Goal is a Malayalam movie directed by Kamal. The film stars newcomers Rejith Menon and a Mumbai based Model Aksha in the lead roles. The cast also includes Bhanu, Mukesh, Rehman etc.
Cast : Rajith, Aksha, Muktha, Rahman, Mukesh, Salim kumar, Shiva, Viplav
Director : Kamal
Script : Kalvoor Ravikumar
Producer : Neelagiri Movie Productions
The story of Goal is set against a boarding school in Ooty, the Good Shepherd International School, where the children of the rich alone comes to study. Here our protagonist Sam is a ground-boy at the school stadium and also works as a helper in the canteen. Actually he is an orphan, who was left alone, after his father Isaac (Mukesh), who had been an ace footballer, was long been missing. Issac, who went in search of his wife who had been forcefully taken by people sent by her parents, entrusts the little Sam to the care of a friend named John (Kunchan), with whose daughter Maria (Muktha) he grows up.
Maria is now working in the school canteen. This job at school was the one that kept Sam going. The chief football coach of the school, Vijay has a special interest on Sam, who even helps him and his family which include, his wife Rekha (Jenny who is Meera Jasmine's sister) a teacher at the school and his niece Neetu (Mumbai model Aksha), a student at the school .
Victory always eludes the Good Shepherd football team by a reason or another, especially when they are playing against the St. Xavier's Team and Vijay always gets the brunt for it from the other staffs. And one fine day Felix, the star-striker of the school football team, who is a spoilt brat and a drug addict and two of his friends are caught red-handed using drugs. The Principal Dr. Immanuel George is forced to take action and the three gets dismissed.
Felix then joins St. Xavier's and is determined to humble Vijay in every way possible. Vijay gives his team the necessary inspiration but the team members join hands with Felix to see that their own team is beaten. In the meantime Sam's father turns up, but he is in a totally distracted state not able to identify anyone. In order to help his father regain his memory, Sam takes the ball and goes to the school ground at night. Neethu and her friends, happens to see this and shoots Sam's performance on video. Vijay stunned on seeing Sam's performance takes Sam under his tutelage and along with the help of Neethu and other students gets him enrolled in the school. As Sam is able to wear the jersey of the school and represent them, but other students in the team do not co-operate with him. At the same time Neethu feels offended when he does not respond to her, creating more problems for him. The plot follows how Vijay and Sam take strides to bring back the honor of themselves and the school.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Intel India collaboration with Techno Park
Intel India has agreed upon a working engagement model with Techno Park here to offer the Intel Software Partner Program (ISPP), a programme for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) developing applications on Intel platforms and technologies.
Under the programme, Intel gives ISVs tools and resources they need to enable, market, and sell innovative applications that run on Intel technologies ranging from mobile to multi-core to virtualisation technology, Intel Software and Solutions Group Asia Pacific Director Narendra Bhandari told reporters here yesterday.
The programme helps software organizations to be more competitive with resources to support them through all phases of their business cycle, he said.
Techno Park CEO N Radhakrishnan Nair said the programme would help the medium and small software organisations in the Park. "We hope that this alliance will be beneficial and enterprising for all the parties involved", he added.
On investment possibilities, Bhandari said it would depend upon the progress of the tie up. 'This is our first Park oriented and cluster focussed ISPP", he said.
Intel will offer ISPP to the member companies of Technopark as well as research and development support for niche ISVs and would also invest in marketing initiatives in terms of resources that were aimed at enhancing the scale efforts of the partner companies.
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Under the programme, Intel gives ISVs tools and resources they need to enable, market, and sell innovative applications that run on Intel technologies ranging from mobile to multi-core to virtualisation technology, Intel Software and Solutions Group Asia Pacific Director Narendra Bhandari told reporters here yesterday.
The programme helps software organizations to be more competitive with resources to support them through all phases of their business cycle, he said.
Techno Park CEO N Radhakrishnan Nair said the programme would help the medium and small software organisations in the Park. "We hope that this alliance will be beneficial and enterprising for all the parties involved", he added.
On investment possibilities, Bhandari said it would depend upon the progress of the tie up. 'This is our first Park oriented and cluster focussed ISPP", he said.
