Transformed into a Desert

Summer had drunk the last drop of water from Bharatapuzha. Kerala's longest river is all dried up as a result of summer sun's fury. The dumping of wastes from Shoranur station is also affecting the sanctity of the river.

Acute water scarcity is affected by residents near  Nila. The river which is having a cultural impact on Kerala, especially Malabar region always used to dry up in the summer. The increased sand mining have affected the intensity of water scarcity. The proposal that Nila will be getting WWF's recognition is still in paper. No final decision is yet arrived on this. The protection of river is highly inevitable in a time like this. At least when you look at the river you must be able to realise that it is a river and not a desert. 

Salute to all SSLC Winners

Malappuram Katha is proud of all tenth standard tots who gave another feather in cap for our district. The 95.48 % victory that you all have scored is the result of sheer hard work that the teachers and students of Malappuram had done. 73746/77239 students are eligible from the district for their higher studies. This is glorifying as once Malappuram stood synonymous to illiteracy and unawareness. 92 schools have scored cent percent results. Malappuram is the first in revenue district level on students who scored maximum full A+. We salute these 2056 students for their devotion. The victory of Tirur educational district on maximum full A+ in educational district level is also adding many feathers to the cap of glory to Malappuram.

Aided schools like PKMHSS and PPMHSS needs a special mention in this brightest victory Malappuram has ever achieved. This is the start for a time of SUCCESS for the so called ‘least educated district’ of Kerala 

Temporary End for the Blame Game

Elections are all done in Malappuram. The voter turn out of 71.2  will be judged on May 16th. At least for a month it is going to be the end for the political blame games. Malappuram has always been the hub and fort of the greens but revolutionary reds had indeed grabbed this so called safe fort before. The 'oldest' and 'richest' candidates lead the controversy dilemma this year. The enthusiasm of maiden voters also attracted the race from the forefront. Malappuram district consists of Ponnani and Malappuram assemblies. The broom and lotus party is also confident at this time to bring a change this Lok Sabha polls. People are not any more mere dummies to be blind and press the button by looking at one  single emblem. Revolution has already taken place in the minds of Malappuram inhabitants. The real result can be seen soon.Verdict is different dear 'Mr. Politician'.

*pic is just an indication. We have neither supported them nor suppressed other candidates.

Important Hotels and Phone Numbers

Name Of Hotel	Phone Number
Mahindrapuri (Malappuram)	04832734101
Airport Plaza (Karippur)	04832711206
Ridges Inn (Kottakkal)	04832684299
Virat (Kottakkal)	04832744734
Ruby Residency (Perinthalmanna)	04832742174
T.P.D.C (Perinthalmanna)	04933226350
P.S.M Arcade (Tirur)	04942427986

*Based on Malappuram Mathrubhumi Vinodayathra.

Religious Heritages of Kerala #3

The Navamukunda Temple- Perinthachan's Architecture.

Navamukunda Temple is situated at the banks of Nila- the sacred river. It is 12 km away from Tirur. The classical architecture of Perunthanchan is reflected in Navamukunda Temple. The rays of rising sun is made to fall on the idol on every Medam first and on Kanni first (April and October). This temple is famous for Bali tharpanam, where the soul of the dead is given peace and tranquility.
Official Website of Temple http://thirunavayatemple.org/


Pic Courtesy Google

For a Family Day Out

Kottakkunnu

The beautiful and fun packed park situating in the district head quarters. Facilities include water theme park and amusement park for kids. Kottakkunnu is redefining the face of Malappuram . Can be opted as a destination if you are ready to limit your fun into one day.

Kottakunnu Road, Up Hill, Malappuram, Kerala 676505

Religious Heritages of Malappuram (2)

Mamburam Makham

Mamburam Makham is situated on the grave of Sayyid Alavi Thangal who is popularly known as Mamburam Thangal. Mamburam Nercha is famous around the Muslim commity. It is 25 km long from Malappuram town.  Maburam Thangal reached Kerala two centuries ago from Yemen. The memory of this social leader is revived through this annual ceremony at the Makham.

*By Road : Mamburam is just 2 K.Ms away from the N.H 17,V.K.Padi. And 40 Kilo Meters from nearest city, Kozhikode

By Rail : Nearest major railway station is Tirur (10 K.Ms away) and nearest railway station is Parappanangadi (6 K.Ms away)

By Air : Mamburam is just 16 K.Ms away from the Calicut International Airport.

*Statistical information courtesy www.malappuraminfo.com

Pic Courtesy Google.

