Thrissur Pooram erupts in percussive glory

Ilanjithara Melam and Madathil Varavu melam enthral thousands

Thrissur Pooram: A dazzling tapestry of tradition and revelry

Unique in its grandeur, rituals, and celebrations, Thrissur Pooram draws thousands of devotees and spectators from around the world. It is a fascinating fusion of sacred ceremonies, traditional performances, dazzling fireworks, and majestic elephant parades

Thrissur Pooram: Police depute special team to monitor social media

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the stage set for Thrissur Pooram on Tuesday, the police have set aside a special cyber team to sanitise digital platforms to prevent the dissemination of toxic remarks that could foment communal and political unrest. According to sources, around 20 officers with digital expertise have been deputed to monitor social media platforms to purge communal messages that could ignite strife. This is the first time the state police is taking such a measure ahead of the Thrissur Pooram, a source told TNIE. Last year, the pooram fireworks display was disrupted in an unprecedented manner, following which allegations were raised that it was done to give political mileage to a certain party in the Lok Sabha polls. Fingers were also pointed at the police for its alleged highhandedness. The UDF had harped on the polices role and the alleged intervention from ADGP M R Ajith Kumar to drive home its allegation that the pooram was sabotaged to help the BJP score political brownie points. After the 2024 Thrissur Pooram, and in the run up to the current edition, social media have been witnessing a war of words -- with political and religious overtones -- over the fiasco, prompting the cops to step up their game. The arrangement, sources said, has been in place since Saturday, with the sleuths doing real-time surveillance of social media and cyber platforms and removing potentially troublesome content. Immediate action is taken against the content flagged hazardous. Such content is immediately purged by the sleuths using the available means or they get in touch with the up-loaders and ask them to remove it, the source said.

Hundreds cheer as tusker Ernakulam Sivakumar heralds pooram festivities in traditional ceremony

THRISSUR : With hundreds of pooram enthusiasts watching in awe, majestic tusker Ernakulam Sivakumar, carrying the idol of Neythalakkavu Bhagavathy, pushed open the door of the south tower gate (Thekke Gopura Nada) of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple on Monday, heralding the 229th edition of Thrissur Pooram. The procession from the Neythalakkavu temple began around 10am and was welcomed with a grand panchari melam at Thekkinkadu Maidan. After a percussion performance lasting around two hours, the procession moved to the Vadakkumnathan temple. The south tower gate, which remains closed through the year, opens only for Thrissur Pooram. Once Neythalakkavu Bhagavathy opens the door, heralding the pooram, the 30-hour-long rituals related to the main festival begins. Each temple participating in Thrissur Pooram has its own roles and responsibilities. It is the right of Neythalakkavu Bhagavathy to open the south tower gate, said Vinod Kandamkavil, of the Poora Premi Sangham. Rama, a Thrissur resident, said her family has been attending the pooram heralding ceremony since tusker Thechikottukavu Ramachandran started leading it. Though Ramachandran is carrying Chembukkavu Bhagavathys idol this year, we didnt want to miss this sight, she said.

Thrissur Pooram: In a first, two women to be part of pandi melam

THRISSUR : Throughout the 228-year history of the Thrissur Pooram, women have had a very limited role in either organising the festival or in its various performances which has invariably come in for criticism from various corners. This year, however, two women are set to script history by participating in the Jithin Kallatt-led pandi melam performance for Kanimangalam Sastha temple. Playing the chenda slung over their shoulders, Aswathy, Jithins wife, and Archana will look to hold their own in an event that was hitherto the sole preserve of men. We have memories of the Thrissur Pooram from childhood. The rhythms of the melam and festivities have always been part of our lives. I never had a chance to learn thalavadyam as a youngster. I thought of taking it up when my son started attending classes. It was the fulfilment of a dream, Aswathy, who has been learning percussion for seven years, told TNIE. Archanas journey also started when she sent her child for chenda classes under Jithin. I saw Aswathy there, and I was intrigued. I started taking lessons and that has led me to this, she said. Archana has been learning to play the chenda for less than two years. With the opportunity to perform at the pooram, the two are excited to be part of the festivities as percussion artists, rather than watching proceedings from the sidelines. Their pandi melam performance will be set to the valamthala beat. Jithin, who has completed 10 years as a performer at the pooram, is also proud to be presenting his two female students in what promises to be a momentous occasion.

Feel the beat! Thrissur Pooram draws the best out of melam

THRISSUR : While the village of Peruvanam in Thrissur district is considered the birthplace of melam (traditional festival percussion), Thrissur Pooram has long been the platform that thrills percussion lovers from across the globe. The overwhelming crowd that witnesses the Elanjithara melam, organised by the Paramekkavu Devaswom, serves as ample proof. Besides pandi melam, the festival showcases the best of panchavadyam and panchari melam during the 30-hour-long celebrations. When the sun rises on Tuesday, the Thekkinkad Maidan will host an array of percussion performances, of different varieties, led by some of the most prominent artists in Kerala. Kizhakkoot Aniyan Marar, the pramani (lead artist) for Elanjithara melam, says it is a blessing of the goddess to be able to lead the grand ensemble. Having been performing for the Paramekkavu temple for around 36 years, this is the third time he is leading the melam. Around 250 artists will participate in the Elanjithara melam. There wont be any space to stand in rows if we increase the number beyond that. The melam will last around four hours, Aniyan tells TNIE. Cheranellur Sankarankutty Marar, the pramani for the Madathil Varavu of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy, is of the opinion that the melam for Thiruvambady should get equal importance.Both are pandi melams, though performed by different people. It is high time Madathil Varavu and its melam received due attention, Sankarankutty says. He says it is his friendship, rather brotherhood, with Aniyan Marar that gave him a role in Thrissur Pooram. Though I have led the melam at many temple festivals across Kerala, the position of a pramani in Thrissur Pooram is special, Sankarankutty says, adding that it is the people who make the pooram such a grand celebration. The Thrissur Pooram has 10 temples participating including the main organisers, Thiruvambady Devaswom and Paramekkavu Devaswom. The day begins with the procession of Kanimangalam Sastha, followed by those of all other temples involved in the ghataka pooram. While the procession from the respective temples begin either with nada pandi, panchavadyam, or nadaswaram, every deity switches to pandi melam once they enter the Thekkinkadu Maidan. What makes the rhythm of melam to enthuse people around the world is the fact that it connects easily to our body, mind, and heart, says Arun, a volunteer among the pooram coordinators. TEMPORARY HALT FOR TRAINS For the convenience of passengers travelling during Thrissur Pooram, the following trains will be provided temporary halts at Punkunnam railway station on May 6 and 7 Ernakulam Junction-Kannur Intercity Express (T No 16305 ) Arrival/Departure: 7.19 am/7.20 am Kannur-Ernakulam Intercity Express (T No 16306) Arrival/Departure: 6.27 pm/6.28 pm Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express (T No 16307) Arrival/Departure: 7.01 pm./7.02 pm Kannur-Alappuzha Executive Express T No 16308 Arrival/Departure: 9.27 am./9.28 am Shoranur Junction-TPuram Central Venad Express (T No 16301) Arrival/Departure: 3.07 pm/3.08 pm TPuram CentralShoranur Junction Venad Express (T No 16302) Arrival/Departure: 11.10 am./11.11 am TuticorinPalakkad Junction Palaruvi Express (T No 16791) Arrival/Departure: 10.03 am/10.04 am Palakkad Junction-Tuticorin Palaruvi Express (T No 16792) at Arrival/Departure: 5 pm/5.01 pm

Illuminated pandals steal the spotlight at Thrissur Pooram

These glowing marvels, erected at Naduvilal, Naikkanal, and Manikandanal, dazzled onlookers with their sheer height, intricate design, and digital brilliance.

3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024

Thiruvananthapuram district is way ahead of the other districts in the number of dog bite cases, with a total of 50,870 people seeking treatment. Kollam is in second place with 37,618 dog bite cases, Ernakulam had 32,086 cases, Palakkad had 31,303 cases and Thrissur 29,363 cases. Wayanad was last on the list with 5,719 cases.

