KERALA - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

The preparatory material for Orchard India Scholarship Examination, 2010 carried a question :"Why is Kerala called God's Own Country?" for primary students. Our exploration got us the following responses.Which answer fetch you the score? Rather how would your kid/ward respond to this query? Conclude yourself !

In Hindu Mythology, Kerala was created by Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. So, land of Kerala from Gokarnam to kanyakumari was created from sea by the axe thrown by the Lord. This was gifted to his devotees to lead a peaceful life. 

Another myth is that under the guidance of Lord Parasurama, Guru and Vayu decided to install the holy idol of Lord Vishnu in Rudrathirtha(Boolokha Vaikunda),the present GURUVAYUR. Being God's abode,this land is considered pure and divine too.Hence the name gained more acceptance.

In every nook and corner of Kerala, there are Hindu temples, Christian churches or Muslim mosques. The location Palayam in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram is an apt site for this religious diversity at hands reach. Even with so many places of worship, most adjacent to each other, there is great religious tolerance and communal harmony. Hence the adage is valid.

Kerala has developed from a "lunatic asylum" status during the period of Swami Vivekananda.There has been socio economic and cultural reformations in all sectors like education, health, sanitation, child care, literacy etc. Kerala has now evolved as a "model"of development in many aspects. Hence aptly phrased as above.

Kerala is a paradise for tourists. Its biodiversity from Arabian sea to Western Ghats, rivers, lakes, backwaters - a network of water bodies clubbed with forests, wildlife all make Kerala God's own country- being blessed with natures' wealth. 

The slogan "God's own country" was first used by Dr.Vipin Gopal, when he  created the webpage on Kerala in 1993. Later KTDC adopted this to promote tourism campaigns.Adage was popularised by Dr.Babu Paul, during his tenure as Director.Now the slogan holds global super brand status.

Literally the word Kerala means land of coconuts. Ayurveda is a popular traditional medicine that has its roots in this small state. 

LETS LEARN ABOUT MANGO

Mangoes are the national fruit of India, Pakistan and Philippines. This is the national tree of Bangladesh.

Mango is also the king of fruits. This is because of its taste, colour and beauty.

Vedas praise mango as a heavenly fruit.It represents the joy of life.
Mango leaves are hung on doorways. It is believed to ward off evil. It is a symbol of harmony.
Mango leaves are also arranged in brass pots with coconut as a symbol of prosperity.
Thus mango fruits and leaves are part of many religious ceremonies.It represents potential perfection in Hindu Philosophy.

Mango is also called as a super fruit. Mangoes are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and pigments. Unique Phytochemicals in mango are Mangiferin, lupeol, euxanthin etc. Mango peel contains Urushiol, a chemical that causes skin allergy in susceptible people.It contains fibre that helps in weight reduction. Its also contains substances that improves our heart and brain.

A MANGO A DAY GIVES US A FAIR COMPLEXION AND MAKES OUR SKIN SOFT AND SHINING...

The word Mango comes from a Malayalam word MANGA.It is a fleshy stone fruit. Its scientific name is Mangifera indica. It belongs to family Anacardiaceae.


India, our country is a leading nation both in cultivation and production of mangoes. About 1/3rd of world's mangoes are grown in India. Our production is 13.6million tonnes a year.As per statistics,we export 40000 tonnes to more than 80 countries for  a total revenue of 85 million dollars.

Mango is cultivated in most frost free tropical countries and warm sub tropics too.In orchards, multiple cultivars are often grown together to improve cross pollination. These are mostly propagated by grafting.

There are hundreds of mango cultivars. The popular varieties of South India are Alphonso, Banganapalli and Kesar. Dussheri and Langra are popular ones in North India. The current world market is dominated by the cultivar Tommy Atkins. The premium variety of Australian mango is R2E2. Popular mango variety of Pakistan is Chaunsa. There are many dwarf varieties of mango that grows to 2.5m height. These are called Condo mangoes.



Mango trees have a long life. They live for more than 300 years.Tree grows to a height of 40m and has a canopy of 10m radius. It provides enough shade for an outdoor class in a gurukula !

Leaves are simple evergreen. Kids pluck these leaves in play class and use for hand free drawing. These leaves are initially orange to pink in colour and rapidly change to glossy red and when mature to dark green. Of course the senile leaves are yellow and as it dries turns brown ! Do observe flushes and tender leaves when you are under a mango tree...

Flowers are small, white and has a sweet smell. Fruits ripen in 3 to 6 months.