The Heroic Tales of Malappuram

Vallathol Nararyana Menon

Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon was born in Chennara, near Tirur in Malappuram district. Being the pioneer of khandakavya he contributed a fresh and unfamiliar scent to the world of Malayalam poetry. His writings fiercely flamed the national movement of India. Being contemporary to Asan and Ullur his period is the most aesthetic and creative in Malayalam literature. He is also famous for his contributions for Kathakali.

People around the globe are aware of Vallathol and his contributuions. But very few knows that he belongs to Malappuram. In Malappuram Thunchan Parambu is highly cared and maintained by the authorities. It is high time that measures must be taken for reviving and cherishing the memories of the past.

Kuttipuram's New Face

The End for the Negligence Saga

Kuttipuram is a geographically key important area in the district of Malappuram. This town is significant as it shares a common platform to reach the neighboring districts of Malappuram. It is considered as a station for reaching religious sanctums like Guruvayoor Temple, Kadampuzha Temple, Puthanpally Jaram. Students going to the various educational institutions that includes engineering and medical institutes are also highly dependent upon this place. The railway station and bus stand lying within a single area is playing a major role in daily commutation of people around the district. People alights here for going to Thrissur and Kozhikode. 

Even though Kuttipuram is a key important area, the recognition that this place deserves is often neglected. The railway station of this place is third in contribution of revenue in Kerala after Shornur and Kozhikode stations. But the situation of platforms are pathetic and if the age old care taker is on leave the condition of the entire situation is totally left to the numerous stray dogs. The bus stand in which more than 500 daily commuters and other passengers uses are punishing them without even a proper waiting shed. No proper toilet facilities are given there and lady passengers are often forced to use the minimal facilities available in the near by small hotels. The only option left for a common man is to stand at the scorching sun and catch the bus.

But thanks to the forthcoming elections. The construction of a waiting shed and renovation of the bus stand is taking place in haste. According to a new notice pasted there, the mission will be accomplished within the end of March. The renovation of railway platforms is also taking place. The second platform which is often neglected is going to get a newer face. The height of the platform is raised so as it will be comfortable for elderly passengers.

Now lets hope that when we reach Kuttipuram we will be confused on what to choose bus or train. Lets hope that what ever be the political agenda, it would be useful for the common masses.

Pic courtesy - malappuram katha.

The Ideal Place for Your Inner Self

A Glimpse on Thunchan Parambu

Saraswathi Mandapam at Thunchan Parambu

Contemplating oneself is indeed a tedious task. But when u realise yourself it can invoke the inner psyche of yours that is remaining hidden within you. This task is at times done by other individuals of your life, but most times this task is done by places. Thunchan Parambu of Malappuram district is one such place.

'Thunchan Parambu' the word implies as The Land of Thunchan- The father of Malayalam. It is the place where the scared soil used for vidyararmbham is situated. Thunchan Parambu is supposed to be the birth place of Thunchanth Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. It was in here he wrote Ramayanam in Kilippattu form. This place is of cultural and historical significance to each and every Keralite.

This memorial is situated less than 2 km away from Tirur town. Located in a serene area, this place is a sanctum for all nature and literature lovers. The Thunchan Utsavam, an annual literary fete is having a prominent role in Kerala's literary arena. On Vijayadasami day thousands of people from every nook and corner of Kerala used to visit this place to make their tots write 'Hari Sree'.

The thaliyola (palm leaf), ezhuthani( iron stylus) of Ezhuthachan is preserved in here and can be accessed by public. The Kanhira tree where he used to sit under to write poems are also maintained here. The Kanhira tree that is not sour in flavour makes it unique.

Thunchan Paramabu is a well maintained place. It is ideal for a family day out as well as for self reflection and self meditation.

Each time you visit this place, you have a varied experience. A different story and a different verse from Sarika Paithal. 




pic courtesy : Google.

The Mass Exodus of Gen Next

Revelation on escapism to other states by new generation

Where are the generation next's of Malappuram??? Can't find any one hanging out here and there??? Are they all too much mugged and confined now? Or mugging up...where??

If we take a rough analysis of house holds in Malappuram the number of people belonging to 17-22 ages are not any more home bound. Majority of them are either pursuing higher studies in outside Kerala or employing in foreign nations. Students sticking on to their homes are not a familiar site any more in Malappuram.