Intel will offer ISPP to the member companies of Technopark as well as research and development support for niche ISVs and would also invest in marketing initiatives in terms of resources that were aimed at enhancing the scale efforts of the partner companies.
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Labels:
Business
Petro prices fuel inflation to over 11 per cent
Fuelled by the sharp increase in fuel and cooking gas prices, the inflation shot to a thirteen year high of over 11 per cent. Coupled with increase in petrol product prices, the food prices put the pressure on inflation that touched 11.05 per cent on week ending June 7, a development that could cause a major worry for the government.
Capturing the Central Government's decision to hike petrol prices by Rs five a liter, diesel by Rs 3 a liter and domestic cooking gas by Rs 50 a cylinder led to the spurt in inflation, management of which is proving a major challenge for both the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank.
Inflation was 8.75 per cent for the week ended May 31 mainly on account of rising food, vegetable and fruit prices.
Within a minute of release of the government data on price movement in the country, the sensitive Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex dipped by over 200 points, reflecting the concern of the investing community.
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Capturing the Central Government's decision to hike petrol prices by Rs five a liter, diesel by Rs 3 a liter and domestic cooking gas by Rs 50 a cylinder led to the spurt in inflation, management of which is proving a major challenge for both the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank.
Inflation was 8.75 per cent for the week ended May 31 mainly on account of rising food, vegetable and fruit prices.
Within a minute of release of the government data on price movement in the country, the sensitive Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex dipped by over 200 points, reflecting the concern of the investing community.
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Labels:
Business
Thursday, June 19, 2008
MCA entrance
The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala, has invited applications for the July 20 MCA entrance examination to be held at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The two-hour test will consist of 150 objective-type questions in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, general knowledge, general English and fundamentals of computer awareness.
Indian nationals with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline may apply. The candidates should have learned mathematics at the Plus Two level or graduated with mathematics or statistics as one of the subjects or passed the three-year BCA degree course from a recognised university. Students appearing for the qualifying examination this year may also apply.
MCA is a three-year programme of six semesters. This course is intended to train graduates in engineering, science or commerce with mathematics as one of the subjects in the development and use of software. The major thrust is on giving the student a sound background in computing, business functions and mathematics relevant to information technology.
The colleges and institutions admitting students to the MCA course based on the ranks obtained in this entrance examination are:
Self financing institutions
Admission will be subject to All-India Council for Technical Education approval.
How to apply
Prospectus and application form can be downloaded from the web site www.cee-kerala.org. There will be separate application forms for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and general category. The filled application should be sent along with the necessary documents and a demand draft for Rs.800 (Rs.400 for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) drawn from a nationalised bank in favour of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, payable at Thiruvananthapuram.
The applications should reach the Commissioner for Entrance Examination, Housing Board Building, Fifth Floor, Santhinagar, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001, either by registered post or by hand, on or before June 30.
For details, visit www.cee-kerala.org.
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Indian nationals with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline may apply. The candidates should have learned mathematics at the Plus Two level or graduated with mathematics or statistics as one of the subjects or passed the three-year BCA degree course from a recognised university. Students appearing for the qualifying examination this year may also apply.
MCA is a three-year programme of six semesters. This course is intended to train graduates in engineering, science or commerce with mathematics as one of the subjects in the development and use of software. The major thrust is on giving the student a sound background in computing, business functions and mathematics relevant to information technology.
The colleges and institutions admitting students to the MCA course based on the ranks obtained in this entrance examination are:
- College of Engineering, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 016 (30 seats)
- Government Engineering College, Thrissur - 680 009 (30
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Kottayam - 686 501 (30)
- TKM College of Engineering, Kollam (30)
- Mar Athanasious College of Engineering, Kothamangalam (30)
Self financing institutions
Admission will be subject to All-India Council for Technical Education approval.
