Thiruvananthapuram, May 8 (PTI) A 41-year-old guitarist from Thrissur in Kerala has entered the select club of Guinness world record holders for his marathon guitar performance lasting for 55.30 hours.
The certificate received by Sebastian Joseph yesterday, sent by the Guinness authorities, said "The longest guitar marathon by an individual, lasted for 55 hours and 30 minutes, was achieved by Sebastian Joseph (individual) at Diana Tower, Vadakkamcherry, Palakkad district, Kerala state, India from 3 to 5 October 2008." Sebastian, who has played the guitar for several film songs and stage shows in India and abroad, told PTI that he considered this a great recognition and an encouragement to strive for further heights in his musical career.
He started his record setting performance at 6.30 AM on October 3 last year in the presence of music legend K J Yesudas.
In his eight hour long performance he took 10-minutes break and played 700 film songs on the guitar, 500 of them Malayalam, 100 each of Hindi and Tamil and the rest western and eastern classical scores.
Now running a music academy in Thrissur, Sebastian believes that music is the greatest divine gift to human beings and the best means to achieve peace and solitude.
Besides teaching youngsters and performing on stage, he also finds time to play for aged people, many of whom are neglected by their sons and daughters. PTI
Friday, May 8, 2009
SNC Lavalin graft case: Vijayan gets clean chit
6 May 2009, ANI
KOCHI: CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has been given a clean chit in connection with the SNC Lavalin graft case. ( Watch )
Kerala Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad said Vijayan need not to be prosecuted in the case relating to renovation and modernisation of three hydel projects in the state in late 1990s.
Vijayan, who had been under the scanner in the case, was the state’s electricity minister when the SNC Lavalin scam broke out 12 years ago.
SNC Lavalin power scandal is one of the biggest financial scams to rock Kerala.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India report indicted a CPM-led government of the mid-1990s for a Rs 374.50 crore loss to the exchequer.
Vijayan figured as the ninth accused in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Later, the CBI moved to seek the government's consent to prosecute him.
Claus Trendl, Senior Vice President of the Canadian firm SNC Lavalin, has been arraigned as the eleventh accused and A Francis, former Joint Secretary (Power) as the tenth accused. There are totally eleven accused in the case.
Among the other accused are: K Mohanachandran, Former Principal Secretary (Power) and former Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Chairman, who is the first accused, G Rajashekharan Nair, former Member (Accounts) (second accused) and P A Sidharthan Menon, former KSEB Chairman.
Three hydel power stations had to be upgraded at Pallivasal, Sengulam and Panniar. Tenders were invited and was finalised to an Indian consortium and a Canadian MNC.
The foreign company quoted Rs 2.42 crore per MW, the Indian consortium - BHEL and LandT - sought Rs 1.25 per MW. The contract went to the higher bidder, contrary to normal practice.
Pinarayi saved
Youth Congress activists jumping over the barricades set up by the police during a protest march to the Advocate-General’s office in Kochi on WednesdaExpress News ServiceFirst Published : 07 May 2009 03:00:00 AM ISTLast Updated : THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Once again making it clear that the CPM and its state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan are not ready to undergo any kind of judicial scrutiny in the SNCLavalin case, the CPM-led LDF Government decided not to give sanction to prosecute Pinarayi Vijayan, the ninth accused in the case.
The Cabinet meet, presided over by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, decided on Wednesday to accept the legal advice of Advocate-General C P Sudhakara Prasad and convey the same to the Governor. With this move, the Governor’s office has once again become the hub of activities.
Top sources hinted that the Governor is likely to accept the recommendation of the Cabinet and inform the CBI about his decision denying permission to prosecute Pinarayi.
The CBI had sought the permission of Governor R S Gavai to prosecute Pinarayi Vijayan on January 17. The Governor sought the views of the Cabinet on February 2 on CBI’s request.
While disposing of a public interest litigation, the Kerala High Court had asked the government to take a decision on the prosecution of Vijayan before May 11. When the Cabinet took up the AG’s legal opinion for discussion on Wednesday, all ministers were of the opinion that it should be accepted.
Though VS tried to raise some feeble objections, other ministers dubbed such doubts as irrelevant.
Later, the Cabinet unanimously decided to accept the AG’s advice. ‘‘The Cabinet, as requested by the Governor, will convey to him its opinion on the sanction for prosecution related to the SNC-Lavalin case,’’ VS said at the post-Cabinet briefing. He did not say whether the opinion was based on the AG’s advice or on the Cabinet’s independent assessment. ‘‘As of now, I have no intention to share the details with the media,’’ he said.
It may be recalled that the CPM had frantically tried to oppose the transfer of the case to the CBI in 2006. As per the direction of the party, the LDF Government hired the services of advocates in the Supreme Court and argued in the HC that there was no need to transfer the case from Vigilance to the CBI. But the HC dispelled that argument and handed over the probe to the CBI. With the denial of sanction to prosecute Pinarayi, it seems the other accused have found a safe passage out of the case.
KOCHI: CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has been given a clean chit in connection with the SNC Lavalin graft case. ( Watch )
Kerala Advocate General C P Sudhakara Prasad said Vijayan need not to be prosecuted in the case relating to renovation and modernisation of three hydel projects in the state in late 1990s.
Vijayan, who had been under the scanner in the case, was the state’s electricity minister when the SNC Lavalin scam broke out 12 years ago.
SNC Lavalin power scandal is one of the biggest financial scams to rock Kerala.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India report indicted a CPM-led government of the mid-1990s for a Rs 374.50 crore loss to the exchequer.
