Diary of SREENI Rhttp://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/Diary of SREENI Ren-usInterview with B M SunnyINTERVIEW
In the heart of the cultural hub and under the gaze of Lord Vadakkumnathan, there stands the CMS HSS, an institution of historical significance.This school was started in 1883 by the Church Missionary Society, a pioneer in modern education. The British pioneered many educational institutions in India, and CMS HSS, Thrissur, is one of them.It stands apart as a full-fledged institution,out-growing the imperialistic stance of its original British patron,catering to the needs of a cosmopolitan society.

This school is managed by the North Kerala Diocese of CSI.Located in a sprawling compound of about an acre,the CMS HSS has been a catalyst in the intellectual, aesthetic and social activities of its students all along.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R, B M Sunny, Principal,CMS Higher Secondary School, Thrissur spoke at length on the problems and prospects of his job.

When did you take charge as the Principal of CMS Higher Secondary School?
I took charge on April 1, 2005.

What are the qualities that your institution focusses on?
As an institution, we mainly focus on result and over all development of students. This school was started in 1883 and has a history of 125 years. Considering all this, we keep it as Boys only Higher Secondary School and serve as catalysts for our students in their intellectual, aesthetic and social activities. We believe that all these activities transform them into better human beings fit to live anywhere in the world.

What is the mission and vision of CMS Higher Secondary School?
The CMS HSS, like the majestic ocean, embraces all the contradicting shades of pupils into its fold, and marks its stamp on their conscience, transforming them into better beings, thereby making society a better place to live in. The students develop a family cult of cosmopolitanism in the campus. The relationship between staff and students is excellent and effort is made towards giving individual attention to the weaker students. Quality teaching is ensured. The classrooms are airy. The students are not merely taught in the school but they are helped to discover themselves and the world at large. Teachers here are really re-scripting agents.

What are the changes you have seen over these years, on the education front?
I have seen a lot of positive changes during these years in the education front. It has become highly competitive and professional. Grading System has reduced stress on students and discourages `unhealthy competition among them. The system has helped to identify their inner talents and a safe mode of rating students' capabilities. It has reduced unnecessary competition among students for top marks and has put an end to the "hero or zero syndrome" prevalent in many schools. In a skills-based grading system, the teaching approach itself undergoes a drastic change and learning becomes a joyful experience and students gain more confidence this way.

What is the competency-commitment level of the teachers at CMS Higher Secondary School?
Fully qualified, experienced, dedicated teachers handle the classes, and student-oriented education is imparted foreseeing the needs of the future generation.

What are the other activities you are carrying out at CMS Higher Secondary School, apart from academics?
We conduct many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities pertaining to education. Some of them are:
Enrichment Programme
This programme brings to light and nurtures the hidden calibre of the pupils. This is meant to help the students to cope with the modern times and update them on academic and co-curricular activities.

Career Guidance Unit
Under the supervision of the Department of Higher Secondary Education, we help the students to select their career according to their tastes and talents. We have a trained student Career Guide and Counsellor who is trained by the DHSE for this purpose.

NSS Wing
We have one of the best NSS units in the state. The Department of Higher Secondary Education alongwith the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India, is funding the unit. In an academic year, the unit conducts one mini camp of 3 days and a 10-day major camp.

Students engaged themselves in community programmes in Cherpu Grama Panchayath (twice) that invovled road construction, cleaning Chalakudy Government Hospital and Kunnamkulam Government Hospital.As part of the clean city programme, our unit along with Southern Railways cleaned the Thrissur railway station twice.

Mass awareness programmes such as workshops, seminars, skits and street plays are organized by the unit.The unit was started in 2001.The unit is a pride of our school.

Tourism Club
Our tourism club gives many opportunities to the members to learn about the travel and tourism industry which has great scope in the global village of today. The unit is affiliated to the Department of Higher Secondary Education and Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. Mini camps, seminars, workshops, tours to places of tourism potential are some of the activities.

Parent Teacher Association
A well functioning PTA is present in our school to give the necessary guidelines.

Student Parliament
A Student Parliament is functioning in the school to inculcate the democratic values in the students and make them familiar with the current socio-political scenario.

What are the facilities you are providing at your School?
Labs
We have all the four labs -Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer labs which function under the supervision of able teachers. Well-equipped lab facilities enable our students to be more empiric.

Library
The great visionaries of CMS HSS have left us a vast collection of books from 1883 onwards. The students make use of the library to be more authentic and precise in their documents. Compact Discs produced by the Department of Higher Secondary Education are an added asset to our library.

We have made available all the major groups viz. Science, Humanities and Commerce for our students to choose from.

How do you cope up with the Information Age?
We have a well-equipped computer lab with internet facilities. In our school, computers are available in the ratio of 2 students: 1 computer. The internet facility gives added advantage to the students in their research purposes.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
The history of the school itself is a great achievement. After 125 years we have managed to keep up the same charm and enthusiasm among our students and staff.And we have not compromised on the results.

Our Results

YearScienceHumanities

Commerce

2007 98% 96%
96%
2006 97% 100% 100%
2005 98% 100% 99%
2004 100% 98% 99%
2003 98% 99% 98%
2002 96% 98% 100%

]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:12:49 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/10/06/Interview-with-B-M-Sunny-1.htmlInterview with Dr. P.B PushpalathaINTERVIEW
Dr. P.B Pushpalatha is presently working as Associate Professor, Dept of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. She handles several courses at the under graduate and postgraduate levels. Her major area of research is in plantation crops especially cashew, coconut and coffee. She has,so far,published more than 60 research papers and eight books in this field. A recipient of the young scientist award of the Government of Kerala,Dr. Pushpalatha has presented her findings at several national and international research fora. She is a life member of All India Food Scientists and Technologists Association and Indian Society of Horticultural Science.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R , Dr. P.B Pushpalatha, Associate Professor, Dept of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, talks about how fruit wastes can be utilized and converted into value added products.

When did you join the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara?
I joined the College Department in February 1996.

Fruit wastes are a major problem for the processing industries and pollution monitoring agencies. What are the suitable methods you have adopted to utilize them for conversion into value added products?
Some of the fruit wastes are a rich source of vital constituents like carbohydrates, fats, minerals, fibres etc. For example, mango seed kernel is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins and minerals. Technologies are available for extraction of different constituents which are economically important, from fruit wastes. Fruit wastes have been proved to be very good sources of high value products like pectin, colours, enzymes. Most of the pectin used in the country is extracted from citrus peel. Anthocyanin colour is being extracted from grape peel. The foremost requirement is identification and utilization of the most suitable raw material (fruit wastes) with respect to a particular product. Evolving and using the most viable technology is another important aspect. This approach will help to reduce the pollution due to wastes from fruit processing industries.