Students in search of engineering seats are highly migrated from the district. Coimbatore, Bangalore and Chennai are their favourite destinations. The easy availability of seats, the mushrooming number of private engineering colleges, the comparatively less amount for donation and capitation are also supporting facts. Bangalore can by reached by one over night especially via bus and Coimbatore much more easily by train as many as Coimbatore passenger trains have stops in almost all railway stations of Malappuram. Management students are also highly opting Bangalore and Chennai dreaming of a better career and glossed life. Many of them even though are continuing studies with aids like student loans, feels it not difficult to take away family cars or bikes so as to 'enhance' their studies. The binding force between NRI relationship and Malappuram is behind all these prized and coveted possessions of Malappuram lads.

Majority of Malappuram girls are in the brink of becoming dental doctors. Students are overcoming all their difficulties that they are facing in Erode and Mangalore dreaming of wearing that white coats and carrying the stethoscope one day on their shoulders. The sprouting private universities out side Kerala are also highly preferred by students from this district. It seems to be much logical for them (or for their parents) to spent lakhs to get an under graduate degree from a private university, than by going to an 'ancient' arts and science college.

At the same time even though an aspiring student wishes to pursue their higher education in the district itself, the lagging semester system is rather in a villain role. For longer five year courses like LLB and Architecture thus students are forced to go out of the district. The lack of exposure is also another reason for courses like Mass Communication and Theatre Studies. The uncertainties in Science oriented research subjects and integrated PhD and PG students are migrating with no option left any more, to leave their home land.

If they went from the district out of necessity, majority went for getting into private and self financing institutions. At times it is passion and ambition for a future ahead that have made them to do so. But if we critically analyse the nuances isn't it simple greed of parents and peer pressure behind this mass exodus from this not so small district Malappuram???

Coming soon :"What's cooking up in other states by Malappuram guys?"
pic courtesy * Google

*The above mentioned facts are opinions of the blogger. 

A Peep Through the Terrain of Teaks.

Do you know where is world's oldest teak located? Of course it is in Malappuram as these writings are only about this place. It is in Nilambur a town,  35 km away from district head quarters. A scenic beauty with serene atmosphere, it is here where the world's oldest teak along with the world's first teak museum is located. Canoli plot lying in midst of river can be explored by travelers. The teak museum is 4km away from Nilambur town. The museum is currently maintained by Kerala Forest Research institute. It was first started by the British during 1840's. Travelling by train through this route is indeed an exquisite experience.

*pic courtesy Google.

Malappuram is ISO tagged !!!

First municipal body in India for quality management.

Google 'Malappuram'. The initial search results from Wikipedia is like this "Malappuram is the first and only municipal body in the country to win an ISO 9001-2008 certification for quality management." Lets bid adieu for the tales of beard clad men and veiled woman who speaks strange Malayalam. Time has changed, so as the evolution of man. Malappuram municipality became the first municipality in India to get ISO 9001-2008 certificates. This is indeed a golden feather in the cap of Malappuram which is racing towards development day by day...

Kerala is waking up each day listening to the newer ventures and stories about the unity and team work of Malappuram. This victory is the result of effort under taken by the joint work of the bureaucracy and people of this district. ISO tag is given by International Organisation for Standardization. Malappuram is proud to be the first in India to be tagged for quality management.
It is for the first time in history that a municipality is getting this price for quality management. Namakkal in Tamil Nadu have got ISO tag (14001-2004) before for environment related activities and even some of the north Indian states for water management, but it is first time achievement for quality management that is making it noteworthy and writing it in golden letters in the history of Malappuram. 
It is the sheer hard work and perseverance of the past three years that gave Malappuram this tag. The 63 pointer formula given by Kerala government regarding file management, procedures regarding registering death and birth in the district,the accuracy and speed in solving each files, methods adopted for the collection of taxes, construction of new mansions etc were the key criteria adopted by ISO authorities.It is also first 'zero file' district in Kerala. The placement of CCTV cameras, punching system for attendance are also added features for attaining this target.The togetherness of people's representatives and the bureaucracy have resulted in a lifetime achievement for Malappuram.
The basic fact that service is not benevolence but a basic right is behind this triumph.

p.s : I am super excited about millions of students studying answer for the question "which is India's first ISO 9001-2008 certified municipal body for quality management?" Yeeayyy!!! Malappuram.

*With inputs from Malayala Manorama and The Hindu.

Religious Heritages of Malappuram

Kadampuzha Temple

Kadampuzha temple is famous for its Durga Devi temple. Muttarukkal and Poomoodal are the famous devotions that can be devoted to Devi. By road it is 15 km long from Kottakkal, which is the nearest town. Karthika in the month of Vrishchikam is celebrtad in a grand manner here.