As festivities take off in Thrissur, visitors throng exhibition of adornments for pooram

THRISSUR: Pooram festivities have officially kick-started in Thrissur with the commencement of Chamaya Pradarshanam, the exhibition of parasols, caparisons and colourful decorative umbrellas of Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms. Minister of State for Tourism, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi inaugurated the exhibition on Sunday in the presence of Revenue Minister K Rajan, Higher Education Minister R Bindhu and other prominent personalities. The exhibition of adornments of Thiruvambady faction is going on at Kousthabham hall while that of Paramekkavu is at Agrashala hall. Meanwhile, the festive fever caught the people of Thrissur as the city came alive on the day, especially with the sample fireworks. Many people arrive in the city in the morning, visit the exhibition of adornments of both the factions and then the Pooram exhibition for the purchases of the year, while the chamayam and the amusement rides in the pooram exhibition enthral children. It is like an annual ritual for all of us. Once the pooram days arrive, we roam around in the city and return only after the sample fireworks display. No matter what, we come here with family and enjoy the gathering of people, shared Muraleedharan from Kannamkulangara. Around 1,000 decorative umbrellas, polished caparisons, foot-chains for 15 elephants, neck adornments for 115 jumbos, the main kolam (on which the idol of the deity is kept) to be used for kudamattom, and 15 sets of aalavattam and venchamaram are usually exhibited at the chamaya pradarshanam. Hundreds of artists from in and around Thrissur worked for months to prepare the chamayam, a unique experience of Thrissur Pooram. Though it is actually a competition between Thiruvamabady and Paramekkavu to showcase their best collections, there is a sense of camaraderie. Pooram celebrations make us more closer, said one of the volunteers of the Thiruvambady faction. The Chamaya Pradarshanam will conclude on May 5 midnight.

Thrissur Pooram sample fireworks display has spectators enthralled

THRISSUR: After a long gap, a crowd of people standing at the famed Swaraj Round got to watch the Thrissur Pooram sample fireworks display on Sunday. Giving an inkling of what is in store for pooram enthusiasts, the sample fireworks created wonders in the sky with displays including a seven-level pyrotechnic display and LED umbrellas as hundreds watched in awe. The main pooram fireworks is slated to be held on Tuesday. The Thiruvambady Devaswom lit the fireworks first, followed by Paramekkavu. The displays of each faction lasted around eight minutes, ending with the koottaporichil (joint culmination). This time, the pattern of laying the firecrackers was changed, moving it farther away from Swaraj Round so that people could watch it from there. While enthusiasts set off debates on who performed the best on Sunday, the festivities will reach its zenith with Kudamattam on the Thrissur Pooram day. Mundanthicode Sathish led the fireworks display for Thiruvambady. After koottaporichil, an LED cracker that displayed the words Om Namah Shivaya also enthralled the audience. Home guard injured Amid the sample fireworks of Thiruvambady Devaswom, a home guard, Joseph, was injured while serving as a volunteer monitoring the fireline. According to sources, a part of the shell of an amittu (aerial cracker) fell on the home guards head, causing a minor injury. He was rushed to the nearest hospital immediately.

Overheated battery short circuit caused Kozhikode MCH fire

KOZHIKODE: The fire that sparked panic at the emergency wing of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) has been traced to a short circuit in a CPU battery unit, according to a report by the investigation team. The incident occurred in the room housing the battery backup systems connected to the MRI unit, leading to the destruction of 34 batteries and filling parts of the emergency department with thick smoke. The directorate of medical education (DME) has announced that a five-member expert medical team will carry out an independent investigation into the incident. The team has been tasked with examining the causes behind the spread of smoke and assessing whether it contributed to any difficulty or death of patients. Director of Medical Education K V Viswanathan confirmed that a full report will be submitted to the government within a week. Patients shifted to private hospitals will be brought back, he added. The committee includes the superintendent of Kottayam MCH, a professor from the surgery department of the Thrissur MCH, head of pulmonology from Ernakulam MCH, and the head of forensic medicine from the Kollam MCH. A review meeting held at 10am on Sunday lasted over three and a half hours and was attended by department heads, MCH superintendent, DME, principal and police officers. The authorities said the fire originated when a battery, overheated and swollen due to internal pressure, exploded. That triggered a chain reaction, causing the batteries nearby to ignite and explode as well. Although the fire was contained within the battery room, the dense smoke infiltrated the emergency department, leading to a temporary shutdown and evacuation. The UPS connected to the MRI machine sustained damage and will require expert restoration. Minor ceiling damage was also reported. Tincident has revived long-standing demands for a dedicated fire station near the Kozhikode MCH. Despite recommendations and a request for 20 cents of land, the project remains unrealised. MLA M K Muneer criticised the delay, stating that the lack of preparedness was unacceptable in a medical facility of this scale.

Thrissur Pooram a celebration of jumbos, too

THRISSUR: All festivals, irrespective of religious differences, serve as a gathering of people. But it is rare for a festival to also become a gathering of animals, elephants in the case of Thrissur Pooram. Keralas celebrity tuskers including Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, Ernakulam Sivakumar, Guruvayur Nandhan and Pambady Rajan are all set to participate in the pooram this year, attracting jumbo fans to the festival ground. Every year, close to 100 captive elephants of Kerala participate in the rituals associated with the Thrissur Pooram, making it the only opportunity for festival enthusiasts to see and click photographs of such a large number of jumbos. The preparations for jumbos to participate in the annual festival begins early as fitness is of utmost importance. Ernakulam Sivakumar, owned by the Cochin Devaswom Board, will carry the idol of Neythalakavu Bhagavathy, heralding the pooram, at 11am on Monday. When Neythalakavu Bhagavathy opens the Thekke Gopura nada (south gate), the 36-hour pooram ceremonies are kickstarted. On the day of Thrissur Pooram on May 6, Thechikottukavu Ramachandran will carry the idol of Chembukkavu Bhagavathy for the ghataka pooram. Thiruvambady Chandrasekharan will carry the idol of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy for the major pooram rituals including Madathil Varavu and Kudamattom. Guruvayur Nandhan will carry the idol of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy for Elanjithara Melam and Kudamattom. Paramekkavu Kasinathan will also carry the idol of Bhagavathy for other rituals including Arattu. Other prominent jumbos set to participate include Kuttankulangara Arjunan, Puthupally Arjunan, Pallat Brahmadathan, Koodalmanickyam Megharjunan, Bastin Vinayasundar, Thiruvazhapilly Mahadevan, and Thadathavila Rajasekharan.

Sample fireworks set the sky aflame in Thrissur

Compliance with new PESO guidelines ensures safe distance between fireworks and spectators and allow more people to enjoy the show from Swaraj Round

KSRTC staff help rescue missing 12-year-old boy

KOLLAM: A 12-year-old boy who had gone missing from his home in Kollam was safely rescued thanks to the timely intervention of KSRTC bus staff. The incident occurred in the early hours of the previous day when the boy boarded a superfast KSRTC bus from the Karunagappally stand around 2 am. The bus was operating on the ThiruvananthapuramThrissur route. The boy told the conductor he was headed to Fort Kochi and purchased a ticket to Ernakulam. Conductor Jiji grew suspicious upon noticing the boy travelling alone and alerted a nearby passenger to discreetly watch over him. He then informed the driver, Biju, and subsequently notified KSRTC authorities. Following their instructions, the police control room was also contacted. When the bus reached Vyttila, a police team led by ASI KP Jijo from the Thevara control room intercepted the vehicle and took the boy into custody. A police investigation revealed that the boy was from Kollam. Meanwhile, the boy's family had already filed a missing person complaint at the Pallithottam police station in Kollam. After being informed by police, the family reached Thevara and took the boy back home.