What is pectin?
Pectins are mixtures of polysaccharides that originate from plants and contain pectinic acids as a major component and these are water soluble. They are composed primarily of essential linear polymers of D galactopyranosyl uronic acid units joined in alpha-D (1, 4) glycosidic linkages. Pectin forms gels when the polymer chains interact over a portion of their length to form a three dimensional network. This property has raised pectins to a commercially important value added product.

How do you extract pectins from fruit wastes?
Pectins can be extracted from fruit wastes by boiling them in acidified aqueous medium. They can also be extracted with calcium chelating agents such as EDTA, ammonium oxalate or sodium hexa meta phosphate.The suitability of the extracting medium depends upon the raw material. Whatever may be the method employed, the recovery and quality of pectin from a plant material depends on a number of factors like the nature and concentration of acid employed in the extracting media, ratio of extracting media to plant material, number of extractions,and time of heating for pectin extraction.

The pectin obtained could be utilized for preparing jelly? How do you maintain the quality?
It is worth mentioning that the single largest use of pectin is in the manufacture of jelly. About 80-90 percent of 7-8 million kilogram of commercial pectin is used to make jelly and similar products. So the best way of evaluating commercial validity of pectins is by testing their suitability for preparation of jelly.The condition of media (mainly sugar-acid ratio), boiling time and temperature largely influence the quality of jelly. This is specific to different pectins, which differ in their characters viz., anhydrouronic acid content, methoxy content, degree of esterification and acetyl value. These characters largely influence the jelly grade of pectins, which in turn determine their commercial value. Jelly grade is the amount of sugar that will jellify one part of pectin under prescribed conditions to a standard firmness.Hence it is an unavoidable aspect that every pectin should be described properly through characterization.Only then the quality of jelly prepared using a particular pectin can be assured. Also media composition, condition of preparation (temperature and duration of boiling), etc. should be standardized.

What are the unique features regarding coffee in the Malabar region?
Monsooned Malabar coffee is processed during monsoon season, which is very peculiar in the part of the West coast of India. It is believed that a stable monsoon is the stimulus for obtaining superior quality in terms of physical and biochemical properties of coffee beans. The monsoon features like continuous clouds, rainfall and atmospheric water vapour content, moderate temperature together with gentle marine breeze may be the deciding factors of the quality of coffee. With this background M/S Aspin wall Co. Mangalore sponsored a research project for a period of three years to understand the monsoon features on the quality of beans .The project could unravel the scientific phenomenon that makes the Monsooned Malabar coffee distinct from others, when processed during the monsoon.

Your major area of research is in plantation crops, especially in cashew, coconut and coffee. What are your contributions in the processing of these crops?
I have worked in two cashew research stations viz., one at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathra and the other at CRS, Anakkayam.I have handled several research projects in breeding and crop improvement programmes in cashew. The work has resulted in high yielding varieties with improved nut and kernel size. Bigger kernels fetch premium prize in the international market.Value addition of cashew apple is another area of interest. I am handling a research project on Coconut product diversification, in which a number of value added coconut products have been standardized. I have given training in this aspect to the personnel of Agricultural Department, self help groups, Kudumbasree units etc. My contribution in coffee processing is the work done in Monsoon Malabar coffee .

What sort of changes have you seen during this year in the processing sector?
Quality and safety are gaining more importance than quantity. Quality parameters of the products are becoming more stringent, and consumer friendly products which are convenient to use, devoid of chemicals and containing natural additives ( colours, essence, preservatives, emulsifiers etc ) are gaining popularity. People are becoming more health conscious and nutritional security is becoming the slogan of the day.Processing, product development, packaging and labeling are being streamlined in this mode.

Kudumbasree is a major initiative in Kerala aiming at womens empowerment.What are the reasons for not introducing jelly as a small scale industry among the units?
Jelly is not as popular as jam. Jams are comparatively easy to prepare and the cost of production is also less. Also,jelly cannot be prepared with all fruits. It can be prepared only with selected fruits like guava, jackfruit and banana(palayankodan).But jam can be prepared with almost all fruits.Hence jam finds the first place while selecting products for popularization. However, training is now being given to Kudumbasree units for preparation of jelly.

Jelly is a product which is now becoming popular both for edible and cosmetic purposes. In future how are you planning to develop it on a large scale?
A project will be taken up to popularize the jelly through hands-on training programmes, media and exhibitions. Ties with enthusiastic entrepreneurs will be formed for production and marketing of fruit-based jelly.

]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:10:32 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/10/06/Interview-with-Dr-P-B-Pushpalatha-1.htmlInterview with George NedumparaINTERVIEW








George Nedumpara observes life closely and has translated his thoughts into a book titled "Jeevitha Veekshanam"(View of Life) which has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records. The book in Malayalam handwriting consists of 583 pages with 164 chapters, neatly written by hand with a ball pen and looks exactly like a printed book. An ordinary man with extra ordinary zeal whose handwriting has attained perfection in the fast- paced technology- driven times. He has taken up the task of looking after all the aspects ie writing, printing, binding and marketing all by himself,and has managed to sell 3000 copies so far.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R, George Nedumpara shares his views about his writing experience.

Your book Jeevitha Veekshanam(View of Life) has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records. Explain the hard work behind it?

My book Jeevitha Veekshanam(View of Life) has been recognised by the Limca Book of Records for the credit that it is a hand written book of 583 pages in Malayalam which I got published myself. The idea came to my mind when my business venture of a pen manufacturing unit collapsed. After I retired from my job with the Delhi Police, it took 10 years to write the 583 -page book with 164 chapters. A collection of essays on human nature, the book reflects my observation, my experience and my vision on life and interpersonal relations. It also encompasses a wide variety of themes from subjects that include philosophy, health, education and personality development.

Where did you draw your theme from?

Most of the ideas came while i was traveling. I used to take tourists on trips and while driving,i got ideas. I noted down the stray thoughts on the shade pad. I would make the steering wheel of my Maruti van my table and start writing. Also each tour became a new experience and inspiration for adding new themes.



What was the reason for writing the book by hand?

In the fast- paced, technology- driven life, people have lost the value of good handwriting and our young generation is completely ignoring the importance of writing. In Gandhijis autobiography "My Experiments with Truth" he tell us the importance of good writing and it gave me great inspiration. Another reason is that, to reduce the cost,I planned to look after all the aspects ie writing, Illustration, printing, binding and marketing.