- Haji CHMM College of Advanced Studies, Varkala, Palayamkunnu (60)
- Lourdes Matha College of Science and Technology, Kuttichal, Thiruvananthapuram (60)
- Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology, Anad, Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram (60)
- AWH Engineering College, Kuttikattoor, Kozhikode (60)
- SCMS School of Engineering and Technology, Vidya Nagar, Palissery, Karukutty, Kochi (60)
- DOEACC Centre, Regional Engineering College (P.O.), Kozhikode (60)
- MES College of Engineering, Kuttipuram, Malappuram (60)
- West Fort Higher Education Trust, Pottore, Thrissur (60)
- KMCT College of Engineering, Kallanthode, Manassery (P.O.), Kozhikode (60)
- Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Hormics Nagar, Mookkannur (P.O.), Angamali (60)
- Institutes under government control
- College of Applied Sciences, Kiliyanad, Kozhikode (30)
- College of Applied Sciences, Vadakkancherry, Palakkad (30)
- LBS College of Engineering, Powal, Mooliyar. P.O, Kasaragod (30)
How to apply
Prospectus and application form can be downloaded from the web site www.cee-kerala.org. There will be separate application forms for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and general category. The filled application should be sent along with the necessary documents and a demand draft for Rs.800 (Rs.400 for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) drawn from a nationalised bank in favour of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, payable at Thiruvananthapuram.
The applications should reach the Commissioner for Entrance Examination, Housing Board Building, Fifth Floor, Santhinagar, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001, either by registered post or by hand, on or before June 30.
For details, visit www.cee-kerala.org.
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Labels:
Education
SET
The LBS centre for Science and Technology will conduct the State Eligibility Test (SET) on September 28. A pass in SET is a mandatory qualification for appointment as teachers in higher secondary and vocational higher secondary schools.
There will be two objective-type papers. Paper 1 is common for all subjects. It consists of two parts - general knowledge and aptitude in teaching.
Paper 2 will be based on the subject of specialisation at the postgraduate level.
All district headquarters will have test centres.
SET will be conducted for 39 subjects: anthropology; Arabic; botany; chemistry; commerce; economics; English; French; Gandhian studies; geography; geology; German; Hindi; history; home science; Islamic history; journalism; Kannada; Latin; Malayalam; mathematics; music; philosophy; physics; political science; psychology; Russian; Sanskrit - general; sahithya special; Vedanta special; Vyakarana special; Nyaya special; social work; sociology; statistics; Syriac; Tamil; Urdu; and zoology.
Those who have obtained Master's degree in the subjects concerned with at least a second class (with not less than 50 per cent marks) and B.Ed. may apply.
For anthropology; commerce; French; Gandhian studies; geology; German; home science; journalism; Latin; music; Russian; social work; sociology; statistics; Syriac; philosophy; and psychology, applicants need not posses the B.Ed. degree.
Qualification acquired through correspondence course or open universities which are not recognised by one of the universities in Kerala will not be accepted.
No age limit is prescribed for appearing in the test.
Those who are appearing or have appeared for the Master's degree or B.Ed. examinations this year will be permitted to appear for SET.
Candidates can obtain the application form and prospectus from the LBS centres by paying Rs.500 (Rs.250 for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Details are available on the web sites www.lbscentre.org and www.lbskerala.com.
Applications can be submitted up to July 15 to the Director, LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Nandavanam, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033 (ph: 0471 2324396)
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There will be two objective-type papers. Paper 1 is common for all subjects. It consists of two parts - general knowledge and aptitude in teaching.
Paper 2 will be based on the subject of specialisation at the postgraduate level.
All district headquarters will have test centres.
SET will be conducted for 39 subjects: anthropology; Arabic; botany; chemistry; commerce; economics; English; French; Gandhian studies; geography; geology; German; Hindi; history; home science; Islamic history; journalism; Kannada; Latin; Malayalam; mathematics; music; philosophy; physics; political science; psychology; Russian; Sanskrit - general; sahithya special; Vedanta special; Vyakarana special; Nyaya special; social work; sociology; statistics; Syriac; Tamil; Urdu; and zoology.
Those who have obtained Master's degree in the subjects concerned with at least a second class (with not less than 50 per cent marks) and B.Ed. may apply.
For anthropology; commerce; French; Gandhian studies; geology; German; home science; journalism; Latin; music; Russian; social work; sociology; statistics; Syriac; philosophy; and psychology, applicants need not posses the B.Ed. degree.
Qualification acquired through correspondence course or open universities which are not recognised by one of the universities in Kerala will not be accepted.
No age limit is prescribed for appearing in the test.
Those who are appearing or have appeared for the Master's degree or B.Ed. examinations this year will be permitted to appear for SET.