On Kerala HCs directive, CBI registers its first cybercrime case in the State

KOCHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered its first cybercrime case in Kerala, in which an elderly man lost Rs 1.04 crore to scammers. The case, initially registered at the Thrissur cybercrime police station, was transferred to the CBI on a directive of the Kerala High Court in March. CBIs special crime branch has re-registered the FIR with the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate Court and commenced the probe. According to officers, the case involves a 75-year-old businessman from Thrissur who was targeted by cybercriminals last July. On July 20, 2024, the victim received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as Ajay Kumar of FedEx couriers, Mumbai, and claimed that a parcel booked in the victims name, destined for Russia, had been intercepted by customs for the presence of drugs. The call was then transferred to another individual posing as an officer with the cybercrime department of Mumbai police. This person told the victim that his bank account had to be verified as part of the investigation. The businessman was instructed to transfer his entire bank balance into an account provided by fraudsters. Between July 22 and 24, the victim transferred Rs 1.04 crore. It was only the following day that he realised he had been defrauded and reported the incident to police. The case was handed over to the CBI due to the interstate nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple bank accounts across the country, a CBI officer said. The case had initially been investigated by an assistant commissioner of police with the crime branch, Thrissur City. However, jurisdictional limitations were hindering effective investigation, prompting the court to entrust the case to us. CBI officers confirmed that several bank accounts to which the money was routed had been identified. We have just begun the investigation and are in the process of collecting case files and evidence from local police. The money trail has been mapped by police, and we will interrogate account holders in the coming weeks. Our branches in other states will also assist in tracking leads across India, the officer added. The case has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, which deals with cheating by impersonation using electronic communication. This is the first cybercrime case to be probed by CBI in Kerala. L1-crore fraud The case involves a 75-year-old businessman from Thrissur who was targeted by cybercriminals The victim transferred I1.04 crore to the accounts mentioned by fraudsters who posed as officers with cybercrime dept of Mumbai police. The case was handed over to the CBI due to the interstate nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple bank accounts across the country

Thrissur Pooram pomp: Devotion keeps venchamaram craftsman going for five decades

THRISSUR : Two sets of 15 elephants facing each other with a sea of humanity between them. Thats the iconic setting of the Thrissur Pooram. And as the evening sky witnesses the colourful kudamattam, the white adornment of venchamaram offers a stark contrast, a sight that pooram enthusiasts go crazy for. Crafting venchamaran for the Paramekkavu temple is Muraleedharan C, a retired professor from Kuttimuck. In fact, he has been in charge of these white adornments for more than five decades. The passion towards the craft and the devotion to the festival have kept him going, with the tradition passed down by his forefathers. The white hangings used in the venchamaram is the hair of yak, native to the Himalayas. The cleaned and dried hair is tied to a thin rope with minute details. Then, with utmost care, Muraleedharan rolls them tightly to the conical wooden mould, forming the final venchamaram. Along with the caparisons and the glittering umbrellas, aalavattam and venchamaram are essential ingredients of the grandeur of the Thrissur Pooram. Venchamaram is an adornment used across the country for temple rituals, Muraleedharan told TNIE . In some ashrams, it is used for blessing people, while in some temples, it is used for the deity as an adornment. However, its use in an elephant parade happens only in Kerala. While we use two ropes of yak hair for normal venchamaram, for the kudamattom, we use six such ropes so that they add beauty to the proceedings and can be seen from far away. Though sitting for long has its challenges, Muraleedharan gets down to work ahead of the festival season. The work on aalavattam, made using peacock feather, begins from January. Since childhood, I have seen my father totally involved in this craft. While I worked as a lecturer, I tried my best to be involved in these works, assisting my father. To be a part of Thrissur Pooram, with such a signature craft piece, is definitely a rare opportunity, and I want to continue it for as long as possible, Muraleedharan said. It takes at least a week to process and tie the yak hair. The intricate detailing of aalavattam too takes time, he pointed out. In a sign of the younger generation keeping the family tradition alive, Muraleedharans nephew Akhilesh is also learning the art, so that he too can one day be a part of the centuries-old festival.

Thrissur at its energetic best as Pooram draws near

Thekkinkadu Maidan, the main venue of the Pooram, is all decked up. The annual exhibition is on and the construction of pandals is progressing at three locations.

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Thrissur Pooram festivities begin with flag hoisting ceremonies across temples

Kerala to showcase wedding, MICE tourism potential through August conclave

KOCHI: Kerala is set to host a high-profile conclave from August 14 to 16 to position itself as the countrys leading destination for wedding and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism. Organised by the Kerala Travel Mart Society in association with the state government, the Wedding and MICE Conclave will seek to align regional tourism with global trends in the sector. To be inaugurated at 5 p.m. on August 14 at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, the conclave will feature two days of business meetings and seminars at Le Meridien in Kundannur, from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The initiative follows remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at KTM-2024 last year, where he emphasised Keralas potential as a hub for wedding and honeymoon tourism. Building on this vision, the conclave aims to strengthen Keralas presence in the global tourism landscape. Tourism and PWD Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said, The points raised during my inaugural speech at the 12th KTM in September triggered a string of discussions by the administration, leading to the idea of holding an international conference in this sector. He stressed the need to closely monitor changes in the international tourism sector to help the state prepare for the future. KTM will be an excellent technological infrastructure functioning as an asset to the conference, added Minister Riyas. Kerala Tourism Secretary K. Biju stated that one of the primary goals of the conclave is to transform the state into a major hub for wedding and MICE tourism. The state can use its best infrastructure facilities in Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Bekal for MICE conferences. It can host wedding tourism with beaches, backwaters and hills as locations, he said. He added that the conference would generate greater awareness about Keralas cultural heritage, ancient architecture and cuisine. Kerala Tourism Director Smt Sikha Surendran said the conclave would bring together stakeholders from wedding planning, corporate events, large convention centres and tour operations under one umbrella. Training workshops, innovative marketing strategies, logistics and technology deployment will be organised in collaboration with large MICE and wedding companies, she said. Buyers attending the event will get the opportunity to visit wedding and MICE destinations across Kerala. Familiarisation trips will be organised in Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Bekal. Special promotional focus will be given to the states beaches, heritage buildings and backwater resorts. New wedding and honeymoon packages are also expected to be launched. KTM Society president Jose Pradeep said B2B meetings would be a key attraction for tour operators, wedding planners and the hospitality sector to directly interact. Apart from the states art forms of classical and folk genres, the conference will also showcase regional delicacies, he said. An exhibition focused on the wedding and MICE tourism sectors will also be held. Hotels, resorts, conference venues, organisers and technical workers will exhibit in the MICE sector. Wedding organisers, luxury resorts, destination venues, floral arrangements, photography, catering and bridal services will exhibit in the wedding sector, said KTM Society secretary S. Swaminathan.