How have you made your book interesting to the readers?

My book is a collection of my thoughts and experience. It includes various aspects on religion, mental health, how to live a better life, how to avoid suicide, importance of good handwriting,etc. To make it more interesting and to ensure more careful reading, i have added something unique in this 583- pages book - some 20-odd words which are written up-side down ;the reader who can find it would be rewarded.

The most difficult aspect is marketing nowadays .What are the methods you use?

I work on an individual basis. The book is priced at Rs. 325 and is a labour of love. I am doing sales and promotion myself going from house to house and have managed to sell 3000 copies till date.

What is your future plan?

However, my present limitations are that the book is in Malayalam. I am planning to translate the book in English and Hindi using my hand printing press. I am also working on a second volume which contains articles on family relations and social problems.

]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:05:06 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/10/06/Interview-with-K-M-Roy.htmlUnreal showsUnreal shows


The reality behind the reality shows is that there is no reality in
it. The are unscripted shows and feature ordinary people instead of
professional actors. The first reality show of Indian television, Meri Awaz Suno,
was a standard programme and everybody loved it. Reality shows on
Malayalam television channels, however, are crossing all limits. While
those with real talents are ousted, SMS messages boost the rating of
the worst among them. This type of reality shows only destroy the
talents of our younger generations.


They become a revenue-generating business for the channels. In some
reality shows, the judges and participants look as if they had come for
some fashion show. Many anchors speak in the worst form of Malayalam
ever heard. As for the contestants, some are very good and talented
youngsters who can give the current playback singers a run for their
money. But they lose out mid-way through the shows. And sometimes they
decide it is the end of the road for them. It is better to stop such
artificial programmes which kill talents.



Sreeni K.R



Meloor, Chalakudy
2008/07/12- The Hindu





]]>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:28:21 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/18/Unreal-shows.htmlRev.Fr.Vincent Chirackamanavalan







Name : Rev.Fr.Vincent Chirackamanavalan
Designation:Principal
Depaul School,Choondal,
Thrissur.





Rev.Fr.Vincent Chirackamanavalan
joined as Principal,De Paul English Medium Higher secondary
School,Choondal in May,2004. De Paul School was founded in 1981 and it
imparts education to both boys and girls. An unaided and recognized
educational Institution, the school is run by the Marymatha Province of
Vincentian Congregation, reputed for its pastoral, social and
educational services. Having a strength of nearly 1500 students and 70
teaching and non teaching staff, it is one of the well known schools in
Thrissur.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R,
Rev.Fr.Vincent Chirackamanavalan,Principal De Paul English Medium
Higher secondary School, Choondal, spoke at length about the activities
and prospects of the school.

When did you take charge as the Principal of De Paul English Medium Higher Secondary School, Choondal, Thrissur?
I took charge of the institution as the Principal in May, 2004.

As an institution, what are the facilities you are providing to the students?
The
serene and silent campus is conducive to teaching and learning.
Besides, the well planned building, the well equipped science and
computer science laboratory enable to enhance the scientific and IT
interests of the students.
Pupils who have trouble with regard to
studies or behaviour are identified and given suitable guidance through
Guidance & Counselling. Besides we also have the following:
Extensive playgrounds for Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Badminton etc.
Spacious auditorium.
Vehicle facilities for students coming from far.
Library and reading room with lots of books and periodicals.
Highly qualified and experienced teachers of the teaching faculty.

What is your motto?
The
motto of the school is "For God and Country". It aims at giving quality
education to all the prospective students of the society at large.

What is the mission and vision of the School ?
The ultimate goal of the school is the all round development of the student's personality.
The school offers efficient coaching according to the syllabus prescribed by the Board of Education, Govt. of Kerala.

What are the changes you have seen over the years on the education front?
The
major change I have noticed is that education has become more child
centred, experience centred and experiment oriented, with an evaluative
view on everything.

Give a brief description about your school.
De
Paul English Medium Higher secondary School, Choondal, founded in
1981,imparts education to both boys and girls. An unaided and
recognized educational Institution, the school is run by the Marymatha
Province of Vincentian Congregation, reputed for its pastoral, social
and educational services. They have been serving the poor of the
society with dedication, walking in the footsteps of their patron, St.
Vincent De Paul. Now there are 1550 students and 70 staff in the
school. The whole staff of this school co-operate with the principal
and the management for the successful running of the school.

What
are the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities you are
conducting at your school? How successfully do you implement it in your
school?
We give special coaching in music,dance,karate and
yoga. Kumari. Meera Sreenarayanan,a 10th class student of this school
secured 'A' grade in Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam in the
State Kalolsavam in January 2008.



]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:54:15 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/12/Rev-Fr-Vincent-Chirackamanavalan-1.htmlP. P. Babu-President of Meloor panchayat,Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala.INTERVIEW





Meloor
Village is located on the south bank of Chalakudy Puzha and east of NH
47, just 6 Kms away from Chalakudy. There are 16 wards in the Meloor
Grama Panchayat with an area of 2306 hectares, which is famous for its
natural beauty and plantations.







As
President of Meloor panchayat in Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala, P. P.
Babu has imagined, pursued, and achieved much that any leader could be
proud of. Yet there are many problems in the development field to be
solved to achieve gram swaraj. The Asraya Destitute Rehabilitation
Centre,,indigenous industries, small self financing units with the help
of Kudambasree - these and other ideals of local government have been
planned and implemented for the development of Meloor Village . In this
tiny hamlet situated in the interior of Kerala, aspirations turn into
reality. The panchayat President was selected for Nirmal Gram Puraskar
award 2007-08 for implementation of sanitation schemes in villages. He
received the award from the President of India. He was also selected as
the best Panchayat President in Thrissur District by Kerala youth Guidance movement .

In
an interview to Sreeni K.R , P.P Babu, Panchayat President talks about
the responsibilities taken up to protect the Meloor village
environment, and his vision to guide the village to attain the status
of gram swaraj.

When did you take charge as the President of Meloor Village, Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala?
I took charge on October 6, 2005 as the President of Meloor Village, Chalakudy, Thrissur, Kerala.

