Mullaperiyar - Kerala Brahmana Sabha declares solidarity

The Kerala Brahmana Sabha declared solidarity towards the Mullaperiyar Samara Samithy at Chappath on Tuesday, 13th of December 2011. A solidarity rally with more than 100 delegates from from all over Kerala was organised at Chappath to demonstrate the cooperation and support, lead by M. Vanchiswaran (Rally Captain) of Ernakulam. Addressing the gathering at Samara Pandal, Chappath, Dr. P. S. Raman (Vice President, Kerala Brahmana Sabha) said that the anxiety of the common people must be considered by the authorities of both States and come to an amicable solution as early as possible.

'Aikamthya Sooktham' was chanted by P. Venkitarama Iyer for unanimity, sameness of opinion and concurrence of the leaders of the both states. P. Ananthasubramaniam (State General Secretary), N. R. Parameswaran, Mohandas S. (State Joint Secretaries), H. Ramanathan (District President, Kottayam), V. Krishnaswami (District President, Ernakulam), T. V. Narayanan (Thrissur), G. Mony (District President, Alapuzha), Narayanaswami (Kollam), C. S. Gopalakrishnan (Kozhikode) and P. Venkitarama Iyer (Ex-State President) were among the leaders who participated in the rally. H. Ramanathan and P. Venkitarama Iyer addressed the people of Chappath with inspiring words. They urged the people not to take the issue emotionally and requested both the states to approach the issue from the people's point of view. H. Ramanathan poited out that the Tamil Brahmins, who are born and brought up in Kerala and following Tamil culture stand united behind the Samara Samithy in the Mullaperiyar issue.

P. C. George (Chief Whip, Governament of Kerala) wished the rally at Chappath and Mons Joseph (Former Minister) who was present in the Samara Pandal also wished the leaders of Kerala Brahmana Sabha. The leaders of the Samara Samithy were draped with Shall on the occasion.

E-Queue system at Sabarimala

The Kerala Police has launched an e-queue system for Sabarimala darshanam during the 2011-12 pilgrimage season. Pilgrims can visit the following link http://www.sabarimala.keralapolice.gov.in/en/q-coupon.html and register. Using the online advance queue placement coupon, pilgrims can get preference in the queue for darshanam, which will help to avoid overcrowding and congestion. This facility is limited to devotees who are coming to Sabarimala with Irumudikettu. However, the Q-Coupon does not assure a darshanam at Sabarimala. This is a free service offered by Kerala Police for the purpose of crowd management at Sabarimala. There is no payment involved in this advance booking system. Visit the following link to visit the site.

Pilgrims will have to fill out the form and upload a scanned passport size photograph (jpg / jpeg format of less than 30 KB size). The print out generated after registration (Q-Coupon) and the Identity Card used for registration are to be produced for verification by Police officials while coming for Darshan. The website is being maintained by the Police Computer Centre at the State Crime Records Bureau of Kerala Police.

Vidya passed away

Vidya (26), daughter of Venkiteswaran and Bhagyalakshmi, Sreevalsam, Mangad P. O., Kollam passed away on Monday, 14th November 2011 at Amritha Hospital, Kochi. She was under treatment for liver disease and had underwent a liver trasplantation surgeory few days back which could not save her life. Vidya was working at Union Bank of India, Civil Station Branch, Kollam. Funeral held at Perumbavoor. Condolences.

Foundation stone laid for Gayathri Kalyana Mandapam,Edappally, Ernakulam

The foundation stone laying ceremony of the Gayathri Kalyana Mandapam of Edappalli Brahmana Samooham, an affiliated unit of Kerala Brahmana Sabha was held on Saturday, 29th October 2011 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamigal of Sringeri Mutt conveyed his gracious blessings for the successful completion of the project undertaken by the Edappally Brahmana Samooham in his message. The rennovation of Gayathri Kalyana Mandapam is expected to be completed on September 2012. The new Air Conditioned Mandapam is designed to accomodate 1500 people in the Main Hall and the Dining hall will accomodate 500. Aminities like lift, parking space, rooms etc. are provoded here.

Blood Donation Camp in connection with 41st AGB

The Yuvajana Vibhagam of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Thiruvananthapuram District organised a blood donation camp on National Blood Donation Day, 1st of October 2011. The camp was conducted in connection with the 41st Annual State Conference of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, held on 15th and 16th October at Thiruvananthapuram. 41 members of Yuvajana Vibhagam donated blood at Sri Chithira Thirunal Institute of Medical Science. An awareness meeting was also conducted on the same day in which R. Lakshminarayan Potti and S. K. Jayaram were felicitated for their volunteer service in helping the patients by providing blood donors and providing hospital aid to the needy. Rakesh, All Kerala Blood Donors Society Joint Secretary delivered awareness speech. H. Ganesh, District President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Thiruvananthapuram and Janardhana Iyer, Seva Rathna delivered speech. Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha appreciated the excellent efforts of the Yuvajana Vibhagam members at Thiruvananthapuram.