Thudarum story took root at Kodungallur police station, says co-writer K R Sunil

'When the elephant walks, the forest walks with them. Thudarum starts with this note, and it does have a tusker tale. The backstory, however, traces back to ace photographer K R Sunils elephant memory. As a humanist photographer who has met countless people, listened to their stories, and engaged with their lives, Sunil, built this story from an image he saw 12 years ago, an image that nagged him for long. Released without the burden of hype, Thudarum is now running to packed theatres, fuelled solely by audience appreciation. While its no cult classic, the film certainly seems to have made the viewers happy. Especially Mohanlal fans. And there is an emotional journey thats embedded well. TNIE sits down for a chat with Sunil, who conceived the story and co-wrote the film with director Tharun Moorthy. He speaks about the backstory, working with Mohanlal, and his journey as a photographer. You studied sculpture at Government Arts College in Thrissur. What led you to photography? It was a time when the campus witnessed a lot of protests and agitations. Classes were often disrupted, and we rarely had a regular academic schedule. During that phase, I started travelling a lot. It was on one of those journeys that I met a photographer named Krishnakumar from my hometown, Kodungallur. He was a close friend of filmmaker G Aravindan. Meeting Krishnakumar was a turning point. He introduced me to books and magazines such as National Geographic , packed with photographs that told deeply human stories. After that, I began to see photography as a great medium to express the raw, complex layers of human life. K R Sunil You are regarded as one of the pioneers of documentary photography in Kerala. Today, many young talents are stepping into that space. What are your thoughts on this trend? I did a photography series in 2016 about the ports and the people connected to them. After that, many started doing similar works. Seeing this makes me really happy. What project are you currently working on? All my previous series have been connected like ports in some way. I can only say that this one, too, is connected to the same theme. Coming to the film Thudarum , you had once mentioned that the story took root in your mind at a police station. Could you share that story? Twelve years ago, as I was passing by the Kodungallur police station, I happened to notice a frail, worn-out man standing outside, looking intently at the building. The station yard was packed with seized vehicles. At that moment, a thought crossed my mind: What if one of those vehicles belonged to him? What if he shared a deep, emotional bond with it? What if he were trapped in a helpless situation, unable to reclaim it? It was just a passing thought, but it stayed with me. As days went by, that thought began to grow in my mind, taking on layers and depth. Eventually, it turned into a story. From the very beginning, I didnt see it as just a story, it came to me cinematically. So, I wrote it as a screenplay. K R Sunil with Mohanlal What caused the long gap between that initial spark and the film finally taking shape? Though a couple of directors came on board at different points, for some reason, things just didnt work out. As the years passed, I felt the script needed some reworking. Subsequently, I got busy with my photography series. But right from the beginning, [producer] Rejaputhra Renjith, whos a close friend of mine, was part of this journey. In fact, I would say he loved the story even more than I did. Then, Mohanlal heard the story and gave a thumbs-up. Interestingly, though the central character was someone I had created, something that lived in my notes and imagination, Mohanlal, Antony Perumbavoor, and Renjith ettan felt like they already knew this person. They said it was like they had met this character many times through their interactions with taxi drivers, through real-life stories. I think thats one of the reasons they connected with the story from the beginning. What was Mohanlals initial reaction to the storyline? For me, Lalettan was always someone I admired from a distance. He was almost unreachable. So when he listened to my story and responded with such genuine curiosity, I was elated. At one point, he even offered his Ambassador car for the shoot. But we chose not to use it because we didnt want to risk damaging something he values so much. That showed how invested he was in the subject. And in many ways, that spirit, that sincerity, its what you see in this film. How did Tharun Moorthy come on board? It was during the last Kochi-Muziris Biennale that Tharun Moorthy first heard the story from Renjith ettan. He visited my photography exhibition space, and thats where we really connected. I shared with him my ideas, my journey, and everything I had been carrying with me for years. We synced almost immediately. We both believe in the emotional depth of human experience, something thats often missing in many contemporary films. Tharun is someone who enjoys telling stories about relationships, about emotional undercurrents. I had seen that in his earlier work, especially in Saudi Vellakka , which I loved. So we started working together on reworking the script. We knew that certain elements had to be updated for todays context. Over the past two years, the two of us were involved in shaping this script. Thats how this new version came to life. The character of George sir has received as much applause as the protagonist... how did you arrive at ad guru Prakash Varma for the role? Just like a hero, such a story needs a strong villain as well. So, from the very beginning, I had envisioned a villain with multiple layers. The character had a clearly defined transformation arc within the narrative. Tharun developed that aspect extensively. Prakash is a friend of mine. I got introduced to him through [cinematographer/director] Shyju Khalid, and I have known him for about three years. Once we got the dates from Mohanlal, we had to kick-start the project within a month. We were in a rush to find a good villain. None of the faces we came across matched what we had in mind. It was around that time, quite unexpectedly, that Prakash happened to call me as he visited Ernakulam. When I saw him, I could immediately visualise him as the villain in our story! I asked if he would be interested in doing the role, and he was on board pretty quickly. K R Sunil with director Tharun Moorthy There are a lot of metaphorical references in the character, as well as in the music and sound design... That idea came from Tharun. He wanted to connect natural elements to the story. Since rain, landslide, and the forest itself stand as prominent characters in the film, the thought arose why not extend that metaphorical approach to the characters as well? And thats how those elements were brought into the character design and music, too. The film makes beautiful use of folk songs. Was that your idea? Or was it consciously included to align with the current trend? The forest is not just a backdrop in this story; it plays a major role, becoming a living, breathing presence in the film. Its wildness and mist contribute to the emotional landscape of the narrative. We felt that nothing could be more fitting for that place than folk songs. Jakes Bejoy beautifully composed them and gave us exactly what we wanted. Tharuns precise interventions were also there. Your photography projects are connected to humans, emotions, and climate. Would you say that the same influence is visible in Thudarum ? It is there naturally. But as I mentioned earlier, Tharun and I share a similar thought process, and we like the same kind of cinema. Every little detail in the film carries both our imprints. But it was after Tharun came on board that the film grew this big. The emotional core might be mine, but many of the finer textures and the layers that add depth are his contributions. Many are calling this Mohanlals true comeback a celebration of the actor himself. Did you witness any magical Lalettan moments on sets? There have been many such moments. When a character I created is brought to life by him, its beyond anything I ever envisioned. There were moments when tears filled my eyes. I was amazed by his dedication. Even when he was unwell, he still managed to do fight scenes and worked throughout the night for six days in the pouring rain. Shobana, inside the house, slept on a bench. She could have gone to her caravan, but it was the incredible dedication and passion for cinema that made them do it without any complaints. When you see all of this, you understand why they are so great. Cinema, location, the people there, and the art these are their very breath. At what point did Shobana become part of the film? Initially, we spoke to Jyotika. She has great respect for Malayalam cinema and its audience. She really liked the idea and when she was getting halfway through the story, she called Surya, who came over to discuss things with us. However, due to some date issues, we eventually reached out to Shobana. Her involvement turned out to be a huge blessing for us. Since this film was the return of the Mohanlal-Shobana combo after many years, there was renewed hope for a larger family audience. Shobana immediately agreed after hearing the story. Did your experience in photography influence your approach to scriptwriting? I cant explain the influence of photography in this film, but its photography that has kept me connected to life. I am an introvert, but with a camera in hand, I feel like I can go out and interact with people. Its magical. Its as if nature itself is doing something for me, allowing me to meet so many people by chance. The stories hidden in silence have a way of finding their way to me. And I have had the opportunity to experience so much of life. Any other film projects in the pipeline? I have stories in my mind, but I cant talk about them now. I want to take forward photography and cinema together. My new show is coming up in Mumbai and I am preparing for it. Just because Thudarum has become a big success, I am not going to do anything in the excitement of it. There was a peaceful time when this film was made. That is something I need for the next.

Sajaya out to turn Kerala's Avinissery into honey gramam

THRISSUR: Due to its natural sweetness and health benefits, honey has, over the centuries, cemented its status as a superfood. As a method for producing raw honey and a sustainable agricultural practice, beekeeping has grown by leaps and bounds in Kerala. But, even among the many honey-bee farmers in the state, Sajaya Kumar, of Avinissery, Thrissur, ploughs a lonely furrow. A beekeeper for 46 years, he stands out for having survived on just honey and water for over six months. Now, taking his love for honey to the community level, Sajaya is on a mission to transform Avinissery into a honey gramam by 2027. It was extreme poverty that drew Sajaya to honey as a child. Due to the conditions at home, I took up the job as a guard at a honey-bee farm on an adjoining hill range. Those days, we were paid in food, instead of money. It was the promise of sustenance that made me a beekeeper. As I learned the farming methods and their benefits, I decided to take to beekeeping for a living, Sajaya told TNIE . Currently, he runs a unit, named Bharat Honey, which produces 40-50 tonnes of organic honey every year. Honey is a pre-digested food that can be consumed without any concerns. Eating honey on a daily basis has been found to have a positive influence on immunity. It is to create awareness of the importance of honey and its intake that we plan to transform Avinissery into a honey gramam, the 61-year-old said. As a part of the project, Sajaya plans to distribute 25g of honey to every child between six months and 18 years of age in the panchayat. A survey is under way to identify the potential beneficiaries. A preliminary survey indicates that around 3,500 kids will benefit from the initiative. A few years ago, I attempted a similar project with kids between six months and 22 years of age. Now, I have decided to lower the upper range to 18. In the next phase, senior citizens will also be provided with a certain amount of honey every month, Sajaya pointed out. Over time, he wants to cover everyone in Avinissery panchayat. Besides the beehives on his residential premises, Sajaya has bee farms in Karnataka and other districts of Kerala. He also trains people from various parts of country in beekeeping. Those who complete the training receive certificates recognised by the National Bee Board and state government. It is a fact that nearly 80% of the honey produced in our state goes to waste with no one to harvest and use it. If we tackle this problem and train youngsters in beekeeping, it can provide job opportunities and at the same time draw people to the healthy choice of honey, he said. In Kerala, honey is harvested between January and April. The rains impact harvest, he added. In 2012, he distributed honey to nearly 5,000 children of Avinissery panchayats 14 wards. But, due to lack of volunteers and coordinators to take up the project, Sajaya had to abandon it midway. This time, though, he is determined to right the wrongs and create the perfect buzz.