As
a panchayat chief, most of your responsibilities are centred around
protecting your village environment. Does that mean you got ample
opportunity to try out Gandhis ideas on gram swaraj?
Meloor
Grama Panchayat consists of 16 wards which covers an area of 2306
hectares with an population of 24854. Agriculture is the back bone of
Meloor village and as a part of decentralisation of activities, much
has been gained in the production and service sectors in the panchayat
which holds the first place with respect to area and population. Maybe
you can look at this as an economic ideal or as Gandhian
thinking.However we lack the facility to market our products. Most of
the things we sell are "unfinished products", such as harvested crops,
unpasteurized milk, banana and coconut oil. We send these items off to
other places, to be processed, packaged, and transported back to us.

First
of all, planning needs to be done to improvise on our village
development. We have to bring small agro based industries to our
village so that middle men can be avoided and this also helps to find
employment through new economic activity. Yet there are many problems
in the development field which need to be solved to attain gram swaraj.

Meloor
is the largest producer of Banana in Kerala. Are you thinking of some
source of capital for a few startup ventures to make them fairly
independent so that you are able to generate more job opportunities in
your village?
Once Meloor was the largest producer of
Banana in Kerala. But,for the last few years, production has
drastically reduced. To bring Meloor back to the map, we started
compulsory agriculture on uncultivated land. We are providing free
seeds, fertilizer ,water and all necessary infrastructure to the farmer
groups . In this way we are able to make a drastic change in the
production unit. With the help of Kudambasree units, we planned and
started cultivating 50 acres [25 acres of rice and 25 acres of
vegetable] of land using organic fertilizers in the first phase. In the
second phase, we planned to start some agro based small scale
industries which have helped to solve unemployment problems, to some
extent.

Many of the projects undertaken by you are
successful. But the underlying purpose of these efforts is to transform
society, is it not? What is your verdict on that larger goal?
183
Kudambasree units are functioning in our village. We have completed
many successful schemes with their help and we are looking forward to
doing more in future. We want to convert each of these Kudambasree
units into a small scale industry in order to solve the unemployment
problem. For this we arrange regular training programmes and classes
conducted by experts.

Kudumbasree represents
economic,social and women empowerment.It believes that poverty is a
multi-phased phenomenon.At what phase are you implementing its services
at your village?
Economic,social and women empowerment is
the motto of Kudumbasree. I want to look at Kudumbasree in a wider
perspective.I would like to convert each unit as an economic,social
empowerment centre where women are aware about their rights and find
justice in their needs. The changes Kudumbasree has brought in the last
few years have been remarkable. All members got equal opportunity to
learn the banking process and are equally responsible in all projects.
They learned in group the management system, financial transaction and
the responsibilities towards society.

How many
Kudumbasree Ward Samithies or Area Development Societies(ADS),and
Kudumbasree Panchayat Samithies or Community Development Societies(CDS)
are working at the panchayat level in Meloor?
In Meloor, 183 Kudumbashree units, 16 ADS and 1 CDS are working at the panchayat level .

How does the Balasabha sangamam function at your village?
Balasabha
sangamam is functioning very well at our village. Last year we
conducted a talent examination test for students and Kerala Ulsavam at
various parts of the panchayat to find out talented sports
personalities .As a part of Balasabha sangamam we are utilising a fund
for Anganwadi maintenance by providing gas and electrical connection.

Kudumbasree
program is an integral part of every village in Kerala. What
changes have you seen through this program in your village?
No
doubt, Kudumbasree program is an integral part of every village in
Kerala. As women form the back bone of a family as well as society,they
are more aware of their rights. They are better organised and do things
in the right way. These structures give added importance to women
empowerment, both social and economic. The paradigm shift in the
approach is that any woman who is residing in the Grama Panchayat can
become a member of Kudumbasree .This helps to remove the caste barriers
from our society to greater extent.

What are the goals you have set for your village and which are the upcoming projects?

Goals
Sampoorna Village: All the basic facilities for those who reside in our village, such as land,water,hospitals,schools and electricity.
Street Lighting using Compact fluorescent Lamp [CFL] in our village.
Swajjal Dhara Plan completed at Pushpagiri, Poolani, Koovakkattukunnu which helped to remove water deficiency in these areas.
We welcome more agro based industries into our village.
New projects
Organic farm project[We
have started experimenting on 50[25 acres of rice and 25 acres of
vegetable] acres of land using organic farming methods;Expecting result
on or before Onam].After looking at the success rate, we will implement
and extend the same to the whole village.

Cancer Detection Centre
Prevention Cell to reduce the suicide ratio.
Old Age Pension Scheme.
Kombanpara Project approved.
Fisheries Project with the help of College of Fisheries,Panangad.



]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:49:40 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/12/P-P-Babu-President-of-Meloor-panc.htmlMeera Sreenarayanan







Name : Meera Sreenarayanan
Designation:Student, Depaul HSS
Meera Sreenarayanan
10th standard student.














Meera
Sreenarayanan, a young talented all rounder hails from Guruvayur, the
most popular pilgrim centre in South India, located in Thrissur
district, Kerala. She is a 10th standard student of De Paul EMHSS,
Choondal, Guruvayur and daughter of Capt. A. O Sreenarayanan and Bindu
Sreenarayanan. Her performance at such a tender age is an indication
that Meera is cut out for a prodigious future.
She
started learning dance from a very young age under the guidance of Guru
Prakash Choondal. Now she is learning dance under Guru R.L.V Anand.
Her sincere hard work and dedication convinced her Guru that she should
start giving solo Bharatanatyam performances. She has done her first
stage show [Arangettam] at the age of 7. She started participating in
competitions from a very young age, right from Nursery classes. In the
youth festival she bagged many prizes for Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam,
Kuchipudi, Folkdance and Mono act. She has many stage performances to
her credit. She has all the potentials of a prodigy — excellent memory,
reasoning and rhythm that a classical dancer needs.
She
also performed at 'Kalamandalam' and with cine star Kavya Madhavan. She
appears in the media as an anchor in the kids show, 'Kilikkonchal' and
also in commercial advertisements. She is learning music under the
guidance of Guru Arun Gopinath and monoact under the guidance of Mr.
Biju, Angamaly. She is always ready to perform despite all her
commitments and thanks to all the encouragement from her guru, parents
and teachers who encouraged her to go for the classical and traditional
art.

She has won the most promising kho-kho player trophy award
from Guruvayur Devaswam English Medium School, thus proving her talents
in the field of sports too. She is a member of 'Thalam Cultural Trust'.