Candidates can obtain the application form and prospectus from the LBS centres by paying Rs.500 (Rs.250 for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Details are available on the web sites www.lbscentre.org and www.lbskerala.com.
Applications can be submitted up to July 15 to the Director, LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Nandavanam, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033 (ph: 0471 2324396)
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Labels:
Education
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Chenda - drum like musical instrument of Kerala
Chenda ചെണ്ട is a cylindrical percussion instrument used widely in the state of Kerala, India. It is also used in some parts of Karnataka where it is called the Chende.
The chenda is mainly played as an accompaniment in the Hindu religious art forms of Kerala. The chenta is used as an accompaniment for Kathakali and Koodiyattam and among many forms of dances and rituals in Kerala. It is also played in a folk dance-drama called Yakshagana which is popular in Karnataka.
A chenda is made out of a cylindrical wooden drum, and has a length of 2 feet and a diameter of 1 foot. Both ends are covered (usually with cow skin). The chenta is suspended from the drummers neck so that it hangs vertically. Using two sticks, the drummer strikes the upper parchment. This instrument is famous for its loud and rigid sound.
Different types of Chenda
* Uruttu chenda - for playing variations.
* Veekku chenda - one which beats the basic rhythm.
* Acchan chenda
Chenda melam
Chenda Keli is performed by Chenda and Maddalam accompanied by elathalam and valantala. This type of keli is used for two purposes.
One it is a part of temple ritual. Another purpose is to inform the people that "there is a Kathakali that going to start today", like a prior notice to the people.
Everybody has a wrong impression that Keli is originated from Thayambaka. But actually it is vice versa. The structure and the musical combinations of Thayambaka is taken from Keli.
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Labels:
Music,
Musical Instruments
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment Terminal
The long cherished dream of Kerala, the Rs.53.48 billion Vizhinjam International Container Transhipment Terminal, is going to be materialised as the cabinet has approved the tender submitted by a consortium led by Hyderabad based Lanco Kontapalli Power Private Ltd.
A transhipment terminal requires deep draft and proximity to international shipping routes. Vizhinjam fits the bill on both counts, especially in the matter of draft. The natural depth available close to the shore is more than 18 metres and is going up to 21 metres at one nautical from the coast requiring hardly any maintenance in dredging.
The consultancy services consists of three phases viz.,
* Phase I: Traffic assessment and preliminary viability including traffic studies, surveys, port planning, master planning and financial viability
* Phase II: Detailed feasibility and project structuring including financial and economic analysis
* Phase III - Providing technical inputs to RFP preparation, Draft Licence Agreement, assistance during Technical and Financial Closure.
Proximity to the international shipping route and East-West shipping axis and to Thiruvananthapuram city that has an international airport, human resource and social
infrastructure also shores up the project. It is to be built on an area of 150 acres and there will be no displacement of local fishermen. The port will be able to handle 4.10 million containers annually.
The lack of an international transhipment terminal has been resulting in a revenue loss of Rs.1,000 crore for the country a year as per the Tenth Plan document as
almost 70 per cent of the transhipment business meant for India is being handled by ports such as Colombo and Dubai now. The availability of such a deep draft will
ensure passage of the largest of the container liners and those of the future also.
The first phase of the project would be completed in three years. The State government would have a 24 per cent share in the company to be formed for implementation of the project. The BOT contract would be for 30 years after which the terminal would become the State property.
Vizhinjam International Sea Port Limited CEO Dr Jayakumar says, "The Rs 4,300 crore project has been the state government's pet project and will be built on a Built-To-Transfer basis of 30 years."
Cost
The total cost of the project is Rs. 43 billion ($950 million) and it would come in three phases. The entire proposal is with the Central Government. A consortium of three companies (two Chinese and a Mumbai-based firm) have been selected to build it.
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Kerala Jackfruit Recipes
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a species of tree of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its fruit, native to southwestern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and Sri Lanka, and possibly also east to the Malay Peninsula, though more likely an early human introduction there. It is well suited to tropical lowlands. It is commercially grown and sold in these countries, as well as imported around Australia. The English name jackfruit, one of many for the fruit, derives from Portuguese jaca, which is derived from Malayalam chakka ചക്ക .