Annadaanam at Kottayam Brahmana Samooham for Sabarimala Pilgrims

The Kottayam Brahmana Samooham has made arrangements for providing food for Sabarimala pilgrims during Mandala-Makara Vilakku season as in the previous years. Accomodation is also available here with A/C and non-A/C room falcilities. Those who wish to Sponcer the Annadanam may kindly contact Sree Dharmasastha Annadanam Trust, City Union Bank, Kottayam Branch, SB Account No. 54001001256086, IFSC Code: CIUB0000154

Krishnan & Ambika in Music Reality Shows

Krishnan V. in Amritha Super Star - the ultimate

Krishnan V. of Parur joins us in Amritha Superstar - the ultimate on weekdays 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. He is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student in Adi Sankara Institute of Engineering at Kalady. Krishnan has become a popular figure among the youngsters of Kerala Brahmana Sabha in Ernakulam District with his ace performance in Yuva Fest 2010 held at Ernakulam. Also Krishnan has won many prizes for Classical Music, Light Music, Sopana Sangeetham and Ashtapadi competitions in school/college levels. He is learning Classical Music for 13 years and his first teacher was Sudhan Vachakkal. Presently he is trained under the tutelage of N. P. Ramaswami. Krishnan V. has won prizes in Kalanjali - the youth festival organised by Kerala Brahmana Sabha in alternate years - and University cultural competitions.

Krishnan V. needs the support of viewers in this music reality show telecasted in Amritha TV. Everyone is requested to support him with SMS votes. We wish him all the best!

Ambika Gopalakrishnan in Asianet Idea Star Singer - Season 6

Ambika Gopalakrishnan of Ernakulam has been selected in Asianet Idea Star Singer - Season 6, a popular musical reality show. 30 were selected from around 3000 aspirants to contest in this reality show. She was honoured in the Annual General Body of Ernakulam District held at Aluva for having won the first prize in Carnatic Music in the inter-collegiate youth festival of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), ‘Sargam 2011’.  She started learning music at the age of 5 years. Her first music teacher was Milda Stanley, followed by Sushama Sunil. She has been the student of Mavelikkara Ponnammal and her son Mavelikkara P. Subramaniam. She was the winner in Carnatic music competition in the All Kerala Bhavan’s Youth Festival (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). She won the ‘Bhavan’s Jyothi’ title at the All Kerala Bhavan’s Youth Festival, 2002. She was also adjudged winner in Carnatic Music in the M. G. University Youth Festival (2008). Apart from university youth festivals, Ambika was a finalist in ‘Airtel Star Wars’, an inter-collegiate reality show organized by Kairali TV in the year 2008. She has just completed her M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Cochin University of Science and Technology this year. Ambika is the daughter of Indu Gopalakrishnan and K. Gopalakrishnan. Her sister Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan is a Chartered Accountant.

She needs the support of the viewers and all are requested to send SMS votes favouring her. We wish her all the very best!

Government declares holiday for 'Avani Avittam'

The Government of Kerala has declared restricted holiday for 'Avani Avittam' for its employees belonging to Brahmin Community on Thursday, 2nd of August 2012. Mannam Jayanthi is also declared restricted holiday for Nair Community members on Monday, 2nd January 2012.

41st AGB at Thiruvananthapuram in News Papers

Thiruvananthapuram State Meeting - a landmark

The 41st Annual General Body was held on Saturday and Sunday, the 15th and 16th of October 2011 at Thiruvananthapuram. The two-day state conference was held at Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer Nagar (Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Fort P. O., Thiruvananthapuram). Delegates from all over Kerala attended the two-day AGB held at the capital city of Kerala. Dr. V. Ramalingam has been re-elected as the State President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha unanimously. The 41st AGB became a landmark in the history of Sabha by electing C. G. Kiran from Kozhikode unanimously as the ever first State President of Yuvajana Vibhagam in the Delegate Meeting held in the afternoon. Dr. K. V. Saraswathy got elected as the State President of Vanitha Vibhagam.

Unlike in the previous years, the AGB was conducted in two days for a better time management. On 15th October 2011, Peethambara Kurup MP, inaugurated the meeting by lighting the Nilavilakku. In his inaugural address, he said the representatives of the Kerala Brahmana Sabha should have a seat in the Dewaswom Boards in the state. The community members should unite together to have their rights established in the present condition. Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President presided over the meeting. R. Ramachandran Nair IAS (Ex-Chief Secretary of Kerala), Janardana Iyer (Chairman, Sarada Educational Society), Dr. M. Sambasivan (Ex-State President, Kerala Brahmana Sabha), Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan (State President, Vanitha Vibhagam) and H. Ganesh (District President, Thiruvananthapuram) were also present on the occasion. A music-dance night in the name ‘Sargam 2011’ was staged by the Yuvajana Vibhagam of Thiruvananthapuram after the meeting. The three hour programme of the youngsters showcased a heart-throbbing performance.

Ceremonial welcome to Dr. V. Ramalingam
Dr. V. Ramalingam was received at the West Fort Gate next day on 16th of October 2011, before commencing the Delegate meeting. The volunteers of Sabha gave him a ceremonial welcome with Poornakumbham in the venue. Thousands participated in the procession accompanied by festival umbrellas, panchavadyam and nagaswaram to receive the State President.