Elderly dies following wild elephant attack in Palakkad's Attappadi

PALAKKAD: A 60-year-old man, who was seriously injured in a wild elephant attack in the Swarnagaddha area of Attappadi, has died while undergoing treatment. The deceased has been identified as Kali, a resident of Chembuvattakavu in Puthur. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while Kali was collecting firewood in the forest. He unexpectedly encountered a wild elephant, which attacked him, causing severe injuries to both of his legs. Local residents, who were also collecting firewood at the time, informed the Forest Department and helped rush Kali to the nearest government hospital. Due to the critical nature of his injuries, he was later transferred to Thrissur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite receiving medical attention, Kali succumbed to his injuries while under care. Forest officials have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Cooperative bank in Thrissur told to pay customers who lost pledged gold in burglary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed Thrissur-based Manaloor Service Cooperative Bank to compensate 15 gold loan customers who lost their pledged gold in a burglary at the bank. The order came on an appeal petition filed by the cooperative bank against the state commissions order. The burglary happened at the bank in May 2006. The customers had secured favourable verdicts from the Thrissur district commission and the state commission. The state commission had directed the bank to provide the market value of the gold as on the date of payment after deducting the loan amount and interest. Also, it asked the bank to settle the loans as on the date of filing of complaints before the district commission without charging any interest after that date. The bank argued before the national commission that the complaint was not maintainable in view of Section 69 of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act. As per the Act and rules, the complaints are to be resolved through arbitration before the cooperative registrar. It challenged the state and district commissions orders to pay market value of the gold. Since BIS certification was not mandatory at the time of the incident, there are chances that the gold would not be 916 carat. The bank further said that claims of 95% of customers were settled by paying the market price from the date of pledge to the date of theft. The case was heard by the NCDRC bench comprising its members Dr Inder Jit Singh and Dr Sadhna Shanker. Advocates Sreevaraham N G Mahesh and Sheeba Sadasivan represented the complainants. The national commission found that the bank lacked adequate security arrangements like security guards or CCTV cameras. It rejected the banks contention of non-maintainability of the complaint stating that the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act are in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of other laws. The argument on the purity of the gold was not valid as no bank would advance gold loans without checking purity and weight. The customers are entitled to get the market value of the gold on the date of payment, it said. The national panel, however, disagreed with the state commissions finding on interest payment. When the customer gets a refund on the date of refund, he is obligated to adjust this outstanding loan with interest till the date of adjustment. But the bank should charge interest only at the rate at which loan was granted and cannot charge any penalty, the order said.