The jackfruit is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. Its fruit is seldom less than about 25 cm in diameter. Even a relatively thin tree (circa 10 cm diameter) can bear large fruit. The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter.
The sweet yellow sheaths around the seeds are about 3–5 mm thick and have a taste similar to that of pineapple but milder and less juicy.
The jackfruit has played a significant role in the Indian agriculture (and culture) from time immemorial. Archeological findings in India have revealed that jackfruit was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. Findings also indicate that Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great (274–237 BC) encouraged arbori-horticulture of various fruits including jackfruit. Varahamihira, the Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer wrote a chapter on the treatment of trees in his Brhat Samhita. His treatise includes a specific reference on grafting to be performed on trees such as jackfruit.
Jackfruit seeds Thoran
Jackfruit seeds- ¼ kg
Snake gourd- 50 gms
Drumsticks- 2 Nos.
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder half tsp
Coconut grated- one cup
Red chilli powder- one tsp
garlic- 4 pods
Cumin seeds- ¼ tsp
Oil- one tsp
Mustard seeds, urad dal- ¼ tsp each
Red chilli- one
Curry leaf – 2 sprigs
Cut jackfruit seeds into four after scraping its outer skin. Cut snakegourd into small pieces after removing its seeds. Cut the drumsticks into two cm long pieces. Wash these and add turmeric, salt and enough water and cook. Grind coconut, red chilli powder, garlic, curry leaves and cumin seeds coarsely and add to the cooked items. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard, red chilli cutting into two pieces, urad dal etc and add the cooked vegetables. Stir well and off the gas when the moisture in it removed completely.
Jackfruit Erissery
Ingredients:
Raw jackfruit- 1 /4 kg
Salt- to taste
Turmeric powder-half tsp
Jackfruit seeds- 10 Nos
Coconut grated- one cup+ one tbsp
Garlic- 3 pods
Pepper- 3 Nos
Red chilli powder- one tsp
Curry leaves- 2 sprigs
Oil- one tbsp
Mustard seeds, urad dal - ¼ tsp each
Dry red chilli - one, cut into 2-3 pieces
Method: Cut each jackfruit pods into two and then into one inch pieces. Scrape jackfruit seeds and cut into round pieces having half inch thickness. Wash and transfer these to a vessel. Add turmeric, salt and enough water and cook. Grind coarsely, the coconut (one cup), red chilli powder, one sprig of curry leaf, pepper and garlic. Add this to the cooked items. Pour oil to a pan and fry red chilly, mustard seeds, urad dal, one sprig of curry leaf and one tbsp of coconut and when mustard splutters pour the curry to the pan. When it starts boiling off the gas.
Jack Fruit Avial
Raw Jackfruit -15 pods
Cucumber- 50 gm
Jack fruit seeds- 8 Nos.
Raw mango- 5 pieces
Small brinjal- one piece
Green chilly- 5 Nos.
Turmeric- half tsp
Salt- to taste
Curry leaf- 2 sprigs
Coconut grated- one and a half cup
Red chilli powder- half tsp
Cumin seeds- ¼ tsp
Coconut oil- one tbsp
Cut the jackfruit pods into two, vertically and cut into two. Scrape the seeds and cut into four, vertically. Cut one mango into five pieces. Slit two green chillies. Cut brinjal into long pieces having one inch thickness. Put this into water for a while. Wash these vegetables and put into a vessel. Add water, turmeric and salt and cook. Grind coconut, three green chillies,cumin seeds and red chilli powder coarsely. Add this to the cooked vegetables. Heat for a minute, pour coconut oil and garnish with curry leaves and off the gas.
Jackfruit Pachadi
Ripen jack fruit- 20 pods
Turmeric powder- half tsp
Salt to taste
Curd- half cup
Red chilli- 2 , cut into 2
Coconut grated- one cup
Red chilli powder- one tsp
Curry leaves- 2 sprigs
Oil- one tsp
mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds- ¼ tsp each
Cut each jackfruit pods into 2, vertically and cut each pieces into three. Remove its seeds. Add turmeric, salt and enough water and cook. Off the gas and add curd. Grind coconut, and red chilly powder coarsely and add to the jackfruit . Heat a tawa and pour oil and add red chilli pieces, mustard seeds, curry leaves and fenugreek seeds. When mustard seeds splutters pour the curry over it and off the gas when it starts to boil.