Awards:

































Sno


Year
Institution/Level
Prize


Class

1
2007-2008




Govindadas nyasa national level competition,Bangalore



Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi


Dance overall rolling shield (junior)

2
2005-2006

Kunnamkulam
SubDistrictSchool Kalosavam




Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Folk, MonoAct

Individual topper in VII

3
2004-2005
Sahodaya District Level

Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Folk


Individual topper
VI






Bharatanatyam






























































Sno


Year
Institution/Level
Prize



Class

1
2007-2008
48TH ALLKERALASTATESCHOOL ARTS FESTIVAL, KANNUR
A -Grade
IX


2
2007-2008
Thrissur Revenue District School Kalolsavam
1st
IX

3
2007-2008
Kunnamkulam Sub District School Kalolsavam
1st
IX

4
2007-2008
CHAVAKKAD TALUK UNION SPORTS AND ARTS FESTIVAL
1st
IX

5
2006-2007
47TH ALLKERALASTATESCHOOL ARTS FESTIVAL, KANNUR
A-grade
VIII

6
2006-2007

Thrissur Revenue District School Kalolsavam
1st
VIII

7
2006-2007

Kunnamkulam Sub District School Kalolsavam
1st
VIII





Mohiniyattam









































Sno


Year
Institution/Level
Prize



Class

1
2007-2008


48th All Keralastate School Arts Festival, KOLLAM

1ST-A -GRADE



IX

2
2007-2008



Thrissur Revenue District Kerala School Kalotsavam

1ST-A -GRADE



IX

3

2007-2008



Kunnamkulam Sub District School Kalolsavam

1ST-A -GRADE



IX

4

2007-2008



CHAVAKKAD TALUK UNION SPORTS AND ARTS FESTIVAL

1ST



IX


Kuchipudi








































Sno



Year
Institution/Level
Prize



Class

1
2007-2008
48th All Keralastate School Arts Festival, KOLLAM

A-Grade



IX

2

2007-2008



KalotsavamThrissur Revenue District Kerala School
1st -A-Grade


IX

3

2007-2008



Kunnamkulam Sub District School Kalolsavam

1st -A-Grade
IX

4

2006-2007



KalotsavamThrissur Revenue District Kerala School
3rd(A-grade)
VIII




]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:44:55 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/12/Meera-Sreenarayanan.htmlKavitha Balakrishnan-Writer, Poet, Artist, Art curator and Researcher .INTERVIEW








Kavitha Balakrishnan
is a rare combination of writer, poet, artist, art curator and
researcher who did her post-graduation in Art History from the MS
University, Baroda and commenced her career as Lecturer of Art History
at Govt.College of Fine Arts, Thrissur. She is a recipient of the
Soviet Land Nehru Award for painting at the age of 13 and the
Lalithakala Akademi Award for her book Keralathile Chithrakalayude
Varthamanam in 2007.


Her themes are universal, yet at heart
she is basically a Keralite and then Indian. She strongly believes that
Art constitutes the ethos of individual freedom where words and colours
speak volumes and cannot be isolated. She has done research on several
aspects of Art.







In
an interview to Sreeni K.R , Kavitha Balakrishnan, talks about the
changes in the society and her perspectives on the present changes in
culture , their impact and how it affects the younger generation.

As
an artist you are working on contemporary issues, focussing on the
social history and practices within the locale of Kerala. What are the
issues your are dealing with?
As an artist I always look
for a universal theme but as a citizen and an inheritor of social
ethos, I am basically a Keralite and then finally an Indian. One can
definitely unite all these multi-layered realities into a practising
artistic language. I am engaged in that activity where there are
disparities in the process. On one hand,one can not survive in Art if
one is simply political in the localistic sense that we practise in
Kerala. Art proposes a" potential politics (if one can call it that) of
the individual." On the other hand, Contemporary Art might seem to
exist elsewhere as an investment practice. I want to engage in
Contemporary Art and make it a "near to life" reality.

Which are the major issues you find these days in Kerala?
The
crass mediocrity and lingering pangs of feudalism. Also a refusal to
accept the radical changes brought in by social reformation and
revolutionary movements one century back. We feel and speak mostly in
symbols (now created by the consumerist media world, earlier by
semi-feudal and confused political leaders) but not through our own
lived realities.

At the age of 13, you received the Soviet Land Nehru Award for Painting. What was your experience then?
I
painted in the biggest available paper at that time around me. I found
that my picture book, created from newspaper cuttings which I had
started making from the age of 6, came to be in use for my painting. I
painted in water colour, much away from the academic sort of training I
was receiving in those days from a private tuition teacher. I found
myself evolving as an orator doing plenty of thanks-giving speeches at
various receptions I got in relation to the award. In an International
Camp held at Ukraine,I found that language is no barrier when
communicating with children from across the globe. I was painting on a
large glass wall in that camp and I started painting the trunk of a
coconut tree. Before doing the branches,I wanted to change the water
used to wash the brushes. I had explained to them what I had intended
to paint. By the time I came back with fresh water, it was already a
tree with so many branches! My little friends around me had helped me
by finishing the painting task I had endeavoured ! Then I understood
that verbal idea differs much from visual idea in reality.

What changes do you find these days in Russia?
Currently
I am not in touch with any of those friends. I got a lot of letters
during the period from 1990 to 1995.Russia was in an age of transition
then.By 1995, I received the last letters fom Medemenova Jamila from
Uzbekisthan and Vajim from Azarbaijan.

You have published a collection of poems.What is it about?
A
poem is a state of mind that speaks out words with flesh, blood and
beats.I have published 2 collections. Angavaalulla Pakshi (Rainbow Book
Publishers Chengannur, 2004) and Njan Hajarundu (DC Books Kottayam,
2007).

Your travelogue Artek Anubhavangal got serialized in Deshabhimani weekly in 1993.Is it a cultural or a travel experience?
It is a cultural experience that is shared by children,highlighting the atmosphere and activities at Young Pioneers Camp.

You are a multi-faceted person.How do you manage to carry out all your activities?
The
secret is sheer dedication to whatever one is doing. If you have to
clean a room, clean it with vigour. When you look at a picture, look at
it with attention. While bathing your little son, do it with all
pleasure. When painting, go all out at it !

You have always worked on some cultural transformation.What type of changes have you seen during the globalisation days?
I
am yet to do powerful works.The last 10 years saw people becoming much
more desirous in life,becoming unplanned and dreamy in finances. People
are oriented around pleasures through consumer gadgets. I look at this
new equation of pleasure-machine-love neutrally. I dont add value
loaded complaints of morality on this issue. But irritating facts are
altogether another matter. Globalisation is supposed to bring a liberal
attitude, but I see extreme forms of fundamentalism in India.While
Corporates are booming,it is also true that Poverty is booming. Middle
class Malayalis are rejoicing in ample money for their landed property
and their new kind of accessibility to a curious plentyness of
food,clothing, jewellery, cars etc. Media doesnt want the truth at
all,all they want are stories.