0494-2 615 790     

*image courtesy Google.      

KASARTINTE KAYI KAPPELINDAA???

If you have felt that you are in some remote north east or in some outskirts beyond human reach, you are indeed mistaken. This is the language of Malappuram, one of the biggest districts of Kerala. Malayalam is a language having 2000 years of culture and tradition ( As the newer studies says so). This language is famous for its varieties of variations. The real story lies ahead..

Once a Thrissur born not so small town girl was married to a young Malappuram chap who was not at all possessed with the so called 'Malappuram' qualities. After coming from a family of badminton games and sports star magazine, the life with unnakaya and erachipathiri was so exciting for the newly wed bahu. One day her not so 'strict' father in law called her loudly "molee kasartinte kayi kappelinda..."? Stars started to shine above her head. kasarte, kappa???? Will that be kappa??? no way!! Atlast she figured out the real meaning by giving a fine joint family laughter. Blessed with many in laws, one day the same bahu's another brother called out annakuthy... She ran around that three storied home in search of that for hours and finally her younger niece revealed the reality "Its a 'spoon' aama" ...

Kerala is famous for its language variations. From Parrassala to Hosdurgh various dialects of Malayalam can be seen. Malappuram accent was something which the neighbouring districts considered as 'undeveloped' and 'illiterate' without realising the basic fact that Malappuram is the birth place of Thunchath Ramamanujan Ezhuthachan- The father of Malayalam. It is the Gen-Next movies of Kerala like Usthad Hotel and 5 sundarikal (Aami) that gave the acceptance to this dialect. Even in Malappuram one hailing for Tirur at extreme south finds it difficult to understand the accent of the one from Tuvvur at the extreme north. Sounds are produced in extremities that at times it is difficult for people hailing form other places often find difficulty in understanding the language. The beauty underlying beneath this variety is yet to ponder...

Now any guesses on the title???

Here you go , literal Malayalam meaning "Mannanayude kaash pocketilundo"?

"Is there the money for buying kerosene in the pocket?"

These are at times unfindable even by Google translator.

*Pic courtesy - Google

p.s The bahu story is inspired from real life incidents.

172 LEVEL CROSS

A feature story on the arrival of a rail over bridge and transformation of an era in a small village of Malappuram.

Clock wise from top No.172 level cross, inauguration of Rail Over Bridge, ROB under construction.

For Mani ettan it was an entirely different day, for Aseeskka it was apocalypse. No one was listening to the clinking of bangles in Maniettan's shop neither feeling the smell of hot tea of Aseeskka, the reality was that no one was seeing the glass bangles neither paripuvada. Tankers, lorries, buses, posh Mercedes, rickshaws were all busy dashing through the brand new Rail Over Bridge.

It was indeed dream come true for the multitude. It was the motto of development for the politicians. It was totally a 'stress buster' for the swift drivers to reach fast and furiously. It was a sanctification  for the bus drivers and lorry drivers. No one is  remembering at the bygone days of number 172 level cross...

For long 18 years this level cross is the life and soul of Pushpanathan. Hailing from Kozhikode Nallalam he is the gate keeper and life keeper of Devadhar. Aravindakshan of Shornur and K.Pradosh of Tanur Chirakkal were also on duty for Devadhar rail gate. As Ernakulam-Nisamudhin Mangala Express whistles through here yesterday at 4.55, it was an ending whistle for their life long duty here.

With much zest and zeal the Devadhar Rail Over Bridge was opened. It is indeed a mile stone in traffic history of Kerala as drivers can go non stop through 'Chamravattam' route. This bridge is actually inter connecting the 'unending' Kozhikode- Ernakulam route via Chamravattom Bridge. The overwhelmed villagers are licking mango sticks and palice (ice cream made from milk) to celebrate this extravaganza of development in their village. 

As we drive through the brand new over bridge, the brick walls that echoes the breathe of an era of Devedhar Higher Secondary School cannot be heard any more. The queue for milk shakes cannot be seen any more. The tightly packed students in their white turned brown uniforms, with innocence in face and sweat on forehead cannot be felt any more.

The inevitable 'need' for change is eating up even the remotest and remotest villages of India. No one is rising up as in Ghezhi park in India. The time has encroached to make the present generation realise that an era is about to be born in Malappuram, unknowing the long waitings infront of Devadhar rail cross, while going to school it was time to buy the hot ground nuts and preserved nellikya and manga ( goose berries and mangoes), while long drives to Kozhikode it was time to take a break for the long fights with your younger brother and for the daily commuters it was a time to contemplate on oneself.