INTERVIEW| CPM failed to gauge influence of caste, religion

M A Baby has taken over as the CPMs sixth general secretary at a time when the party is going through a deep crisis, facing political and electoral setbacks. Baby has a tough task ahead of him to win back its fast eroding mass base. Just three weeks after he took over, Baby sat down with Team TNIE at CPMs newly inaugurated office in Thiruvananthapuram for a detailed conversation. He was candid enough to admit the mistakes on the part of CPM in recognising certain Indian realities, like caste and religion, and also what went wrong in West Bengal and Tripura. Baby, the cultural face of the party, also elaborated on his immediate tasks, complications involving INDIA bloc, and the threat posed by the BJP. Excerpts Wt are your immediate priorities and challenges as the CPM general secretary? The first priority is implementing decisions of the just concluded party congress . The demise of Comrade Yechury and the stepping down of senior leaders from the politburo are organisational challenges before us. The recent decline of the partys influence should be addressed seriously. The party also needs to ensure continuity of the LDF government in Kerala. There are challenges, but those challenges should be turned into opportunities. Successive party congresses have pointed out a decline in the partys mass base. How do you plan to reclaim the mass base? Only the CPM has come up with clear political solutions amid the complexities of Indian politics. But it is a flaw on our part that we havent been able to make the people aware of that. As a mass revolutionary party, CPM should reach out to the people. The cadre should approach people with humility. The factors that impede such outreach should be identified and corrected. This can address the erosion of the mass base to a great extent. You have assumed charge when CPM is at its weakest. Why has the party failed to grow in India, other than in a few pockets? EMS was once asked the same question. He had a one word answer -- caste. We have to admit that communists were unsuccessful in recognising the complex manner in which caste plays a role in Indian society. In 2000, when it was decided to thoroughly revise the party programme, this discussion on caste came up. But I can confess that the minute observations on caste in the party programme did not become a part of the collective consciousness of the cadre. The party has decided to address social issues such as caste discrimination more actively. Like caste, hasnt the CPM also failed to understand the depth of religiosity on the collective Indian psyche? The assessment that we have failed to fully understand the influence of religion on people is true. The dialectical materialism followed by communists is not part of peoples consciousness. If our concepts are introduced mechanically, it will be seen as a criticism of religion and belief in God. The recent party congress has made it clear that communalism and superstitions should be differentiated from the religious beliefs of the common man. In other words, we can fight communalism and superstitions only by taking believers into confidence. Can a believer become a true communist? It is possible. Even Marx and Engels have adopted the view that any person who believes in the struggle for the emancipation of the working class can be a member. The issue has been settled back then. But can a believer rise as a leader of the party in todays context? Imbichi Bava, a great communist leader, was a believer. Cherukad, an ally of EMS and a leader of the cultural movement, was a worshipper of Bhagavathi... Can we see a general secretary who is a believer? I have no qualms in admitting my beliefs. I believe in scientific principles. I have a friend who usually remarks By the grace of God. Due to my influence, he has now started saying By the grace of cosmic law (laughs). All religions have evolved as a progressive movement against the injustices of the time. All prophets were in fact, revolutionaries. Muhammad Nabi, Jesus and Gautama Buddha have been revolutionaries. I believe in the teachings of all of them. One of my greatest regrets is not meeting Pope Francis, who led an austere life. Can you emphatically say that CPM is not against religion and God? The communists are against religion and God is propaganda. Communists study dialectical materialism as part of their learning. It doesnt mean that everyone who joins the party must concur with dialectical materialism. In fact, Karl Marxs statement that religion is the opium of the masses has been misinterpreted. Recently, CPM cadre have withdrawn from temple committees, paving the way for Sangh parivar forces to establish their hold over such bodies. Wasnt it a serious lapse on the part of CPM? Communists used to be closely associated with places of worship. During party discussions, there was criticism that the time that needed to be spent on party work was being spent in places of worship. Our withdrawal from such bodies has enabled the entry of fundamentalists. We have decided to correct that stand. Just like Bhindranwale made the Golden Temple his haven, many local Bhindranwales are taking over places of worship. We need to free such places of worship from criminals and fundamentalists. Dont you think there is an over SFI-sation of CPM? Barring a few leaders in the state, the rest of them, including you, have come from SFI. Dont you think there is a need for a de-SFI-sation? Most of the founding leaders of our party came from the student movement. Even leaders like Stalin and Fidel Castro were part of the student movement. But if a conscious effort is not made in addressing the limitations of leaders being exclusively from the student movement, it can be a problem. But there have been leaders like Vijoo Krishnan and Ashok Dhawale who came from student backgrounds but have become key leaders of trade unions and farmers movements. How do you assess the prospects of BJP in Kerala? In the past, we used to feel proud that BJP couldnt enter this side of the Vindhya mountains. Now, they have a Lok Sabha MP (in Kerala). Earlier, they even had an MLA, although we did manage to wrest the seat from them. BJP has transformed into a decisive force in certain assembly constituencies. Though the Congress is primarily responsible for BJPs increasing vote share, the saffron party has been poaching other political parties vote base too, including that of the Left. Their votes have increased even in booths where most voters are from the minority community. What are the reasons for BJPs growth? Sufficient vigil wasnt exercised. There was a lackadaisical approach. I perceive the Sangh parivar as a venomous serpent with 10,000 heads... look how they infiltrate every cell of Indian society. It isnt just another party, its a party with fascist tendencies. We need to perceive this with the requisite gravity and build up the defence. Kerala can resist it, but we cannot lower our guard. RSS can operate in unthinkable ways. But whether Opposition parties, including CPM, are adequately equipped to take on the evil tactics of BJP-RSS is a pertinent question. The Congress leadership, neither in Kerala nor at the national level, has such an understanding. In Kerala, the Congress believes it should take on LDF more than BJP. In this context, how do you look at INDIA bloc? While forming INDIA bloc, we knew that some of these parties, even when joining hands at the national level, will have to contest against each other in some states. However, while contesting against each other, they should ensure the same doesnt turn advantageous to BJP. To some extent, such caution is exercised in Kerala. Yet, in places like Nemom and Thrissur, BJP managed to take advantage. Shouldnt there be an introspection on such lack of vigil? The Congress and UDF approach of always training guns on LDF, sometimes even with BJP support, too contributes to the saffron party finding a foothold in Kerala. If there are any lapses on the part of the Left, we are ready to examine the same. There were reports that, post LS election, CPM is not keen on INDIA bloc. Whats the current position? CPM is of the view that the party should play a role in bringing together all possible political forces to unseat the ruling party from power. Sitaram (Yechury) played a key role in forming the INDIA bloc. Though this platform helped stop BJP from winning a majority on its own, the aim to unseat it from power is yet to be achieved. Hence, INDIA bloc should continue. The last party congress took a position in favour of CPM continuing in INDIA bloc. Having said that, its a fact that post LS elections, the INDIA bloc has been inactive. I have held talks with leaders of other parties, including Kharge and Stalin. Such interventions will continue. The party congress has acknowledged the relevance of INDIA bloc. In tune with that, CPM will follow an electoral-tactical line. BJP has been indulging in a Christian outreach programme to widen its influence... To increase its influence in each place, BJP stoops to unethical means. That happened in Thrissur too. Those who surrendered before such unethical optics should introspect. You are the first CPM general secretary from the Christian community. Till recently, the Christian community was a dedicated vote base for the Congress. Of late, there has been a change. How do you look at this changing scenario? The Communist Party has always maintained good relations with various Christian denominations. During the Vimochana Samaram (liberation struggle), the Church took a strong stand against us. But later, they too started associating with the party. Because of consistent activities and discussions, an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie has been created. They have realised that theres scope for communication and cooperation with the communists. We have warm relations with both Catholic and non-Catholic Church denominations. I dont think just because someone named Mariam Alexander Baby has come to a party position, there will be any dramatic change. Neither will the relation become firmer nor will there be any remnants of past differences. I believe we should be receptive to all spiritual leaders. What about the Left joining hands with religion-based parties? As far as communist parties are concerned, tactical decisions on joining hands with different outfits are taken, according to the prevailing situation. Marx has pointed out how communists can take support of the bourgeoisie to take on a most regressive force. Such temporary understandings and compromises are part of a tactical understanding. Its a dialectical approach. The palm-chopping case involving Professor T J Joseph was the most controversial episode during your tenure as education minister. Your remark against Joseph in the assembly triggered a major row. Why did you make such a statement? The attempt was to stop fundamentalists from cashing in on the same. I said, This teacher prepared the question without due diligence. Using the name Mohammed had given a chance for it to be wrongly misinterpreted as something related to the Prophet. The teacher might have prepared it in all innocence. But just because it was an innocent mistake, could it be justified? My remark was made in that context. Theres a misunderstanding that my remark led to palm-chopping. Thats wrong. Palm-chopping happened later. Was your remark against Professor Joseph intended to pacify someone? I was just airing my concern that due diligence wasnt exercised. It was intended to neither hurt nor appease anyone. You had earlier mentioned about the failures in Tripura and West Bengal. What lessons have Kerala CPM learnt from those failures? Not just from Tripura and West Bengal, we have learnt lessons from the Soviet Unions collapse. Weve realised that being in power not only presents opportunities but has its flipsides too. The first and foremost challenge is to provide people the kind of service they expect. In Tripura, it was an under-handed attack. But the question why the party failed to anticipate such a move remains. This is a lesson that the party should remain vigilant to any kind of attack. The same can now be seen in Kerala too. In Bengal, a rainbow alliance was formed against the party. There were Singur-like issues too. A lack of vigil in the process of land acquisition too played a role in antagonising people. The role played by TMC and RSS... CPM failed to foresee its devastating impact. The party also failed to wholly comprehend the change in mass sentiments, and therefore, couldnt ensure proper course correction. Has the party finally realised its errors at Singur and Nandigram? What we have realised is that people should be taken into confidence while implementing development projects. The LDF government implements development projects by taking into account the lessons learnt from Bengal. Theres constant criticism that Kerala CPM has been under the shadow of one leader, Pinarayi Vijayan... The only way to address this concern is to let the media have access to discussions in party forums (smiles). Only then will you realise whether decisions taken by just one leader are accepted. I remember an instance when a name backed by seven leaders including EMS and E K Nayanar was turned down after the majority voted against it. There are umpteen such instances. There are instances where Pinarayi Vijayan and a majority in the party think on the same lines. There are instances on the contrary too. The party takes decisions after independent and detailed discussions at different levels. Id say the narrative that only Pinarayi Vijayan takes a call on all party decisions is part of a deliberate attempt to portray him in a bad light. Recently, there were some reports over the AKG Centre inauguration too. When EMS was the general secretary, it was B T Ranadive who laid the foundation stone for the AKG Bhavan. Such campaigns against Pinarayi are solely aimed at weakening CPM and LDF. During the time of factional feuds in Kerala CPM, your name figured among those in the camp rivalling Pinarayi. Is that the reason why you were often sidelined, despite making it to the central committee well before Pinarayi? We have been colleagues in the party for a long time. The party takes decisions on inducting leaders into different committees, in line with its requirements and based on discussions at different levels. Pinarayi took over as party secretary while serving as a minister. Dont forget that there was a KPCC president who chose to step down to become a minister. The CPM approach is different. Pinarayi chose to quit from the cabinet role to take over a party responsibility. Naturally, he became part of the central committee and politburo. Contrary to media perceptions, the party has an organic way of bringing in leaders to take on different responsibilities. These are collective decisions. Theres no question of sidelining anyone. The party has its own political and organisational logic behind each decision. As far as I am concerned, I have never felt I was sidestepped or ignored for a deserving position. On the contrary, many responsibilities bestowed on me have been much more than what I deserved. I was chosen despite there being numerous other deserving leaders. Theres a narrative that LDF will get a third term. However, there are concerns among puritan leftists that it would be disastrous for the party The party and the LDF will ensure that there wont be any deviations or lapses once the Left gets a third term. By now, we have examples showing what could happen if we dont exercise such vigil. The new government will function keeping those lessons in mind. Thats all I have to say to those who raise well-intentioned concerns (smiles). Some fear Kerala CPM could suffer the fate of its Bengal counterpart... Let me assure them, it wont happen. Having said that, certain changes are now visible in Bengal. It may take some time to convert these into electoral victory. SFI has again started winning in universities. The new generation is in favour of the party. I wont say miracles will happen overnight. But if we wait patiently, admit our mistakes to the masses, there are chances. You said the party needs to adapt to changing times. Isnt it time to shed its puritanical approach that bans party cadre from drinking? In India, the approach towards alcohol is linked to morality. In a way, its part of the Gandhian thought. I believe its better if it stays that way. Recently, actor Prithviraj mentioned how you helped in getting clearance to go to Russia for Empuraans shooting They wanted Russian visas without delay. I just helped them speed up the process by calling some people I know. After he mentioned that, now people are under the impression they can come to me with visa applications (laughs). You are CPMs cultural face too. You started working with Swaralaya when the party was more conservative A classical concert by Alathoor Brothers was part of the Palakkad Party Congress in 1956. The Communist Party has such a tradition. Somewhere, that connection was cut off to some extent. Now, efforts are being made to revive the same. Theres a space for the promotion of classical art and culture. The party has decided to make more focused interventions in the cultural sector. Vigil should also be there against communal interventions in the cultural sphere. You are a food lover too... Who doesnt like good food (laughs)! I like traditional sadya the most. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Sasidharan Nair M K, Anil S, K S Sreejith, Sovi Vidyadharan. B P Deepu (photos), Harikrishna B (video)

4,000-member police team to provide security for Thrissur Pooram

State Police chief reviews safety arrangements

Thousands participated in mega job fair in Thrissur

Interviews conducted for around 35,000 job opportunities across 577 different sectors, offered by 151 employers

Parent Up campaign launched in Thrissur

Explosives hurled near BJP leader Sobha Surendrans house in Thrissur

While the police have yet to confirm the identities or motives of the suspects, BJP leader Sobha Surendran has alleged that the incident, which happened on April 25 night, was a deliberate attack targeting her