Cultural boundaries seem to be vanishing.What type of culture are the people in Kerala adopting? What is your comment?
Cultural
essentialism is not working today. People are seemingly happy and proud
about their accessibility to hitherto unavailable consumer products.
Thinking is not a favoured or valued activity at all. Culture exists in
thinking minds. Culture is an assumed and shared value system forming
through experience,but the pragmatic society now doesnt have time to
think or feel shared, though thoughtlessly we engage in public
discussions as if it is a great democracy going around. Kerala alone
has no takes in this world. One can find oneself anywhere on a fine
morning in search of a better paid job. As far as one is unimaginably
high-paid, it is as if one doesnt need memory! Nothing to complain.
Malayalis are always an evolving community with the ruling class around
the world. Rule of money and virtual intelligence is easily grasped by
us and thats a way of life too.But memory is the best human
equipment,whenever we lose interest in this gluttonous money-worlds
pleasures, memory will help us. The preserved and much pondered over
history of humanity will help us. Culture as symbolic assumptions can
suffer a let go but Culture as a huge inheritance of human experience
stored in art, music,literature and politics, is of great use in this
world to realise oneself and shape the future.

How will the new culture affect our young generation?
Young
is always energetic. Today,the young is more true to their physicality
and experiences. We are also harbingers of creative inheritances... but
I wonder why religion is taken for granted by part of these people,why
communal elderly parties get slavish youngsters to carry weapons for
them to kill people around without seeking truth in their act... there
is something wrong with the young spirit in them!

Which are your major works and publications?
The following are my major works:
Collection of poems
1.Angavaalulla Pakshi, Rainbow Book Publishers, Chengannur.2004.
2. Njan Hajarundu , DC Books Kottayam, 2007.
Art writing
1.Keralathile Chitrakalayude Varthamanam, Rainbow Book Publishers, Chengannur 2007.
2.Adhinka Keralathile Chitrakala, Bhasha Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, 2007.
Memoirs
1.ARTEK anubhavangal, Vishwadarshan Publishers, 2003.
Exhibitions of Paintings:
Group shows
1.Soviet Information Hall, New Delhi, 1989.
2.Govt. Museum Art Gallery, Chandigarh 1995.
3.Women Artists in kerala, curated show of women painters, Contemporary Art Gallery, Kochi.
4.'South by Southwest', Travencore House, New Delhi, 2007.
5.'Ophelia' a show of water colour works, Gallery OED, Kochi, 2007.
6.'Hide and Seek' Gallery OED, Kochi, 2008.
Solo shows
1.Contemporary Art gallery, show sponsored by Kerala Lalith kala Academy.1997.








]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:43:28 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/12/Kavitha-Balakrishnan-Writer-Poet.htmlProf (Dr).D.D Namboodiri,Dean College of Fisheries, Kerala Agricultural University, Panangad, Ernakulam.INTERVIEW





Kerala
is the leading fish producing State in India. However, 97 per cent of
the State's production is from the marine sector. Inland fish
production accounts for only 3 per cent. Only 0.3 per cent comes from
the reservoirs . Despite the existence of many small reservoirs in the
State,not many serious attempts had been made, till recently, to
develop them on scientific lines for fish yield optimisation. However,
the State has now recognised the importance of inland fisheries and
freshwater aquaculture. With an aim to do more research, the College of
Fisheries, Panangad was established in the year 1979.







Prof (Dr.)D.D.Namboodiri who
did MSc. (Food Tech.) from UNFAO International Food Technology Training
Centre, Mysore, and Ph.D. from Cochin University of Science &
Technology, Kochi, commenced his career as Senior Scientific
Asst.,CFTRI, Mysore and later joined as Lecturer (Processing
Technology), Department of Industrial Fisheries, CUSAT, Kochi in 1980.
He became Professor in 1989 and at present is the Dean, College of
Fisheries, Kerala Agricultural University, Panangad, Kochi . He is one
of the resource personnel in the field of Fisheries . He has written
various books such as "Analytical Manual of Fish and Fishery Products",
Kerala Agricultural University and , "Technology of Fishery Products",
Fishing Chimes , Visakhapatnam. He has also presented various papers in
symposia/seminars such as Seminar on "Quality Control in Fish
Processing" held in Tokyo, Japan in April 1999,Conference on
"Priorities of Research and HRD in Fisheries Biotechnology' held at
Hyderabad on 25 August 2003, organised by the National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences etc.He presented a paper on "Priorities in
Fisheries Biotechnology" at the national launch of the "Fish for All
Initiative"organized by World Fish Centre,Malaysia, and MS Swaminathan
Foundation of India at Kolkata.Besides he has participated in the
International Workshop on Protected Agriculture held at Yangling, China
where he was the only Indian delegate who presented a paper. He
received special recognition from the Executive Committee, Kerala
Agricultural University for instituting the Best Student Award in Fish
Processing in the Kerala Agricultural University. He was also Course
Director for various programmes such as "Paste Products Technology",
"Additives in sea food processing","Fish Processing" and "Ornamental
Fish Culture" . He is actively involved in teaching, research and
extension in the field of Fisheries since the last three decades.

In an interview to Sreeni K.R ,Prof.Namboodiri talks about the prospects and growth in the Fisheries sector.

When did you take charge as the Dean of College of Fisheries, Panangad?
I took charge of the post in Feb 2002.

College of Fisheries, Panangad is the third Fisheries College in the country. When was it established and what is its aim?
The
College of Fisheries, Panangad was established in the year 1979. This
is a constituent college of Kerala Agricultural University and one
among the 14 Fisheries colleges established in the country. The aim of
the college is to develop adequate trained manpower for manning the
fisheries sector in the State, which include both the Government sector
and the private sector. Another objective is to generate adequate
number of B.F.Sc. graduates and also post-graduates who can be utilized
for the overall development of the Fisheries sector. Providing
professional education to children from the fisheries community is also
the aim of the college. With this objective, reservation has been given
to children of fishermen community in the admission of the college.

As an academician,what are the methods you have adopted for the smooth and proper conduct of academic and related activities?
As
an academician I have taken every possible step for the smooth and
proper conduct of academic activities of the college. As far as the
students academics are concerned, I have taken the role of a
felicitator providing a conducive environment for the smooth
functioning of academic activities. Based on the performance of the
students in the ICAR/JRF exams, the college has been nominated as the
most outstanding among the 14 Fisheries colleges in the country by ICAR
several times.