41st Annual General Body - Delegate Meeting at Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer Nagar
The Delegate meeting of the 41st AGB was presided over by Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President. The session passed the Report and Accounts presented before the members after detailed discussions and proceeded to election. Dr. V. Ramalingam got elected unanimously in the elections and he then nominated P. Ananthasubramaniam as General Secretary, K. G. V. Pathy as Treasurer, Mohandas S. and A. Sankarasubramanian as Joint Secretaries (Head Quarters). The other office bearers elected are as follows. Vice Presidents: N. Hariharan (South Zone), Dr. P. S. Raman (Central Zone), N. R. Krishnamurthy (North Zone); Secretaries: R. Suresh (South Zone), N. R. Parameswaran (Central Zone), C. D. Parameswaran (North Zone). G. Mony, Returning Officer conducted the elections and the new office bearers declared by him took charge immediately. P. Ananthasubramaniam, General Secretary delivered the vote of thanks.

Annual General Body - Delegate Meeting of Vanitha Vibhagam
In the afternoon session, Honourable Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly, G. Karthikeyan inaugurated the Delegate meeting of Vanitha Vibhagam and Yuvajana Vibhagam. “The Brahmin community is not too far from the mainstream and there is no point in having an alien feeling. We are living in a democratic society where numbers influence the decisions of the rulers. The organization should timely fight and interfere in the issues of the member’s rights when it is reduced or lost when shared. Also Brahmins should be keen on keeping your moral and values in life, and should live by uplifting the rich tradition and culture that you own” – he said. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, State President of Vanitha Vibhagam. Dr. V. Ramalingam presented a memento to G. Karthikeyan on the occasion. Radha Rangan delivered the welcome address and Adv. Sujini Venkitachalam said the vote of thanks.

The official proceedings held thereafter and the Report and Annual Accounts were passed after brief discussions and debate. Dr. K. V. Saraswathy from Alapuzha unanimously got elected as State President of Vanitha Vibhagam and she nominated Adv. Sujini Venkitachalam as Secretary and M. Muthulekshmi as Treasurer.

Annual General Body of Yuvajana Vibhagam
The Delegate meeting of Yuvajana Vibhagam was held at Colonel. Viswanathan Nagar presided by D. Harinath. Since an ad-hoc committee was in charge of the Yuvajana Vibhagam, a consolidated Report was not presented; instead individual districts presented the reports and passed. Dr. V. Ramalingam addressed the session. After G. Mony briefed on the election procedures, C. G. Kiran from Kozhikode was unanimously elected as the State President of Yuvajana Vibhagam. He nominated Ramkumar K. B. as Secretary and Arun Kumar A. S. as Treasurer of Yuvajana Vibhagam. Dr. P. S. Raman (State Vice President), S. S. Iyer (Ex-State President, Kerala Brahmana Sabha), Mohandas S. (State Joint Secretary), S. Sankar (District Secretary, Kottayam) and D. Harinath (State Co-ordinator, ad-hoc committee) felicitated the newly elected office bearers. Ramkumar K. B. said the vote of thanks. 

Cultural Competitions for children
Earlier on Saturday, 15th of October 2011, the Cultural Competitions for children of the age group 8 to 15 were held at Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer Nagar (Panchajanyam, Fort, Thiruvananthapuram). Her highness Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi bayi delivered a mind blowing address by inaugurating the competitions. Among the 8 great civilizations in the World history, ours is the only one which is in practice even after so many years of invasion and disruption, because it is safe in the hands of you Brahmins, said Aswathy Thirunal. You should be able to keep your morals and values coupled with the rich tradition and culture that you possess in this present age too, even though it is challenging – she added. Dr. V. Ramalingam presided over the meeting. S. Udayalakshmi (Municipal Counciller, Fort Ward), S. Anantharama Iyer (President, South Zone), H. Ganesh (District President, Thiruvananthapuram) and P. Ananthasubramaniam were also present on the occasion.

The competitions were held in two categories for boys and girls. The district level winners participated in the competitions held in five – Kolamidal, Slokam Chanting, Manthram Chanting and Bhajana – disciplines. The following won the prizes.

MANTHRAM CHANTING - GROUP A
FIRST - Navaneeth H. (Kollam)
SECOND - Kailasapathy G. (Palakkad)
THIRD - Sankara Narayanan (Kozhikode)

MANTHRAM CHANTING - GROUP B
FIRST - Ramakrishnan V. (Ernakulam)
SECOND - Subramanian R. (Thiruvananthapuram)
THIRD – Sreenath (Palakkad)

SLOKAM CHANTING - GROUP A
FIRST - Shradha G. (Ernakulam)
SECOND - Saikripa S. (Ernakulam)
THIRD - Chaithanya R. (Palakkad)

SLOKAM CHANTING - GROUP B
FIRST - Sruthi S. (Kottayam)
SECOND - Vijayalakshmi (Thiruvananthapuram)
THIRD - Pavithra C. V. (Ernakulam)

KOLAMIDAL - GROUP A
FIRST - Saimeena (Thiruvananthapuram)
SECOND - SAIKRIPA S. (Ernakulam)
THIRD - Bhavadarshini M. S. (Thiruvananthapuram)

KOLAMIDAL - GROUP B
FIRST - Sreeja M. Krishnan (Palakkad)
SECOND - Divya S. (Kollam)
THIRD - Aparna S. & Pavithra C. V. (Ernakulam)

BHAJANA - GROUP A
FIRST - Navaneeth H. & Party (Kollam)
SECOND - Gayathri & Party (Palakkad)
THIRD - Dasarathi & Party (Thiruvananthapuram)

