical experience.

Anoop P Ambika, MD of Kreara Solutions & Patron of NATANA, Mohan Subramaniam, Chief Development Officer of Toonz, Hari Varma, Chief Creative Officer and Hari Iyer, Chief Financial Officer of Toonz were present during the occasion.

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METRO UPDATE

Kerala Travel Mart 2014 to be

held from Sept 18-20 in Kochi

The eighth edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) is scheduled to be held from September 18 to 20, 2014 at the Samudrika Convention Centre, Cochin Port Trust in Kochi, Kerala.

Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said the event would highlight innovative tourism products such as village life experience and culture tours.

“We will reach out to buyers from new markets like Australia,, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Japan, South Africa, Sweden and USA,” the Minister said.

“These emerging segments are being viewed very seriously by tourist destinations and KTM intends to increase Kerala’s market share to an additional `5,000 crore.

Only 10 per cent of the national inbound tourist traffic reaches Kerala and the KTM has set a target of 15 per cent arrivals from new and emerging markets,” he said.

Department partners with the Kerala Travel Mart Society to host this mega event, which brings together the tourism products and service providers of the state on a single platform. It is perhaps the largest gathering in the tourism industry of Kerala that facilitates the meeting and interaction of the buyers, sellers and the media. Tour operators, hotels, resorts, home stays, houseboats, Ayurveda resorts, cultural art centres, etc. will showcase their products at the Mart.

The Kerala Tourism

KTM 2014 will include the

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Hosted Buyer programme which provides the buyers an opportunity to meet with the exhibitors of their choice for focused one-to-one sessions with appointments.

Selected buyers will receive complimentary accommodation, local transfers, a post mart FAM tour and participation at networking evenings.

Over the last 13 years since the first Mart, KTM has attracted over 1,000 international buyers who have established business partners among the various sections in the tourism industry of Kerala.

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What are your plans for this vacation? Got your children’s priorities straight?

The school holidays have started. That’s a lot of free time ahead.

Vacations are those moments in your life that you cherish for the rest of your life. May you have an amazing vacation and cherish all the moments spent with family.

There are many events and kids program scheduled to be held in the city by different cultural organizations and NGOs. One of the major programs to be held in the city is South India Kids Fashion Week (SIKFW).

SIKFW is the first event of its kind to showcase premium kids fashion from both established as well as emerging designers. This global event features a fashionable schedule of runway shows and performances as well as a mix of playful activities for children (4-14 years old) and parents, entertainment, performances and fundraising for the official SIKFW charity Organization.

SIKFW charity provides practical, emotional, treatment and educational | support for the needy children.

The event will be held on 25th May 2014 and will take place at the Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum. SIKFW aims to educate and inspire people about Kids’ fashion. Keeping in view of Save Earth Campaign, the 1976 Once Upon a Time Café @ The Capital Hotel is organizing a drawing competition for school students on 12th April 2014 at The Capital Hotel premises.

Parents, enable your children to best utilize their vacation. Let this vacation enrich their minds and prepare them for their future. Of course, take precautions for the heat.

Happy Holidaying!

Siji Nair

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March 2014

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