Annual International mango festival is conducted at New Delhi, where more than 500 types are featured on a single platform for 2 days.(http://www.hellotravel.com/events/delhi-international-mango-festival)

In Calicut also annual exhibitions are conducted by Agri- Horti Society, at Gandhi Park. (See a report on last mango mela at : http://calicutnet.com/news/news-reports/rajesh-2011/tradition_farming.htm)

Mangoes are part of traditional cuisine and agro-processing initiatives.

• sweets, candies.
• smoothies like lassies and milk shakes.
• jam, jelly, burfi.
• raw mangoes in pickles, brine, chutney and curry.
• non aerated mango drinks - frooti(Parle Agro); jumpin (Godrej); Maaza (Coco Cola); Slice (Pepsi) etc.

MARRS SPELL BEE- AN AID TO IMPROVE ENGLISH VOCABULARY

MARRS, is organising a series of tests for pre school, elementary and higher level students on English. Classes 1 to 12 are split into a total of six different categories.At the elementary or primary level, the test has few rounds.

FIRST ROUND AT SCHOOL

The first round is conducted during June to December at the respective schools. All interested students can register by paying a fee of Rs.150.00. This covers expense for study materials also. The test has two parts - a written round that is basically dictation, followed by identification of the correct spelling and word from a set of jumbled words. All those who score the cut off mark can then attend an oral test on the spelling of some other words. Those who qualify are selected from the school. The topper is naturally the winner. But additional qualifiers are also selected to attend the next level.

SECOND ROUND- INTER-SCHOOL AT DISTRICT LEVEL

The inter-school competition is the second level for the test. The registration fees is Rs.400.00 per student. Study materials are the same as in earlier round. Here the kids take up similar dictation and jumbled words for written round and spell out orally for the oral round. Here also winners and qualifiers from each district are selected to participate in the next level.

THIRD ROUND - STATE ROUND

The third level is a state level test. In this case the registration fees is Rs.600.00 per student. for participation. Here the oral round has thrust on pronunciation of the word to be spelled out.Written round has dictation, usage of words, jumbled words and so on. from this round students have to start learning phonemics, ie the script of the language. An additional book on pronunciation would be provided to help kids learn this.

The District level orals and State written are conducted together.( 3rd round)

The State orals and National written are conducted together.(4th round)

National orals and International written are conducted together.(5th round)

International Orals is the last and final round of the programme. 

For 2010-11, the last lap goes on January6th and 7th,2012 at Al Nahda Girls School, Abudhabi.

A 10 hour coaching on pronunciation is arranged for those who wish to enroll at a fee of Rs.1500.00per student between each of these rounds.Altogether 4 or 5 such sessions (each at Rs 1500 ) or a repetition of the same when available at extra fees equip kids on phonetics to a great extent. Participants are free to attend the test without this orientation also.

MARRS has also introduced a regular coaching programme at Kochi on all Sundays from 10am to 12 noon for a span of 6 months and the fees is Rs 1200 per month.

NATIONAL ROUND

Here, in the written test, children have to additionally focus on grammar and usage of the language;idioms, phrasal verbs etc. In the oral round students have spell it, phonetics and synonyms and antonyms.
The registration fees for the round is Rs 1000 per student.

INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY ROUND

This written round encompasses all aspects from round 1,dictation, jumbled words, usage, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, phrasal verbs. Registration is Rs 2000 per student.

INTERNATIONAL FINALS- ORALS ONLY

This is the last round and is a meeting point for all spell bees, both winners and qualifiers for the last round. Registration fees is Rs 5000 per student. This year the venue is at Abu dhabi and warrants meeting formalities for international travel. Students being minors have to invariably be accompanied by their parents.

While the in between rounds involve lot of domestic travel, the final round necessitates an international trip. For all rounds of the competition and the orientation programme, travel, food and accommodaton are extra and has to be borne by the participants themselves...

The study materials provided by MaRRS at different stages are only a preliminary guide and not the content for the competition. The grade of participants is available online for the National Oral Round only. This in fact helps decide participation in the final round. However, if such results are readily updated after every round, it would help parents and teachers to guide students to tide over their lacuna and thus equip their kids in a better way from an earlier period itself.

Our kids have come up to the last round and from my personal experience, the test is a good chance to improve their vocabulary. Participation spirit is enhanced and sustained by the child friendly approach adopted by MaRRS.However most activities are an addition to their routine school affairs and extra curricular activities, if any.This makes the spell bees truly busy bees...