What are the major problems faced by the Fisheries Department?
Kerala
State is blessed with a 590 km long coastline which contributes to 10%
of India's total coastline.On an average 5.8 lakh tonnes of marine fish
is produced annually by the state, which accounts for about 20% of the
national fish production. Inland fish production is 75000 metric tonnes
from 32000 hectares of freshwater bodies. However we face several
problems:
1.Coastal sea is subjected to maximum fishing pressure
continuously by mechanized, motorized crafts and diversified gears. Per
capita income of fishermen has reduced substantially.
2.Fish/shrimp production from freshwater ponds and paddy fields has not increased substantially.
3.Only about 25% of installed capacity of fish processing plants in Kerala is being used now.
4.Facilities to ensure quality in the domestic fish marketing sector are insufficient.
5.Service of technically trained manpower is not adequately utilized by the Department.

Do you think the Fisheries sector can play a major role in the economic recovery of the State?
Yes,it
can.The contribution of the Fisheries sector to the GDP of the state is
greater than that of the agricultural sector.It can greatly contribute
to the food security of the state by increasing fish production from
aquaculture and also from capture fisheries. Inland fish production has
to be increased from the present level of 75000 mt. to 250,000 mt. in
the next 10 years. It can be done by bringing an additional area of
10,000 ha. of brackish water bodies under aquaculture. Scampi
productivity has to be increased from the present level of 270 kg/ha/yr
to the national average of 860 kg/ha/yr. Income of the fishermen
community can be increased by adopting better post harvest measures to
reduce fish loss and also increase the returns of the fishermen by
value addition of raw materials as well as processed products.

What are major problems faced by fishermen in the outer islands and remote areas?
Lack
of adequate returns from fishing operation is the major problem faced
by fishermen. This is mainly due to the lack of proper technology and
also lack of required marketing facilities.

On the
research front, the scientists of the faculty have made notable
contributions. In spite of all this where do you think you have failed
to address the problems of the fishermen community?
The
scientists of the Faculty of Fisheries of Kerala Agricultural
University have made abundant contributions in various research fronts.
In aquaculture, hatchery technology of the fresh water prawns
Macrobrachium rosenbergii has been developed by the scientists of this
faculty. Similarly technique for ornamental fish farming has been
standardized. The college has developed captive breeding technology of
about 10 species of indigenous ornamental fishes. A depuration system
was developed for making the bi-valve meat free of sand and
microorganisms. Also bioactive compounds have been separated from the
marine organisms, cuttle fish and squid wastes. A major problem facing
this area is the lack of proper transfer of technology to the fishermen
community. As a result,the real benefits of research have not reached
the sector.

A commercially viable technology is used for
hatchery production of seeds of the giant fresh water prawn. What is
the technology known as and what is its value in the commercial market?
A
commercially viable technology has been developed by the College of
Fisheries for the hatchery production of seeds of the giant freshwater
prawn. This technology has been extensively adopted by various
hatcheries throughout India, especially Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The college was also consultant for setting up of freshwater prawn
hatcheries for the Fisheries Department of the state, Gujarat and
Karnataka. Based on the technology, 71 Macrobrachium hatcheries with a
total production capacity of 1.8 billion seeds started operating in the
country (as per the recent estimate). Using the seed produced in these
hatcheries, more than 40000 hectares of farm area are under
Macrobrachium culture in India with a production of approximately 40000
tonnes. Nearly 6000 tonnes of Scampi is exported and the rest is
domestically consumed.

Vembanad lake,which forms the
major inland water body of the State of Kerala is known to be the best
place for the growth of fish population. What are the related problems
of the lake and what steps did the Government & Fisheries
Department take to protect the Lake?
The Vembanad wetlands
spread out in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts covering a
total area of 132 km., is the largest among the backwaters of Kerala
state. It extends to a length of 90 km from Alappuzha in the south to
just north of Kochi . Vembanad Lake supports a significant growth of
fish population in the state.However this has been badly affected by
the Thanneermukkom barrage, which was commissioned in the year 1975 as
a project to enhance the rice cultivation in the Kuttanad region. After
commissioning of the Thanneermukkom barrage, several environmental and
ecological problems have been noticed in the wetland system leading to
the reduction of fish catch concentration of pollutants and increase in
weed growth upstream. Another problem is the shrinkage of Vembanad
wetlands to 37% (13224 ha.) of its original area (36329 ha.) as a
result of land reclamation. Urbanization and unscientific construction
of roads and bridges have also caused deterioration of the aquatic
ecosystem. The State Government has initiated steps to regulate the
opening of the Thanneermukkam barrage so as to improve the fish wealth
based on the report of the technical Expert Committee appointed in the
year 2002. The Government is also taking measures to reduce land
reclamation causing shrinkage of the Vembanad wetland system. Recently
a programme called "Vembanad Fish Count" was carried out to assess the
fish wealth of this region. Kerala Agricultural University, College of
Fisheries and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom have
taken a leading role in this operation.

How do you plan to move this sector forward in future?
By
solving the various problems afflicting the fisheries sector only, one
can think of moving this sector forward in future. The existing water
bodies in the state have to be protected. Emphasis has to be given in
the implementation of sustainable and modern aquaculture system for
increasing production of food fishes. Development of ornamental fish
farming also will improve the income of the fishermen community. Value
addition of fresh fish sold in the domestic market has to be taken up
for improving income of the fishermen community. The College of
Fisheries of the KAU will play a leading role by intervening in all
these sectors and providing the required research support. Similarly
steps have to be taken to reduce post harvest loss of harvested fish
and fishery products. Developing adequate trained manpower is also
essential for the development of the Fisheries sector. Generation of
the required technically trained manpower will be undertaken by the
College of Fisheries for the development of this sector.



]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:42:18 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/08/12/Prof-Dr-D-D-Namboodiri-Dean-College-of.htmlInterview with Principal Saju Mathew V.,Principal, Carmel SchoolCarmel
Higher Secondary School was established in 1975 under the aegis of CMI
Congregation,Chalakudy,Thrissur district, and it offers education from
Montessori to Class XII. From its inception, the school has always
achieved 100 percent pass and several merit certificates in the
S.S.L.C and HSE Examination of the Kerala Govt. This is a glowing
tribute to the management and its teaching methodology. "Learning by
Doing" is the method of teaching the school upholds and this has
created a tension-free, healthy atmosphere inside the school. The
school provides opportunities for children to realize their full
potential through various activities in the form of Science Club ,
Maths Club , Social Science Club , Nature Club , Philately Club ,
Literary Club, Arts Club, School Magazine etc.
In
an interview to Sreeni K.R, Dr. (Fr.) Saju Mathew V.,Principal, Carmel
School, spoke at length on the problems and prospects of his job. He is
the primary advisor to the school staff on all matters pertaining to
the school, faculty and school policies, operations and business
processes, and plays a central role in contributing to the strategic
and operational objectives of the school, faculty and students.