BHAJANA - GROUP B
FIRST - Lakshmi Hariharan & Party (Palakkad)
SECOND - Subramanian & Party (Ernakulam)
THIRD – Suchithra Narayanan & Party (Thrissur)

Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was inaugurated by V. S. Sivakumar, Minister for Transport and Dewaswom. In his inaugural address, he assured the Brahmin community that the Government will not initiate any actions that will adversely affect the people who live in and around Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple for any security reasons. K. Chandrika (Mayor, Thiruvananthapuran Corporation), V. Sivankutti MLA, O. Rajagopal (Ex-Minister for States) and H. Ganesh (District President, Thiruvananthapuram) addressed the gathering. The meeting was presided over by Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha. The winners of the cultural competitions were given certificates and cash prizes of Rs. 7500, 5000 and 2500 for First, Second and Third positions respectively. The personalities among the community who have outstanding achievements were also honoured on the occasion. Deenabandhu P. Thanu Iyer, Deena Dayanidhi Radha Narayanan and elder couples of the community were also honoured on the occasion.

Venue, Food & Accommodation – Thanks to the organizing committee
The architecture of the dining hall (used as ‘Nelpura’ of royal family) and some of the locations arranged for accommodation (like Veda Gramam) was attractive and had the royal touch of Travancore. Arrangements made for food and accommodation gave quite good response from the Delegates came from different parts of Kerala. Altogether the organizers deserve a pat on their back for the smooth and good conduct of a grand event.

Dr. V. Ramalingam re-elected State President

Dr. V. Ramalingam

Dr. V. Ramalingam has been re-elected Kerala Brahmana Sabha State President for the second time. He was elected unanimously in the elections held at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, 16th October 2011. The other newly elected office-bearers of the Sabha are as follows:

P. Ananthasubramaniam, K. G. V. Pathy, Mohandas S., Sankarasubramanian A.

General Secretary: P. Ananthasubramaniam, Treasurer: K. G. V. Pathy, Vice Presidents: N. Hariharan, Dr. P. S. Raman, N. R. Krishnamurthy, Joint Secretaries: R. Suresh, N. R. Parameswaran, C. D. Parameswaran, Joint Secretaries (Head Quarters): Mohandas S., A. Sankarasubramanian.

Dr. Saraswathy K., Adv. Sujini Venkitachalam, Muthulekshmi M.

The Vanitha Vibhagam and Yuvajana Vibhagam elections were also held on the same day. The Vanitha Vibhagam elected Dr. Saraswathy K. V. as President. The new General Secretary is Adv. Sujini Venkitachalam and Muthulekshmi M., the Treasurer.

C. G. Kiran, Ramkumar K. B., Arun Kumar A. S.

C. G. Kiran got elected as President of Yuvajana Vibhagam. Ramkumar K. B. is the new Secretary and Arun Kumar A. S., the Treasurer. The elections was held in 41st Annual General Body held at Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Fort P. O., Thiruvananthapuram. G. Mony was the returning officer.

41st AGB at Thiruvananthapuram on 15th & 16th 2011

The 41st Annual General Body of Kerala Brahmana Sabha will be held at Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer Nagar (Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Kottakkakam) at Thiruvananthapuram on 15th and 16th of October 2011. The programme details and schedule are as follows.

Date: 15th October 2011, Saturday
Venue: Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Kottakkakam, Thiruvananthapuram
MORNING SESSION
08.00 am : Registration for Cultural Competitions
09.00 am : Prayer
09.05 am : Welcome Address - P. Ramasubramonia Iyer, General Convener, 41st AGB
09.10 am : Presidential Address - Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President, KBS
09.15 am : Inauguration - SREE PADMANABHA DASA UTHRADAM THIRUNAL MARTHANDA VARMA
Felicitations - S. Udayalakshmi, Ward Counciller, Fort Ward
Vote of Thanks - S. Anantharama Iyer, President, South Zone, KBS

10.00 am onwards : Competitions in Koalmidal, Manthram Chanting, Slokam Chanting & Bhajana

EVENING SESSION - INAUGURAL MEETING
05.30 pm : Prayer
05.35 pm : Welcome Address - Dr. M. Sambasivan, Chairman, Reception Committee, 41st AGB
05.45 pm : Presidential Address - Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President, KBS
06.00 pm : Inauguration - HIS EXCELLENCY M. O. H. FAROOQ, Governer of Kerala
Felicitations - Peethambara Kurup (MP), K. Chandrika (Worshipful Mayor, Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram)
07.25 pm : Vote of Thanks - P. Ananthasubramaniam, State General Secretary, Kerala Brahmana Sabha

07.30 pm onwards - SARGAM - 2011, a music night by Yuvajana Vibhagam, KBS of Thiruvananthapuram

Date: 16th October 2011, Sunday
Venue: Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Kottakkakam, Thiruvananthapuram
MORNING SESSION
08.00 am : Delegate Registration
08.30 am : Reception to Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President, KBS (Procession from West Fort)
09.00 am : Flag Hoisting
09.30 am : Prayer
09.35 am : Welcome Address - H. Ganesh, District President, KBS, Thiruvananthapuram
09.45 am : Meeting as per Agenda of AGB Notice (In the Chair: Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President, KBS)
12.30 : Vote of Thanks - General Secretary