Other Jack Fruit Dishes and preparations
Jackfruit is commonly used in South and Southeast Asian cuisines. It can be eaten unripe (young) or ripe, and cooked or uncooked. The seeds can also be eaten cooked or baked like beans; they taste similar to chestnuts. The leaves are sometimes used as a wrapping for steamed Idlis.
Unripe (young) jackfruit can also be eaten whole. Young jackfruit has a mild flavour and distinctive texture. The cuisines of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Vietnam use cooked young jackfruit. In many cultures, jackfruit is boiled and used in curries as a food staple.
Kathal Subzee: Spicy vegetable with raw jackfruit from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Assam, India.
Kathal Aachar: Pickle made of jackfruit from Assam.
Pilakkai Kandbu and Dosa: Sweet dishes made with ripe jackfruit from Mangalore, India.
Gujjeda Kajipu: Dry spicy curry of raw jackfruit from Mangalore, India.
Ghariyo: Jackfruit sweet dish from Mangalore, India.
Jackfuit Pappad: Jackfruit Pappad as a snack from Mangalore, India.
Jackfruit Halwa: made from ripen jackfruit a sweet dish, part of Udupi cuisine.
Chakka Pradaman: Jackfruit pudding from Kerala, India.
Enchorer Torkari: Curry made from unripe jackfruit from West Bengal, India.
Chakka Varattiyathu: Rip jackfruit jam (with jaggery and ghee) from Kerala, India.
Chakka Varauthathu: Jackfruit Chips from Kerala, India.
Idiyan chakka: Whole tender jackfruit cooked with spices and pounded, from Kerala, India.
Panasa Koora/Panasa Pottu Koora: Traditional Jackfruit Curry made from unripe jackfruit from coastal Andhra, India
Jackfruit chips (e.g. Nafiri brand from Surabaya, Indonesia)
Asian ice desserts (including Indonesian & Filipino)
Turon, a Filipino dessert made of banana and jackfruit wrapped in an eggroll wrapper
Ingredient for cassava cake
An optional ingredient in kolak (an Indonesian mung bean and coconut based dessert).
Flavour of Juicy Fruit chewing gum.
Jackfruit candy
Vitamin Water sells a jackfruit–guava (b+ theanine) beverage
Jackfruit smoothies or milkshakes
Atu Kos: Smoked jackfuit – a way of preserving it, to use during non-season in Sri Lanka.
Gudeg: traditional dish from Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia.
Lodeh: traditional Indonesian vegetable dish with coconut milk.
Gule Nangka: traditional Indonesia spicy curry Indonesia.
Raithey: sour curry with boiled young jackfruit, raw mango & raw papaya part of Navayath cuisine from Bhatkal,Karnataka, India.
Fansa Nevaryo: Navayath sweet dish of rice ground with ripen jackfruit stuffed with coconut and jaggery and steamed after wrapping in banyan leaves from Bhatkal, Karnataka, India.
Humba Nangka:curry made from unripe jackfruit and coconut milk Bohol, Philippines.
Gatti or Gidde in Tulu where ripe jackfruit is ground with rava to form thick paste which is put on a teak wood leaf and then cooked in steam. The gidde is ready.
An optional ingredient in Sayur asam (Indonesian clear soup; the name means tamarind vegetables)
Also ingredient in Indonesian traditional Minangkabau cuisine.
Jackfruit salad: Vietnamese dish with boiled young jackfruit.
Kiri Kos: A creamy jackfruit curry cooked with coconut milk from Sri Lanka.
Polos Ambul: Tender jackfuits cooked with spices from Sri Lanka.
Kalupol Maluwa: Jackfruit nuts cooked with spices and mixed with scraped coconut from Sri Lanka.
Fanas Poli: Sun dried Jackfruit pulp with sugar from Konkan.
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Labels:
Jackfruit,
Kerala Food,
Kerala Recipes
Emu the titan bird
Emu, the titan in the bird's empire reached Kerala only recently. Second only to Ostrich in size Emu normally gains a weight of 60 kg in two years. In the growth it apes like a buffalo calf while remains as a total vegetarian. A pair of Emu poults fetches Rs.15,000.