Campaign on RTI Act for Protecting Human Rights set to launch on Sunday

Guwahati: The campaign titled Right to Information Act for Protecting Human Rights will begin in Thrissur, Kerala, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, according to the sources. Sources confirmed that the State Information Commissioner A. Abdul Hakkim will inaugurate the year-long campaign organized by the State Human Rights Protection Centre in association with various socio-cultural organizations, [] The post Campaign on RTI Act for Protecting Human Rights set to launch on Sunday appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Thrissurs mega job fest kicks off today, thousands of jobseekers expected to attend

Meet on Thrissur Pooram discusses safety aspects

Minister calls for collaboration from all parties involved, including the Pooram organising committee and elephant owners, to maintain high safety standards

Man Murdered By Brother In Drunken Brawl In Thrissur

Victim attacked at toddy shop after altercation; accused brother held by police

From rural roots, giving politics young shoots

PALAKKAD: In the quiet, story-laden Kumbidi village, in Palakkad district, which once nurtured the legendary author M T Vasudevan Nair, a young leader is reshaping the governance and public service landscape. Sneha P, who in 2022, at the age of 22, became the youngest block panchayat member in the state, is more than just a public servant she is a symbol of generational change, proving that leadership is not bound by age but by vision and action. At an age when most are still mapping out their future, Sneha has already walked the corridors of governance representing her ward in Thrithala panchayat, and emerged as a symbol of new-age leadership. I represent a rural area, where people look forward to governing bodies for basic necessities secure homes, decent roads, accessible healthcare and job opportunities. In the two years as a peoples representative, I realised leadership isnt about grandeur; its about listening, understanding, and standing up for those without a voice, Sneha, who is currently pursuing her BEd degree in social sciences from Thiruvananthapuram, tells TNIE . Her first taste of public work was when she stepped into student politics while pursuing her bachelors degree at Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. She contested and won the college election an experience that laid the foundation of her larger political journey. Then, while carrying out her studies at the Karyavattom campus, fate knocked at her door once again. A call from her party, the CPM, changed everything an invitation to contest in a block panchayat by-election. The weight of expectation was heavy. As a student, her dreams revolved around education, not electoral battles. Could she balance both? Would people trust someone so young? I was clueless, Sneha recollects. The campaign was relentless early mornings, late nights, countless meetings, and a whole community watching with curiosity. Her youth became a talking point. Some dismissed me as a child. They ridiculed me as an inexperienced kitten playing the game that grownups play, Sneha said. But the ballot box had the final say. The peoples verdict was clear: she wasnt just a contestant; she was their choice. The Left retained the seat with a record margin, and Sneha became the face of a new political dawn. But leadership isnt just about winning its about withstanding storms. Juggling governance with academics wasnt easy. There were days when an important board meeting clashed with an exam, nights when policies and textbooks competed for her attention. Yet, through it all, her party stood by her, reminding her that education was never to be sacrificed for politics it is meant to buttress it. As she navigated the challenges of being a block panchayat member, she realised a deeper truth: Politics wasnt just about roads and budgets. It was about perceptions. Society still viewed politics as a battlefield for seasoned men in white khadi, and students hesitated to step in, fearing it was a world tainted with cynicism. Sneha saw it differently. Politics, to her, was about breaking barriers, about proving that young voices deserve a place at the table. But Snehas journey didnt stop at politics. She saw another silent crisis gripping people their battle with mental health. While governments debated policies, individuals continued to suffer in silence, their struggles buried under the weight of stigma. She knew she had to act. And, she did. Sneha, along with her friends, launched a counselling centre in Thiruvananthapuram. At a time when stress, anxiety, and depression have become everyday realities, she has created a space where healing is not just a concept but a lived experience. Snehas journey is a testament to the fact that change isnt always loud. Sometimes, it begins in the quiet corners of a village, in the dreams of a young girl who refuses to accept the world as it is. A degree course in life: For Keralas youngest panchayat president, politics means service

Wild weather wreaks havoc at Thrissur zoo

Zoo has been witnessing heavy rush this vacation time. However, tragedy was averted as storm struck at night

Rain, fierce storm batter Thrissur on Tuesday: damage estimated at 1.66 crore

Prime suspect in Kottayam twin murder lands in police custody

Police tracked the movements of the accused and finally arrested him in Mala, in Thrissur district.

Rental e-scooters launched at Kerala's Tirur railway station to boost last-mile connectivity

KOZHIKODE: For the thousands of passengers alighting at Tirur railway station daily, the journey doesnt end with the last whistle. Getting to their destination whether its home, work or a quick visit to the market always entails waiting for an autorickshaw or haggling with a taxi driver. Thankfully, that is now changing. To improve last-mile connectivity and promote green mobility, electric scooter rental services have been launched at Tirur railway station, along with Thrissur and Ernakulam Town railway stations in Kerala as a pilot project. The initiative, jointly spearheaded by Indian Railways and a private mobility startup, aims to provide a seamless travel experience to train passengers arriving at or departing from the stations. The passengers can rent the electric scooters from the designated kiosks located outside the railway stations. The process is quick and entirely digital an Aadhaar card and valid driving licence are all that is needed to unlock the vehicle via a mobile app. The service is operational 24x7 and is designed to support short-distance commuting needs, such as travel to hotels, offices or homes from the station. Railway officials said the move is expected to reduce dependence on conventional autorickshaws and taxis while offering an eco-friendly and affordable option for solo travellers. We are witnessing a shift in the way passengers prefer to travel. With this move, we are not only promoting green mobility but also addressing the gap in last-mile connectivity, said a senior official with the Palakkad railway division. The scooter service will soon be extended to Kozhikode, Kannur, Parappanangadi and Feroke railway stations and, based on its success, cover more stations. The rent is nominal, with a pay-as-you-go model and hourly packages. The scooters are GPS-enabled and come with safety features like speed limits and geofencing. Helmets are provided. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Indian Railways to modernise station amenities, encourage sustainable transport and improve overall passenger experience. 24x7 service Passengers can rent electric scooters from the designated kiosks located outside railway stations An Aadhaar card and valid driving licence are needed to unlock the vehicle via a mobile app The service is operational 24x7 and is designed to support short-distance commuting needs such as travel to hotels, offices or homes

18,000 more spectators can enjoy Thrissur Pooram fireworks from Swaraj Round

Sonnet Joses achievement is a childhood dream

Sonnet Jose secures the 54th rank in the civil services examination 2024. She is the second person from Kottayam-Idukki bordering region to clear the exam, after incumbent Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandiyan

BJP leaders reach out to Christian community on Easter; discuss Munambam land dispute

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the waqf land row in Kochis Munambam and the residents apprehensions whether the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 would resolve their woes or not, top Kerala BJP leaders conducted Christian community outreach on Easter Sunday by visiting churches and meeting prominent leaders of the community across the state. While BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar called on Cardinal George Alencherry in Thiruvananthapuram, Union Minister Suresh Gopi met Thrissur Archbishop Andrews Thazhath and later Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church head Baselios Joseph I in Kochi. The BJPs Easter outreach, a practice the party is following meticulously for the past couple of years, assumes significance this time in the wake of the criticism surrounding Union Minister Kiren Rijijus statement last week that the 2025 Act might not directly address the Munambam land dispute. The partys renewed efforts appear aimed at mending fences and strengthening ties with the Christian community. During his meeting with Alencherry at Lourde Forane Church in Palayam in the state capital, Chandrasekhar, accompanied by senior BJP district leaders, conveyed Easter greetings and belated birthday wishes to the cardinal. He also expressed hope that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would help resolve the long-pending Munambam land dispute, and backed Rijijus remarks that the amended Act provides a legal pathway for resolution by enabling parties to approach the Supreme Court. His (Rijijus) remarks were well-intentioned, and I believe the Munambam issue will be resolved once the Act is implemented following the Supreme Courts ruling, Chandrasekhar said. He also pointed fingers at parties in Kerala for failing to address the issue in the past. Speaking to mediapersons later, Cardinal Alencherry described the meeting as informal. He said the Union and state governments appeared keen on resolving the Munambam issue, and added, They say people will benefit once the practical aspects of the law are implemented. Suresh Gopi attends special Easter prayers Suresh Gopi attended special Easter prayers at churches in Thrissur. He participated in the Holy Mass at Ollur Mary Matha Church and Puthanpally Mary Matha Catholic Church. He also met Archbishop Andrews Thazhath at Bishops House and Baselios Joseph I at his residence in Mulanthuruthy, where the Munambam issue was also discussed. The BJPs state leadership had directed party workers to join the Christian community for Easter celebrations. In previous years, BJP leaders from the booth-level up would visit homes of members of the community and convey Easter wishes under the banner of Sneha Yathra, which used to begin 10 days before Easter.