AFTERNOON SESSION
AGB OF VANITHA VIBHAGAM - Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer Nagar
01.00 pm : Prayer
01.05 pm : Welcome Address - Radha Rangan, District President, KBS, Vanitha Vibhagam, Thiruvananthapuram
01.15 pm : Inaugural Address - G. KARTHIKEYAN, Honourable Speaker
01.30 pm : Meeting as per Agenda of AGB Notice (In the Chair: Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, State President, KBS, Vanitha Vibhagam)
02.45 pm : Vote of Thanks - General Secretary, KBS, Vanitha Vibhagam

ABG OF YUVAJANA VIBHAGAM - Colonel Viswanathan Nagar
01.30 pm : Meeting as per Agenda of AGB Notice (In the Chair: D. Harinath, State Convener)
02.45 pm : Vote of Thanks - General Secretary, KBS, Yuvajana Vibhagam

EVENING SESSION - CLOSING CEREMONY
03.00 pm : Prayer
03.05 pm : Welcome Address - State General Secretary, KBS
03.10 pm : Presidential Address - State President, KBS
03.30 pm : Inaugural Address - V. S. SIVAKUMAR, Honourable Minister for Dewaswom & Transports
Felicitations : V. Sivankutti MLA, K. Muralidharan MLA, O. Rajagopal (Ex-Minister for States)

Honouring Rank holders in SSLC, +2 or equivalent courses, Degree, Professional Courses
Honouring P. Thanu Iyer, Deenadayanidhi Radha Narayanan, other dignitories, Priests, senior citizens and couples
04.45 pm : Vote of Thanks - H. Ganesh, District President KBS, Thiruvananthapuram & Chairman, Organising Committee, 41st AGB
05.00 pm : Santhi Manthram

LOCATION MAP TO PANCHAJANYAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Best Spice Exporter Award for GRK & Co., Kochi

Dr. V. Ramalingam receiving award from K. Jayakumar IAS

GRK & Co. Kochi, has won the award for Excellence in Export of Spice products in the year 2010-2011. The award is instituted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kochi. Dr. V. Ramalingam of GRK & Co., Kochi received the award from K. Jayakumar IAS, Additional Secretary, Government of Kerala on Tuesday, 27th of September 2011 in the function held at Hotel Casino, Willington Island, Kochi. P. I. Sheikh Pareeth IAS, District Collector of Ernakulam was the Guest of Honour. Dr. V. Ramalingam who is also the State President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha, said that he is proud and happy to receive the award consecutively for the 4th year.

NABL Certification for GRK & Co. Labs
The chemical and micro-biological lab of GRK & Co. has been granted NABL certification from the Natioanal Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration laboratories, New Delhi. By obtaining the NABL certification, the lab has been upgraded and the test certificates issued by our lab is now equivalent to a third-party laboratory certificate - Dr. V. Ramalingam explained.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is an autonomous body under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and is registered under the Societies Act. NABL has been established with the objective to provide Government, Industry Associations and Industry in general with a scheme for third-party assessment of the quality and technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Government of India has authorised NABL as the sole accreditation body for Testing and Calibration laboratories.

Tentative schedule of AGB released

The organising committee is working hard to make the 41st AGB of Kerala Brahmana Sabha a grand success. A tentative schedule has been released by the organising committee in this regard as follows. The AGB is to be held at Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Fort, Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday and Sunday, the 15th and 16th of October 2011.

DAY 1 - Saturday, 15th October 2011

Inauguration of Cultural Competitions - 08.00 a. m.

Registration/Validation of Participants - 08.30 a. m.

Commencement of Events - 09.00 a. m.

Closure of Competitions - 05.00 p. m.

Procession starts from North Nada - 05.30 p. m.

Inaugural Function - 06.00 p. m.

Musical Night/Dinner - 07.00 p. m. - 09.30 p. m.

DAY 2 - Sunday, 16th October 2011

Breakfast/Registration - 07.30 a. m. - 09.30 a. m.

Flag Hoisting - 08.30 a. m.

Business Session - 09.00 a. m.

Lunch - 11.00 a.m. - 02.00 p. m.

Vanitha Vibhagam Meeting (Main Hall) - 01.30 p. m.

Yuvajana Vibhagam Meeting (1st floor Hall) - 01.30 p. m.

Validictory function - 04.00 p. m.

Santhi Manthram/Closing ceremony - 06.00 p. m.

41st State AGB on October 15th and 16th at Thiruvananthapuram

The 41^st State Annual General Body of Kerala Brahmana Sabha will be held on Saturday and Sunday, the 15^th and 16^th of October 2011 at Panchajanyam Kalyana Mandapam, Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. The Cultural Competitions will be held on 15^th and the business meeting is scheduled on 16^th, informed P. Ananthasubramaniam, State General Secretary. Earlier the AGB was scheduled to be held at same venue  on September 24th and 25th. A circular has also been sent to all district office bearers in this regard.

Ganapathy Homam at State Committee Building, Thripunithura

The Kerala Brahmana Sabha, State Committee has decided to conduct a Ganapathy Homam at the recently purchased State Committee Office at Thripunithura on Saturday, 6th August 2011. P. Ananthasubramaniam, State General Secretary requested members to attend the function.