Other specialities of Emu are its docile nature and crave for glittering things. Its huge size makes it a perennial attraction to the onlookers. Its appetite for grains, grass and leaves is well known. It provides aromatic, nutritious meat which is cholesterol free.
Darvin's theory is an exception in Emu as it is less prone to change. Classified in RATITE species of wild bird, the Emu cannot fly.
Winter is mating season of Emu. After laying the eggs, hen entrust the duty of brooding to the cock, which sits on the eggs religiously for 52 days. But the impatient hen seeks out for other paramours during this spell. It can be reared in open yard secured with wire mesh in a height of 6 feet. Common feed for Emu are carrot, cucumber, fruits, vegetable waste. Upto three months it can be fed with grower feed. It takes five litres of water per day.
Meat of Emu is delicate which fetches Rs.300 per kg but most valued item from Emu is Emu oil located on the hump. Oil, used for making cosmetics and medicine, fetches Rs.4000 per litre.
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Labels:
Bird Sanctuary,
Travel
Chennamangalam ചെന്നമംഗലം
The Chennamangalam synagogue is one of the biggest of its kind besides the one at Mattanchery. The 175 year old synagogue was recently restored to its original glory by Kerala State Archaeology Department with support from Kerala Tourism.
The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured chequered pattern, with huge wooden planks giving additional support for the roof.
A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is another attraction of the synagogue. There is another balcony, meant exclusively for women. A marvelous craftsmanship in wood, a spiral staircase leads to this balcony.
Chennamangalam is also an example of religious tolerance and harmonious co-existence, which can be felt by the presence of temple, mosque and church located close to the synagogue.
How to Get there:
Nearest railway station: Alwaye, about 26 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 23 km from Ernakulam.
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Thodikkulam
Temples and palaces were the ancient galleries for mural paintings in Kerala. One such at Kannur district which has been attracting a large number of art lovers from all over the world is the Thodikkulam Siva temple at Kannavam. Here there are nearly 150 mural paintings, on an area of 700 sq ft. in about 40 panels, drawn on the four walls of the sanctum.
Thodikkulam Siva temple, about 2 km from Kannavam near Thalasserry on the way to Mananthavadi, Kannur district, north Kerala. The Thodikkulam Siva Temple, said to have been constructed 2000 years ago, has the sanctum sanctorum constructed in two-storeys and is rectangular in shape. The outer building and an incomplete Mukhamandapam (portico) in front of the central shrine completes the whole structure.
For the art lover who wants to learn this ancient art, Vasthuvidya Gurukulam a school dedicated to mural paintings, will be the ideal place to go to.
Getting there :
Nearest railway station : Thalasseri about 34 km
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 71 km to the south.
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Pandipathu
Pandipathu പണ്ടിപട്ടു situated on the Kerala-Tamilnadu border in the district of Thiruvananthapuram is Pandipathu. Here, nature in its full glory, beckons those who love the solitary charm of wilderness and also those who enjoys wandering and exploring the best that is available.
Pandipathu comes under the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and is accessible from Bonacaud, which was once famous for its tea plantations, and is also one of the entry points to Agasthya peak.
The Forest Department of Kerala State has given shape to an eco-tourism project called 'Visit To Bison Abode'. It has been named so, due to the presence of the Indian Wild Buffalo or the 'Gaur' on the rolling grasslands and hillsides of Pandipathu. It is reckoned as a special place, where one can sight these majestic bovine in close proximity, grazing throughout the day. Pandipathu has a physical setting that comprises plains, hills and valleys, offering a variety of visual treat to the visitor.
Getting there:
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 75 km away
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 68 km away.
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Labels:
Travel
Queen mother of Travancore royal family passes away
Maharani Karthika Tirunal Lakshmibai, the senior-most member and queen mother of the Travancore Royal family, died in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to ill health. The 92-year-old Lakshmibai, who was unwell for quite some time, is survived by three children. People from all walks of life gathered at the Kottakkakam palace in the city, where the body was kept for the public to pay their last respects.
She was sister of the last ruler of Travancore princely state, the late Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma, and the present head of the family Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Her husband, Col Godavarma Raja, a reputed patron of sports, predeceased her 27 years ago. She was laid to rest with full state honours in the Kawadiar Palace compound. People cutting across class and caste barriers paid homage to their queen mother, who had been witness to an eventful period including the end of the princely rule in Travancore.