The Nisamuddhin Mangala Express is passing away now, same as the day before yesterday... With one difference no one is waiting for her royal journey at 172 railway cross. Except the bright red roses of Pushpanathan now all dusty and rusty in missing their Godfather.

*Devadhar level cross is situated near Puthentheru in Tanur Grama Panchayath of Malappuram district.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT IN YOU 

ADYANPARA BECKONS YOU

Adyanpara Waterfalls

Adyanpara waterfalls is one of the most beautiful and serene spot for picnic as well as trekking. This lush water falls of Adyanpara is located at Kurumbalangode village of Nilambur. This natural splendour is located within deep jungle and can be explored by adventure enthusiasts . The authorities are extra cautious and vigilant to ensure your safety there....


Nearest Railway Station : Nilambur , around 16 km away.
Nearest Airport             :  Karipur International Airport, around 58 km in Nilambur - Gudallur rd.

  

LOST AND FOUND AT MALAPPURAM

NEVER FEEL LOST AT MALAPPURAM

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

DISTRICT PANCHAYATH PRESIDENT	0483 2734564
DISTRICT COLLECTOR	0483 2734355
COLLECTORATE(ENQUIRY)	0483 2734922
ADM	0483 2734421
RDO PERINTHALMANNA	04933 227214
RDO TIRUR	0494 2421200
EDUCATIONAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR	0483 2734888
DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICER	0483 2734387
POLICE	100
FIRE STATION	101
CRIME STOPPER	1090
HIGHWAY EMERGENCY	9846100100
RAIL ALERT	9846 200200
DISTRICT POLICE SUPERINTENDENT	0483 2734377
POSTAL SUPERINTENDENT MANJERI	0483 2766320
POSTAL SUPERINTENDENT TIRUR	04942422490

*the blogger is not responsible for the above mentioned data

MALAPPURAM AT A GLANCE...

ALL THE IMPORTANT DATAS ON MALAPPURAM

IMPORTANT RIVERS            : Bharathapuzha, Kadalundipuzha, chaliyar, Tirur.

BOUNDARIES                        : East- Nilgris, West- Arabian Sea, North- Kozhikode, Wayanad districts,                                                      South-Palakkad and Thrissur districts.

LOKSABHA ASSEMBLIES   : Ponnani, Malappuram and Wayanad.

STATE ASSEMBLIES             : Malappuram, Kondotty, Manjery, Nilambur, Wandoor, Mangada,              Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Tirur , Tirurangadi,  Tanur, Kottakkal, Tavanur, Vengara, Ernad, Vallikkunnu.

TALUKS                                 : Ernad, Nilambur, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Tirur, Tirurangadi.

Muncipal Corporations             : Manjeri, Tirur, Ponnai, malappuram, Perinthalmanna.

Revenue Divisions                     : Perinthalmanna, Tirur.

*VILLAGES : 133

FORMED     : 1969 JUNE 16

AREA           : 3550 SQUARE KM

POPULATION: 36,29,640

FEMALES   : 18,70,161

MALES        : 17,59,479

DENSITY OF POPULATION:1022

LITERACY RATE: 88.61 %

(*the blogger is not responsible for any errors in the above mentioned data. Please refer original government sites for further studies.)

Map of Malappuram*

(*picture courtesy Google)

MALAPPURAM KATHA

Malappuram, a district of Kerala, God's only country. A land filled with forests and hills in the northern part where as blessed with the bluest of seas Arabian in the south. The land of lagoons and estuaries and with mangroves in the west. The land of Malayalam and Ayurveda was born and being nurtured. Standing as the most populated district in number of people and in number of cars, football is the religion of Malappuram. A land of literature and cinema, Malappuram is also the best place for your taste buds.

This blog is for all who knows Malappuram to ponder the unknown facts, for all those who wish to be here, for all those who want to explore this diverse district and for all who have at least passed through the highways of this district.

Issues ranging from historical facts to weekly news analysis, the much awaited secret Malappuram recipes to the issues of the deprived and needy, about the fisherman in the southern coasts to the tribes in the hidden Nilambur jungles are discussed and shared through this blog.

The vistas of Malappuram will be wide open through Malappuram Katha. The stories that are untold about Malappuram for all those who love to listen to stories. (*Katha- story).