Dharmasreshta Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri passes away

Bhagavatham exponent and Sanskrit scholar Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri (91) passed away at his residence at Kuruppanthara on Tuesday, 2nd of August 2011 in the morning.  He was chosen for the Dharmasreshta Award instituted by Kerala Brahmana Sabha in the year 2006. The State Committee of Kerala Brahmana Sabha expressed condolence in the demise of the sage-like, scholarly Malliyoor Sankaran Nampoothiri.

He was born to Parameswaran Namboothiri and Arya Antharjanam on 2nd February 1921. He did not receive any formal education, but followed the spiritual path of his father.  The turning point came when Sankaran Namboothiri, on a visit to Guruvayoor, met Padappa Namboothiri  the eminent Sanskrit  scholar and  was admitted as his ‘sishya’. On the advice of his Guru, he took up the rendering of Bhagavatham in total surrender to Lord Guruvayoorappan. Things started turning for the better and Sankaran Namboothiri never left the path shown to him by his Guru.

His Bhagavathm rendition, known for its lucidity and erudition, attracted devotees in thousands, all over the country. He was awarded the title ‘Bhagavathahamsom’ after his  successful completion of 2500 ‘Bhagavatha Sapthaham’. He was bestowed with Poonthanam  Puraskaram by Akhila Bharatheeya Guruvayoorappan  Bhaktha  Samithy.  He had focussed his activities during the  last few years at the  Malliyoor Mahaganapathy Temple, the name of which  had become synonymous with the saintly Bhagavatham exponent.

Online Survey for Unmarried Boys and Girls

With a view to collect the database of unmarried boys and girls in our community, Kerala Brahmana Sabha, State Committee has decided to conduct an online survey in this regard. Those who come under this category are requested to fill the Online Survey data sheet accurately. Fake details provided will be removed from the database without prior notice and is subject to cyber law proceedings. Kerala Brahmana Babha assure the secrecy of the data to the purpose of the survey is meant. Please visit the following link for registration.https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG9Pc2pqQWNIR3N1YjBBdHlocHVvU0E6MQ

The Dharmasreshta Award for the year 2011 was presented to Brahmasree P. Krishna Iyer at Thrissur on Sunday, 1st of May 2011. It is for the outstanding contributions to the Spiritual Movement and in propagation of Sanskrit language. The award is instituted by Kerala Brahmana Sabha which carries a cash prize of Rs.10001, a citation and a statuette.

The award was presented by Justice T. L. Viswanatha Iyer on Sunday, the 1st of May 2011 at Janakee Nath Hall of Pushpagiri Brahmana Samooham, Thrissur. Dr. V. Ramalingam, State President of Kerala Brahmana Sabha presided over the meeting at 5.30 p.m.S. Moorthy (District Secretary, KBS, Thrissur) welcomed the gathering and P. Ananthasubramaniam (State General Secretary) delivered the vote of thanks. Prof. T. K. Devanarayanan President of KBS, Town Unit introduced the receipient of the award to the audience. The citation was presented by Prof. V. R. Ramakrishnan (Retired Principal, Kerala Varma College). Dr. P. S. Raman (State Vice President) and N. R. Parameswaran (State Joint Secretary) delivered felicitations.

Malliyoor Sankaran Namboothiri in 2006, M. H. Sasthrikal in 2007, K. V. Seshadrinatha Sasthrikal in 2008, Prof. V. Vaidyalinga Sarma in 2009 and Dr. M. Sambasivan in 2010 were the personalities to receive the honour in previous years.

P. Krishna Iyer is a Sanskrit scholar, residing at Thrissur since 1987. Born on 12th June 1928, Krishna Iyer had his schooling from Peringottukara high School and Pazhanji High School; later completed his graduation from St. Thomas College, Thrissur. He taught Mathematics in Peringottukara High School for a couple of years, then joined Postal Department in 1951 and retired in the year 1986 as Assistant Director. He started learning Sanskrit from his father and he successfully completed 'Samskritha Siromani' (Cultural Department, Government of Kerala) exam.

With his unparalelled style of rendering devotional and spiritual discourses, he has become a familiar personalty in the Bhagavatha Sapthaaha Sathrams conducted in various places. Since 1987, AIR (Thrissur) continues to telecast his discourses in the programme named 'Subhashitham' and a is the author of feature 'Mahabharatha Kathakal' appears in Sruthivani for last 196 issues. His contributions in the field of Namasankeerthana is also commendable.

P. Krishna Iyer is born to Parvathy Ammal and Perinkulam G. Padmanabha Sasthrikal who came to Thrissur from Palakkad to teach Sankrit in Brahmaswam Madhom Veda Padasala. Wife: Meenakshi (daughter of Somasundaram and Lakshmi Ammal, Nurani, Palakkad). Children: K. Geetha (bank of Baroda), Balaji (Malayala Manorama) and Sivakumar (Wipro). in-laws: Krishnamutrhy (Canara Bank), the honour in previous years.

Guidelines for Participants of Vipra Vismayam 2010-11

The State level Vipra Vismayam – the Games competition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, the 5th & 6th of February 2011 at various venues at Mattanchery. The main venue and the place of reporting for all the participants along with their team managers is

BWA Hall (Shree Sarada Sankara Kalyanamandpam)

Opposite Bank of Baroda

Aanavathil, Mattanchery

Kochi

Phone No. 0484 222 9060

Those who are coming in group and require transportation facility to reach the venue may please contact :

Shri. Ganesh Venkitachalam

District Treasurer

Ernakulam

Mobile No. 944 731 9291

The information may be passed on to him well in advance in order to arrange necessary transport. Those who require accommodation may please inform the requirements well in advance to

Shri. Rajkumar S. P.