The rates noted are as per last year's programme and may get revised.
To sum up, a participant who reaches the last round needs Rs 9150 as registration fees alone.
Orientation would need another 9000 INR.(1500 * 4 + 3000)
All other expenses vary - food, transport, accommodation, etc - depending on location and extent of travel required to attend each level of the competition.



 Please visit the website for more details and clarifications.
http://www.marrsspellingbee.com/index.php

FILM SONG COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS AND VETERANS AT CALICUT

A film song competition covering any song from Malayalam, Hindi or Tamil movies is being organised for students of UP, High School and +2 levels on 15th May 2011 at Town Hall, Calicut.

A competition for film songs to which Salil Chaudhury has directed music is also organised for veterans on the same day., afternoon for singers above 45 years of age.

This is arranged as part of eighth anniversary celebrations of Ragadeepam, a children's musical club at Kozhikode. 

For details read a copy of their programme notice below( to be added soon)

For a translated English version, please visit the following link:http://calicutnet.com/news/news-reports/rajesh-2011/saleel_choudary.htm

For more details, dial the convener on 0091-9387480029

PROGRAMME INVITATION

 BLOOMING BUDS OF RAGADEEPAM

This is an excellent mix of kids from various prestigious schools in and around Calicut city. Drawn from varying age groups, with multiple talents, they are groomed by Shri.L.Sasikant for a healthy non-competitive performance on stage that helps them break their ice and gain confidence as they evolve...

 

NEW PROGRAMMES ANNOUNCED FOR KIDS IN KOZHIKODE FOR MAY 2011

The summer camps already announced are in full swing or have concluded on one side. Simultaneously, new programmes have been announced for kids for the month of May 2011 in and around Calicut (Kozhikode).
Many short duration programs that extended for 1, 2 or 3 days also went on amidst this ...

Kids are truly having a splendid vacation this year. 

AN EVENING AT CALICUT BEACH
 

KIDS ENJOY CAMEL RIDE IN TROPICAL KERALA !

SHUTTLE BADMINTON 

This is a one month coaching camp from May1st, 2011. Targeting kids of 8 to 16years, the camp is held at Indoor Stadium, Parayanchery. Indian Coach, Shri.A.Nazar is extending the training to kids. Timings are 10am, 11.30am, 3pm. Organised by Badminton Well wishers Association; contact 9995208250 for more details.

BALL BADMINTON

Organised as part of Summer Coaching camps by District Sports Council, this is from May 4th. Interested kids between 8 to 14 years can register at 7.30am, with age proof at Polytechnic College, West Hill.
For details contact 9497645619 or 9496134290.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

A 10days programme has been announced at Indoor Stadium, Kozhikode for students from Class V onwards. The sessions are on Personality Development, Public Speaking, Spoken English, Group Discussion, Debate, Quiz, General Knowledge, Goal Setting and Confidence Building Mechanism.
Starting on May 9th, the timing is from 9 am to 1 noon daily. For registration contact: 9446364917

FILM FESTIVAL

The 5th John Abraham film festival organised by Bankmen's Film Society  in association with Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and Film Society Federation is in progress at Town Hall on May 2,3,and 4th. Malayalam Movie "Amma Ariyan", "T.D.Dasan VI B" and Satyajit ray's Satranj ki kiladi are proposed to be screened along with other films.

SUMMER VACATION - A REAL TIME OF REJOICE FOR KIDS

Kerala is a land of diversities and we have one festive occasion after another. April commences with the summer vacation for school children and hence most of the celebrations gather more momentum than otherwise.

An inauguration with the famous Fools Day on April 1st it goes on to World health day on 7th and World Earth Day on 22nd.

Birthdays of many legends also fall in during this month.Lord Sree Rama (12), Lord Hanuman (18), P.S.Warrier (5), Dr.Ambedkar (14), Vagbhadanandha (25), Swathi Thirunal (28), Raja Ravi Varma and Paliyathachan (29), 

Various special days fall into focus and each can be celebrated based on ones taste and time... .

Many famous temples also have their annual celebratiosn during this period. Extending from Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram to festivals at Chettikulangara, Kodungallur and Thirumathamkunnu, to that at Tirunelli in Wynad and Sundareshwar Temple at Kannur and Subramanya temple at Payyanur the list is exhaustive.

VISHU AND CHILDREN

Amidst all this comes the most popular festival of Vishu celebrated with so much pomp and glory by Hindus. It falls on the first day of Malayalam month Medam as per the lunar calendar. Associated with the solar transit, at times it shifts to the second day.