When did you take charge as the principal of Carmel School, Chalakudy?
I took charge as the principal of Carmel School, Chalakudy in May 2005.

What is the mission and vision of the school?
Mission :
We
help the children to receive sound education, form cultural identity
and become self-reliant. We facilitate the over-all development of the
child.

Motto:
"Ut Abundantius Habeant" which means Life in Abundance.

Vision :
To achieve an all-round development of the child.
To boost up spiritual and ethical rejuvenation.
To uphold human values and our composite culture.
To inculcate a sense of social responsibility and religious tolerance.
To enhance competence and confidence in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
To provide insights into self reliance and integrity.

What are the different ways of teaching you have adopted at Carmel HS School?
Child-Centred Teaching:
We
always prefer an interacting mind. We consider the student as a
researcher and so, we adopt a research method to develop a scientific
temper among the students.

Here we follow :-
Student-Centered Teaching .

Computer-Aided
Learning: We give more stress on visual media. Above all we stand for
the integral development of every child. For this we provide an
informal,pleasant and free atmosphere that fosters cordial
teacher-student interactions,remedial teaching etc. The learning
process inculcates the development of spirituality and adherence to the
civic sense of a citizen.

There is a saying,"The adult is a
pro-creator, but the child is a creator." How correctly do you
implement this statement in your school?
"The adult is a
pro-creator, but the child is a creator."As far as the saying goes,it
is very relevant to our school,as we look at the child from this point
of view and see him in a new light.

The Kindergarten Study
Program in Carmel School is divided into two phases. The first is
PlaySchool designed to introduce the student to education within a
formal structure, with a view to laying the foundation for the student
whose faculties, talents and special skills will be explored in such a
way as to instill the idea that learning is not only a happy experience
but a necessary one.

Since children at this stage develop
concepts through direct interactions with the environment, an activity
and play based method is being used. A thematic approach where various
activities are developed around themes relevant to the immediate
environment of the child are also being used to develop concepts. We
therefore, implement a plan for a sure, systematic acquisition of
knowledge through linguistic techniques using a psychological approach
to suit the child's understanding , temperament and skills.Through the
fantasy of poem and story, the principles and guidelines to good
handwriting, the structural approach to mathematics, experience in
environmental studies , free learning becomes spontaneous and without
strain and monotony.

The second phase is Kinder Garten. Here the
student receives a sound preparation for entering primary school. Our
training gives a head start and the advantage of being able to acquire
not only the written word, but to converse fluently and with flair so
that he/she can tackle with confidence in the syllabus of any system.

We
at Carmel believe in the overall development of the child. The KG years
are the most formative years in the education of a child not just from
the point of view of academics but in the building up of the whole
personality. Therefore, co-curricular activities are a vital part of
our program.

Though the school has carefully planned the
education program, it cannot replace the role of the parent in the
child's overall education and development. Experts in child development
emphasize the importance of the time the parents spend with their
children conversing, reading, working and playing together. Language
plays a central role in the child's development. Reading regularly to
the childdevelops his/her vocabulary and creativity. It lays the
foundation for a reading habit, life-long learning and enrichment. The
sole idea is to foster in the child love for the school and desire for
learning.

It is said 'Child is the father of Man'. The school is
the boat in which the child travels. To reach its destination, the boat
should be good and the boatman (the teacher) should guide him properly.
Only then will he become the creator of tomorrow's history, where lies
Man's destiny. In this aspect,Carmel,we believe, is a fine boat with
enough talented boatmen to mould the creators of tomorrow.

Apart from education, what other activities do the children engage in?
Co-curricular Activities

Literary and Club Activities
The
following clubs are actively functioning in the school: Science Club
,Maths Club , Social Science Club , Nature Club , Philately Club,
Literary Club, Arts Club and School Magazine.

Courses on Visual
Media: We have four audio visual rooms for computer-aided learning. We
also provide training in digital animation, multimedia, digital
photography etc. with experts in the field.The students are encouraged
to develop their own scripts and writings for documentaries with help
from their teachers.

Study tours and Seminars
Study tours and
picnics are arranged for classes from I to XII every year. To develop
social awareness among students, we visit institutions like old age
homes, rehabilitation centres, treatment homes for the
physically/mentally retarded,etc. We provide financial assistance to
the poor students of our neighbouring schools and other institutions.

Extra-curricular Activities
Sports & Games
Special
training is given to the students in Football, Athletics, Hockey,
Badminton, Lawn Tennis, Basketball and Roller skating by
professionals.Our students perform well in the Revenue District and Sub
District Sports Meets.

Exhibitions:Work experience fairs,
on-the-spot competitions and exhibitions are conducted every year. The
students get the chance to exhibit their skills and talents.

Talent Scan Programs
Based
on the new syllabus and new evaluation system, we aim at the all round
development of the child in various fields.For this purpose, we have
the talent scan programs which enable the child to select his/her item
of interest.We also provide special training in Dance & Musical
Instruments. The items included in this program are :Organ / Guitar /
Vocal Music / Jazz / ViolinDance/Karate / Chess / Yoga/Football /
Volleyball / Hockey / Athletics / Basketball / Roller Skating/Flower
Making & Paper Craft / Knitting / Embriodery/
Fabric Painting / Glass Painting.

Youth
festivals are conducted every year. The selected students get a chance
to participate in the Sub District, District and State youth festivals.
We have our own Band troupe and Chenda troupe.

Unique and Innovative Practices of the school :

Unique
and pleasant environment to impart knowledge and values with advanced
facilities like Audio Visual Rooms, Computer Aided Learning etc.

Special attention and special classes for weak students.
Maintenance of class library with the help of students from each class by contributing books by themselves on their birthdays.
Program implemented to develop talents of students.
Talented,
Competitive and Dedicated teachers to inspire students. Our school
possesses one of the finest stadiums in the state, of international
standards, with an 8 lane - 400m track attached with a magnificent
pavilion


]]>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:06:48 +0530http://sreenireports.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/07/17/Interview-with-Principal-Saju-Mathew.html