Joint Convener (Accommodation)/Joint Secretary, Yuvajana Vibhagam

Mattanchery

Mobile No. 944 708 5220

Please note that the inauguration will take place on Saturday the 5th February at 7.30 am sharp and the games will start sharp at 8.00 am on both the days. Hence please ensure that all the contestants are ready by that time.

Please note that for junior category age proof is a MUST. In order to make the registration speedy and faster, all team managers who have not already sent the age proof of Junior Category are requested to send the same by speed post to

Shri. M. Vanchiswaran

Convener (Games & Registration)

Krishnanivas

Adv. Easwara Iyer Road,

Ernakulam

Kochi 682 035

Mobile No. 989 545 4182

E-mail – vr55@rediffmail.com

The schedule of Vipra Vismayam is given below.

General Guidelines

• All participants are requested to report at the Registration Counter at BWA Hall (Sarada Sankara Kalyana Mandapam) on 5th and 6th January 2011 at 06.30 a.m.

• Spot Registration will NOT be entertained for any reasons.

• The Games in different venues will start at 08.00 a. m. sharp.

• Proof of Age MUST be produced by those players who come under JUNIOR (below 18 years) category at the time of Registration without fail. Those who have already submitted need not produce the same again. (Junior Category - Born on or after 01/01/1992)

• Transportation of Players to and from the Venue will be arranged by the Organizers.

• Any necessary changes made in the Schedule/Fixture by the Organizing Committee will be final and binding.

• Every participating District should have a Team Manager and all official communications with Organizing Committee shall be through him/her in any circumstances. Players are requested to wear T-Shirts.

• Disputes arising (if any) may be represented before the Appeal Committee within 30 minutes after the specific event, through the corresponding Team Manager in writing, along with a fee of Rs. 100/-. Appeal once submitted cannot be withdrawn under any circumstances. The verdict of Appeal Committee on the specific dispute will be final and binding to all.

• Players and Team Managers are requested to abide by the Guidelines strictly.

CRICKET

• Innings shall be restricted to 8 overs a side.

• A bowler shall be permitted to bowl not more than 2 overs in an innings.

• In case of a tie, team lost lesser number of wickets shall be declared winners.

• If the wickets are same, winner of the super over shall be the winners of the match.

• All accessories (if required) for the match - Bat, Gloves, Pad etc. - must be brought by the teams.

• Ball will be given by the organizers.

SHUTTLE BADMINTON

• Players are requested to wear only T-Shirts/Track Suits and Canvas Shoes inside the Courts. Those who wish to play bare foot will also be allowed. Any other type of shoes/slippers will not be permitted for any reasons.

• Scoring format of 21 points per game will be followed.

CARROMS

• The game will be played in “4 Board Point” format (30 mins. Maximum)

• The player/team, who fails to report within 10 minutes of announcement of his /their names, will not be allowed to participate for any reasons.

• Out thumbing will be allowed.

• Player should bring Striker. (Strikers are made available for Sale in the venue)

CHESS

• The Championship shall be played under the laws of ‘Chess and FIDE Swiss’ Rules.

• Pairing/Rounds will be decided in the venue based on number of participants.

• The time control will be 90 minutes for one game. However, the Arbitor has the right to change the above timings or the number of rounds before the commencement of the first round.

• Latest tie breaking rules will be applied.

• For interpretation of Rule(s) and deciding any point not covered by rules, the decision of the Arbitor shall be final and binding.

• The Arbitor has every right to make any addition or amendment to these rules without prior notice. However, such changes will be displayed at the championship venue.

Note: For any clarifications, please contact M. Vanchiswaran, Convener (989 545 4182), Mohandas S., District Joint Secretary (944 711 2449). All are requested to cooperate with the organizers for the smooth and fair conduct of Vipra Vismayam.

Vipra Vismayam Programme Brochure to be released

Organising Committee - Vipra Vismayam 2010-11

RECEPTION COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN - Dr. V. Ramalingam (State President) - 94471 50008
VICE CHAIRMAN - Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan (State President, Vanitha Vibhagam) - 94951 22282
GENERAL CONVENOR - V. Krishnaswami (District President, Ernakulam) - 94465 22130
JOINT CONVENOR - V. Navaneetha Krishnan (State Joint Secretary – Head Quarters) - 94460 28471
JOINT CONVENOR - Balu Narayanan (State Joint Secretary – Head Quarters) - 93872 27010


FINANCE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN - Dr. P. S. Raman (President, Central Zone) - 94471 58899
VICE CHAIRMAN - K. R. Chandran (District Vice President, Ernakulam) - 94473 05070
CONVENOR - R. Ramakrishnan (District Secretary, Ernakulam) - 94473 29912
JOINT CONVENOR - H. Vanchiswaran (Vice President, Yuvajana Vibhagam, Ernakulam) - 99953 10669
JOINT CONVENOR - S. Naganathan (District Organizing Secretary, Ernakulam) -94970 39371