Waking up and being guided by the elders at home to a well arranged beautiful sight of prosperity early in the morning is called "Vishukani". This is the most splendid component of the celebration. The sight encompasses a comprehensive and holistic view of our state and every household represented onto an Ottu uruli.

 
The components gathered thus include Paddy, Banana, Mangoes, Jack, Kani vellari (special cucumber variety grown for that occasion) along with Konna (Cassia fistula) flowers and Jasmine, marigold and thulasi (Ocimum sanctum). These along with well lit lamps,  Coconut as neeranjanam, astamangalyam, Kasavu pudava(cloth), Grantham(either palm leaf manuscript of bound volumes of Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana)Valkannadi, and a bowl full of coins ...

നരക വൈരിയം അരവിണ്ടാക്ഷന്റെ ചെറിയ നാളത്തെ കളികളും

തിരുമേ ശോഭ യും കരുതി കൂപ്പുന്നേന്‍ അടുത്ത് വാ കൃഷ്ണാ കണികാണാന്‍

കണികാണും നേരം കമലാനേത്രന്റെ നിറമേറും മഞ്ഞ തുകില്‍ ചാര്‍ത്തി 

കനകകിങ്ങിനി വളകള്‍ മോതിരം അണിഞ്ഞു കാണേണം ഭഗവാനെ...

മലര്മാതിന്‍ കാന്തന്‍ വസുതെവാത്മാജന്‍  പുലര്‍കാലെ പാടി കുഴലൂതി 

കിലുകിലെ എന്ന് കിലുംഗും കാഞ്ചന ചിലംബിട്ടോടി വാ കണികാണാന്‍

ശിശുക്കളായുള്ള സഖിമാരും താനും പശുകളെ മേച്ചു നടകുമ്പോള്‍

വിശകുമ്പോള്‍ വെണ്ണ കവര്‍ന്നുന്നും കൃഷ്ണ അടുത്ത് വാഉണ്ണി കണികാണാന്‍

ബാലസ്ത്രീ കടേ തുകിലും വാരികൊണ്ട് അരയാലിന്‍ കൊമ്പത്ത് ഇരുനോരോ

ശീലകെടുകള്‍ പറഞ്ഞും ഭാവിച്ചും നീല കാര്‍വര്‍ണ്ണ കണികാണാന്‍ 

എതിരെ ഗോവിന്ദന്‍ അരികെ വന്നോരോ പുതുമയയുല്ല്ക വചനങ്ങള്‍
മധുരമാം വണ്ണം പറഞ്ഞും  താന്‍ മന്ദ സ്മിതവും തൂകി വാ കണികാണാന്‍

കണികാണും നേരം കമല നെത്രന്റെ നിറമേറും മഞ്ഞ തുകില്‍ ചാര്‍ത്തീ
കനക കിങ്ങിണി വളകള്‍ മോതിരം അണിഞ്ഞു കാണേണം കണികാണാന്‍

 

The keerthana (devotional song) reverberates in all households early in the morning. It reminds us of the prosperous sight enjoyed by our eyes for a long time. Devotional songs on Lord Krishna and other hymns echo all through the day.

Kids are set into motion by burning of crackers and then into new clothes and a bliss of "kaineetam" where the elder members gift coins, cash or even gold to the youngsters.

A grand feast at lunch served on plantain leaves with numerous culinary delicacies(kaalan, olan, aviyal, erisseri, and what not?) and payasam (sweet special dessert that marks the occasion) completes the occasion.

Vishu celebrations at Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur is also most popular and cherished desire of most devotees. If interested, catch a glimpse of the same at: http://citizenwrite.blogspot.com/2011/04/vishu-abode-of-lord-krishna.html

KIDS AND EASTER

In X'ian households children are busy with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Exchange of Easter eggs is gaining popularity here too. While boiled eggs are distributed in churches after the Holy Mass on Easter day; we can buy sweetened candy eggs from bakeries on this occasion. Catch a glimpse of its contents below.

To read more about Easter eggs visit the following URLs.

http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/history/icons/easter_egg.htm

http://blog.californiapsychics.com/blog/2009/04/the-real-easter.html/

OUR HOME LIBRARY -MALAYALAM BOOKS- SELF STARTERS

This is part IV of the post related to Malayalam books in our home library for kids at elementary level.




For earlier posts visit:
http://shyamathanniyil.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-home-library-malayalam-collection.html
http://shyamathanniyil.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-home-library-malayalam-books-for.html