Kerala Man Stabbed to Death by Neighbour Over Dog Dispute

42-Year-Old Killed Near Thrissur After Pet Enters Accused's Yard

Thrissurs mega job fair is just the beginning, more job drives to follow, says Minister Rajan

Vijnana Kerala and its district-level mission Vijnana Thrissur are key steps towards realising the State governments vision of creating 20 lakh jobs, says Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu.

Digital resurvey set to become States second land reform: Minister K. Rajan

Minister inaugurates third phase in Thrissur

Thrissur Pooram fireworks to dazzle as planned, say Ministers

Two tribal persons killed in wild elephant attack in Kerala

Third fatal wild elephant encounter in Thrissur district in just two days

Mass protest demanding repeal of Waqf (Amendment) Act in Thrissur

Youth Congress protest march to Suresh Gopis office in Thrissur against attack on Christian priest in Jabalpur

The police use water cannons to disperse protesters

Thrissur: Youth murders six-year-old boy for resisting sexual assault

Accused taken to crime site

Panchayat in Thrissur to reap riches from fallow land

Sreenarayanapurams Tharishu-rahitha panchayat scheme will identify and cultivate unused lands across all 21 wards. Apart from vegetables, crops such as coconuts, tapioca, medicinal herbs, bananas, and indigenous fruits will be farmed

ED convinced that CPI(M) has no account in Karuvannur bank, says MP

ED had claimed that the Thrissur district committee of the party had opened an account in the bank in 2017 while K. Radhakrishnan was the CPI(M) district secretary

Mayors council seeks creation of metropolitan planning committee

All-Kerala Mayors Council convenes in Thrissur on Tuesday to tackle the mounting challenges of city development amid rapid urbanisation

Kerala HC awards life imprisonment to five BJP workers in murder of JD(U) leader in Thrissur

Janata Dal (United) leader P.G. Deepak was murdered at Cherpu in Thrissur in March 2015

Thrissur declared garbage-free district

HC directive to complete probe into Thrissur Pooram disruption

Yellow alert for 8 districts on Thursday; IMD forecasts excess rains in April

Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad are put on yellow alert

Run for Autism Walkathon held in Thrissur

BJP suspends former Thrissur district committee member over court petition against Empuraan

Tiruppur MP meets Union Minister, reiterates request for six-lane expressway between Salem and Chengapalli

His petition emphasised that the highway is a crucial route connecting Salem, Namakkal, Erode, and Coimbatore with Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kochi in Kerala

YouTuber blocks Priyanka Gandhi's convoy for honking, arrested

In Thrissur, Kerala, a YouTuber was arrested for allegedly blocking the convoy of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Saturday at Mannuthy Bypass Junction. The individual was taken into custody and released later on station bail, with charges including endangering lives and disobeying police directives.

Youtuber held for blocking convoy of Priyanka Gandhi MP

THRISSUR (Kerala), Mar 31: A YouTuber has been arrested here for allegedly blocking the convoy of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, police said on Monday. The Mannuthy police took Aneesh Abraham, a resident of Elanadu, into custody in connection with the incident and released him later on station bail, a police officer said. His car was also seized. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Saturday at Mannuthy Bypass Junction while Vadra was travelling from Vandoor, Malappuram, to Kochi [] The post Youtuber held for blocking convoy of Priyanka Gandhi MP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Coastal Cyclothon: pedalling towards a drug-free Thrissur

Thrissur honours winners of State school arts fete

Mega job expo in Thrissur on April 26

Over 25,000 candidates are expected to take part in the employment fair, in which as many as 200 national and international companies are participating.

Thiruthu, a correctional film festival at Viyyur central jail from March 24

International Film Festival Thrissur to host five-day correctional film festivalfor inmates. The fete aims to promote rehabilitation and social change through the medium of cinema

Thrissur to host mega job fair under Vijnana Keralam project on April 26

Core objective of project is to generate employment opportunities for educated youth by enhancing their skill sets according to the demands of the job market

Operation D-Hunt sees 365 cases and 387 arrests in three weeks in Thrissur

Among 365 cases, three involved commercial quantities, eight were medium quantity cases, and 29 cases involved small quantities

Relatives demand probe into death of Thrissur student in Scotland

Body of Ebel Tharayil was found on railway tracks in Scotland on March 12. Family says there is no reason for Ebel to end his life

Strengthen fight against drug mafia, Kerala CM tells new SI recruits

Passing-out parade of 118 Sub-Inspector trainees of 31B batch at Kerala Police Academy at Ramavarmapuram, Thrissur,

High-level meet chalks out Thrissur Pooram plans

Pooram will be conducted in all its grandeur with ample focus on safety, says Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan

Long-pending land issues of tribespeople find solution in Thrissur district

As part of these initiatives, title documents are being prepared for 44 tribal families at Olakara, with 1.5 acres each. The process of land allocation for 106 landless tribal families identified in the district is progressing

Tholur grama panchayat shines as Thrissurs first garbage-free green panchayat

The initiative for making the panchayat free of garbage was implemented in phases under the Thelimayode Tholur campaign

Land ownership granted to families relocated due to landslide threat in Thrissurs Akamala

Land documents and tax payment receipts handed over to beneficiaries by District Collector Arjun Pandian

Keralas captive elephant population dips to 389

In the Forest dept.s Statewide enumeration in 2018, the number was 521. Thrissur has the most number of captive elephants

Thrissur Pooram disruption inquiry points to avoidable oversights, suggests corrective steps

Report submitted by ADGP Manoj Abraham stresses that stakeholders such as the devaswoms and the district administration, should strike a consensus on sensitive matters such as crowd control, closure of roads, and fireworks, instead of taking arbitrary decisions that cause friction

As summer sizzles,Thrissur zoo keeps animals cool with showers and artificial ponds

Flash strike at IOCs bottling plant hits supply of LPG cylinders

The supply of LPG cylinders to Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts was disrupted following the flash strike

Iron piece found on railway track in Keralas Thrissur, police detain Tamil Nadu man

Reportedly a drug addict, he had attempted to steal a piece of the rail track, which was lying outside the track, to sell to buy drugs. It slipped from his hands and fell on the tracks when he tried to take it away

Two youths arrested with cannabis in different cases in Thrissur

CM reviews preparations for Thrissur Pooram

Pinarayi Vijayan directs that all safety protocols, including firework regulations, elephant parades, and crowd control, must strictly adhere to existing laws and court orders.

District panchayat Budget envisages all-round development of Thrissur

Focus areas include Robo Park, My Job, My Pride initiative, waste management, extreme poverty eradication programmes, LIFE Mission, agriculture, animal welfare, drinking water scarcity, healthcare, Cancer-Free Thrissur, and education

Thrissur cyclothon pedals towards a greener tomorrow with unified community spirit

The event was organised by Indian Oil Corporation Limited with the support of The Hindu in School

ITFoK to begin in Thrissur on February 23

Saji Cherian will inaugurate the fest; actor Nassar will be the chief guest

Tribal man trampled to death by wild elephant in Keralas Thrissur

58-year-old attacked by elephant about 6 km deep into the woods at Thamaravellachal under Peechi Forest Division

Time for India's smaller cities to shine? Rajkot, Nagpur, Thrissur register over 150% jump in Hurun's top hotspots for companies

Smaller cities like Thrissur and Nagpur are emerging as potential business hotspots, as observed in the latest Burgundy Private Hurun India 500 report. With government initiatives improving infrastructure and job creation, interest from homebuyers and investors in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is on the rise.

3 BHK Villa For Sale Thrissur, Kerala (India) Selling Price INR 45 Lacs

3 BHK House with Hall, Dining Area, well maintained. 15 cents land with well and water availbility in plenty. No flooding land even in 2018 []

In a first, Thrissur holds its first full marathon

Armed Robber Steals Rs 15 Lakh From Thrissur Bank Branch

A masked robber looted 15 lakh from a Chalakudy bank in Thrissur at knifepoint, locking staff inside a toilet before fleeing on a bike.