GAMES & REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN P. - Ananathasubramaniam (State General Secretary) - 94472 22316
VICE CHAIRMAN - Thangam Ramakrishnan (District Secretary, Vanitha Vibhagam, Ernakulam) - 94959 66274
CONVENOR - M. Vanchiswaran (Secretary, Ernakulam City Unit) - 98954 54182
JOINT CONVENOR - Mohandas S. (District Joint Secretary, Ernakulam) - 94471 12449
JOINT CONVENOR - R. Hariharaputhran (District Joint Secretary, Ernakulam) - 98465 38493
MEMBERS - S. Muralidas (Secretary, Muvattupuzha Upasabha) - 94953 17170
Ganesh Venkitachalam (District Treasurer, Ernakulam) - 94473 19291


PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN - K. G. V. Pathy (State Treasurer) - 98466 20787
VICE CHAIRMAN - K. Annalakshmy (District President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Ernakulam) - 94479 14586
CONVENOR - N. Ramachandran (District Vice President, Ernakulam) -99953 10577
JOINT CONVENOR - D. Harinath (State Co-ordinator, Yuvajana Vibhagam) - 99958 66149
JOINT CONVENOR - E. V. Lakshmi (District President, Yuvajana Vibhagam, Ernakulam) - 94464 34491


FOOD COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN - N. R. Parameswaran (Secretary, Central Zone) - 94471 31713
VICE CHAIRMAN - Sreemathy Ramaswami (State Secretary, Vanitha Vibhagam) - 99952 13044
CONVENOR - V. Parameswaran (District Organizing Secretary, Ernakulam) - 94464 04907
JOINT CONVENOR - S. Hariharan (Executive Committee Member, BWA, Mattancherry) -
JOINT CONVENOR - L. V. Vaidyanathan (District Committee Member, Ernakulam) - 93882 93758


ACCOMODATON COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN - N. Parameswaran (District Committee Member, Ernakulam) - 94474 04445
VICE CHAIRMAN - Santha Sabesan (President, Vanitha Vibhagam, Mattancherry) - 97469 47881
CONVENOR - Kala Varadarajan (Secretary, Vanitha Vibhagam, Mattancherry) - 98470 58739
JOINT CONVENOR - S. P. Rajkumar (Joint Secretary, Yuvajana Vibhagam, Mattancherry Unit) - 94470 85220

General Guidelines for State level Vipra Vismayam 2010-11

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Following are the disciplines in which the competitions are to be held.

1. Cricket (Tennis Ball) – (Male)

2. Carroms – Singles/Doubles (Male/Female)

3. Chess (Male/Female)

4. Shuttle Badminton – Singles/Doubles (Male/Female)

5. Pallamkuzhi – Singles (for ladies only)

Above competitions will be held in Junior* and Senior** categories.

* Junior – upto 18 years (Born on or after 01/01/1992)

** Senior – above 18 years (Born on or before 31/12/1991)

• All Districts are requested to send or e-mail the list of Team Members (winners of District level competitions) participating in various disciplines on or before 10th of January 2010 in the following address.

M. Vanchiswaran

Convener – Games & Registration - Vipra Vismayam

Krishna Nivas

Adv. Eswara Iyer Road

Ernakulam, Kochi 682 035

E-mail address: vr55@rediffmail.com

Mobile: 98954 54182

Those Districts which have already submitted the list need not send again.

• Spot Registration will not be entertained for any reasons.

• Only those who have won the 1st and 2nd positions in the individual events and 1st position in the group events in District level competitions are eligible to represent the District in State level.

• Proof of Age MUST be produced for those players who come under JUNIOR (below 18 years) category. Copy of birth certificate attested by the concerned District President or District Secretary must be sent along with the list of participants.

• Every participating District should have a Team Manager and all official communications with Organizing Committee shall be through him/her in any circumstances. The name, contact address, contact phone number with mobile number and e-mail address (if any) of the Team Manager must be informed along with the list of participants.

• A Junior participant can play in Senior category, but he will be considered as Senior and will be allowed to participate ONLY in Senior category for all the disciplines except Cricket (in which he can either be Junior or Senior, but not both)

• Players representing each District are advised to wear Track Suite/Jersey/T-Shirt/Shorts etc. of uniform color. (Preferably separate colors for each District. Convener will contact the concerned Team Manager in this regard)

• One can play in both Singles and Doubles for Carroms and Shuttle Badminton.

• Expert Referees/Arbiters/Umpires will be appointed by the Organizing Committee.

• The accessories necessary for the games shall be brought by the player him/her self. (Shuttle/Ball/Carrom Board/Pallamkuzhi Board/Chess Board/Coins etc. will be made available in the venue)

• Disputes arising (if any) may be represented before the Appeal Committee within 30 minutes after the specific event, through the corresponding Team Manager in writing, along with a fee of Rs. 100/-. Appeal once submitted cannot be withdrawn under any circumstances. The verdict of Appeal Committee on the specific dispute will be final and binding to all.

• The Guidelines on different Games and other Instructions to be followed by the Players and District Officials will be sent shortly. Visit www.kbskerala.blogspot.com for all the information and updates on Vipra Vismayam 2010-11.

• Players and Team Managers are requested to abide by the Guidelines and Instructions strictly for the smooth conduct of the event.

• Organizing Committee is empowered to make any necessary changes in the Fixture and such changes will be final and may not be challenged for any reasons.

• For any further clarifications, please contact M. Vanchiswaran in 98954 54182.