Born in 1916 to Ravivarma Koithamburan and Rani Sethu Parvathibai, Lakshmibai was deeply interested in music, literature and sports. She was well-versed in Sanskrit, English and French. She was the first member of the royal family to visit a foreign country breaking the age-old taboo on crossing the seas. Travancore was merged with other Malayalam-speaking state of Cochin on July one, 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin and later with the Malabar district of Madras state on November 1, 1956 to form Kerala state.
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Labels:
News
Water hyacinth a menace
Kerala's panoramic backwaters and rivers which are a major tourist attraction besides providing means of inland water transportation in many areas have been facing a big challenge from water hyacinth, a troublesome aquatic weed. The water hyacinth, popularly known as 'kulavazha' in the state, is one of the most invasive and gregarious aquatics weeds of Kerala widely distributed all over the state in paddy fields, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshy places.
According to Prof P J George of Allahabad Agriculture Institute University, the weeds multiply rapidly in stagnant waters making large areas uncultivated and most times occupies the entire water surface from bank to bank stretching over distances along the canal courses, blocking lagoons and backwaters.
Attention had been focused on its environmental impact since its luxuriant growth in the water bodies interferes in the activities of mankind, he told reporters. The thick floating carpet of hyacinth prevents sunlight entering into the water and thus reducing the dissolved oxygen presence in water, which adversely affects the ecosystem of water bodies and upsets the aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries and agriculture, he said.
Water hyacinth also interferes with hydro power generation and obstructs water flow in irrigation channels, besides facilitating rampant mosquito breeding in the aquatic systems and fostering water-borne diseases.
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Labels:
Agriculture
No ban on lottery
The government has so far not decided to ban lottery in the state, said Finance Minister Thomas Isaac. The minister said this in the wake of the opinion sought by the centre on banning lottery. The state delayed the decision of reducing the sales tax as they waited the centre to reduce the price of petroleum products, said the minister. The minister said this when they were criticized for not taking immediate action to reduce the overburden of the people by reducing the sales tax but instead observed a hartal.
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Labels:
News
Kerala - God's Own Country
Kerala famed as God's Own Country and selected by National Geographic traveler, as one of the ten must see destination of the world, is an enchantingly beautiful land.
Social and cultural life of kerala has several unique features and typical characteristics. Keralites have many distinct tastes and preferences. Love for elephants and passionate love for poetry and the theatrical arts abound here.
Onam, the festival of Kerala is celebrated marking the begining of the season of festivals, poorams and carnivals. Festivals in Kerala are typical of the Keralite's love of nature and refined sense of beauty.
The 560-km long narrow stretch of land with 120 km width is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts,an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and 44 glimmering rivers.
Kerala was famous among travellers and traders for the exotic spices since time immemorial. Kerala is a small, densely populated state in India. Kerala is rich in scenic beauty. It has a long literary and artistic tradition.
For ages, the rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has intrigued people worldwide. The songs and dances of the people, their ballads, their rituals and their intellectual pursuits. Truly, the real treasures of Kerala lay in the cultural heritage of its people. Kerala has its own typical art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people.
From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as its synthesises all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance, to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people.
Read more!
Social and cultural life of kerala has several unique features and typical characteristics. Keralites have many distinct tastes and preferences. Love for elephants and passionate love for poetry and the theatrical arts abound here.
Onam, the festival of Kerala is celebrated marking the begining of the season of festivals, poorams and carnivals. Festivals in Kerala are typical of the Keralite's love of nature and refined sense of beauty.
The 560-km long narrow stretch of land with 120 km width is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts,an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and 44 glimmering rivers.
Kerala was famous among travellers and traders for the exotic spices since time immemorial. Kerala is a small, densely populated state in India. Kerala is rich in scenic beauty. It has a long literary and artistic tradition.
For ages, the rich and vibrant culture of Kerala has intrigued people worldwide. The songs and dances of the people, their ballads, their rituals and their intellectual pursuits. Truly, the real treasures of Kerala lay in the cultural heritage of its people. Kerala has its own typical art forms which reflect the life and outlook of the people.
From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as its synthesises all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance, to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people.
Read more!
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