Vijayan figured as the ninth accused in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Later, the CBI moved to seek the government's consent to prosecute him.
Claus Trendl, Senior Vice President of the Canadian firm SNC Lavalin, has been arraigned as the eleventh accused and A Francis, former Joint Secretary (Power) as the tenth accused. There are totally eleven accused in the case.
Among the other accused are: K Mohanachandran, Former Principal Secretary (Power) and former Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Chairman, who is the first accused, G Rajashekharan Nair, former Member (Accounts) (second accused) and P A Sidharthan Menon, former KSEB Chairman.
Three hydel power stations had to be upgraded at Pallivasal, Sengulam and Panniar. Tenders were invited and was finalised to an Indian consortium and a Canadian MNC.
The foreign company quoted Rs 2.42 crore per MW, the Indian consortium - BHEL and LandT - sought Rs 1.25 per MW. The contract went to the higher bidder, contrary to normal practice.
Pinarayi saved
Youth Congress activists jumping over the barricades set up by the police during a protest march to the Advocate-General’s office in Kochi on WednesdaExpress News ServiceFirst Published : 07 May 2009 03:00:00 AM ISTLast Updated : THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Once again making it clear that the CPM and its state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan are not ready to undergo any kind of judicial scrutiny in the SNCLavalin case, the CPM-led LDF Government decided not to give sanction to prosecute Pinarayi Vijayan, the ninth accused in the case.
The Cabinet meet, presided over by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, decided on Wednesday to accept the legal advice of Advocate-General C P Sudhakara Prasad and convey the same to the Governor. With this move, the Governor’s office has once again become the hub of activities.
Top sources hinted that the Governor is likely to accept the recommendation of the Cabinet and inform the CBI about his decision denying permission to prosecute Pinarayi.
The CBI had sought the permission of Governor R S Gavai to prosecute Pinarayi Vijayan on January 17. The Governor sought the views of the Cabinet on February 2 on CBI’s request.
While disposing of a public interest litigation, the Kerala High Court had asked the government to take a decision on the prosecution of Vijayan before May 11. When the Cabinet took up the AG’s legal opinion for discussion on Wednesday, all ministers were of the opinion that it should be accepted.
Though VS tried to raise some feeble objections, other ministers dubbed such doubts as irrelevant.
Later, the Cabinet unanimously decided to accept the AG’s advice. ‘‘The Cabinet, as requested by the Governor, will convey to him its opinion on the sanction for prosecution related to the SNC-Lavalin case,’’ VS said at the post-Cabinet briefing. He did not say whether the opinion was based on the AG’s advice or on the Cabinet’s independent assessment. ‘‘As of now, I have no intention to share the details with the media,’’ he said.
It may be recalled that the CPM had frantically tried to oppose the transfer of the case to the CBI in 2006. As per the direction of the party, the LDF Government hired the services of advocates in the Supreme Court and argued in the HC that there was no need to transfer the case from Vigilance to the CBI. But the HC dispelled that argument and handed over the probe to the CBI. With the denial of sanction to prosecute Pinarayi, it seems the other accused have found a safe passage out of the case.
Kerala govt not to prosecute Vijayan in Lavlain case
6 May 2009, PTI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF-led Kerala government today accepted the Advocate General's advice against granting permission to prosecute former minister and CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan in the SNC Lavlain corruption case.
According to LDF sources, the cabinet formulated its view in the matter based on the opinion given last week by AG Sudhakaran Prasad that there was no firm ground to prosecute Vijayan.
Meanwhile, Congress-led UDF today called a strike tomorrow in protest against the government decision.
After the cabinet meeting today, chief minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters that the government had formed its opinion on the issue and the governor would be informed of it. He, however, declined to reveal the content of the communication to be sent to the governor.
"We have taken our decision on the issue. But I don't intend to share it with media," Achuthanandan said.
CBI, which investigated the case, sought the permission of Governor R S Gavai to prosecute Vijayan and two officials. CBI sought to arraign the former minister as ninth accused.
The politically-sensitive case pertained to alleged corruption in awarding contract to Canadian firm SNC Lavalin for renovation of three hydro power stations when Vijayan was power minister in 1997.
CBI said it found ground for prosecuting Vijayan stating that he was involved in a conspiracy with others for clinching the deal which resulted in a big loss to the state
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF-led Kerala government today accepted the Advocate General's advice against granting permission to prosecute former minister and CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan in the SNC Lavlain corruption case.
According to LDF sources, the cabinet formulated its view in the matter based on the opinion given last week by AG Sudhakaran Prasad that there was no firm ground to prosecute Vijayan.
Meanwhile, Congress-led UDF today called a strike tomorrow in protest against the government decision.
After the cabinet meeting today, chief minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters that the government had formed its opinion on the issue and the governor would be informed of it. He, however, declined to reveal the content of the communication to be sent to the governor.
"We have taken our decision on the issue. But I don't intend to share it with media," Achuthanandan said.
CBI, which investigated the case, sought the permission of Governor R S Gavai to prosecute Vijayan and two officials. CBI sought to arraign the former minister as ninth accused.
The politically-sensitive case pertained to alleged corruption in awarding contract to Canadian firm SNC Lavalin for renovation of three hydro power stations when Vijayan was power minister in 1997.
CBI said it found ground for prosecuting Vijayan stating that he was involved in a conspiracy with others for clinching the deal which resulted in a big loss to the state
Friday, May 1, 2009
BJP rules out supporting Third Front govt
New Delhi: BJP today ruled out supporting a Third Front government in the event of the NDA failing to cobble up a majority, stating the "nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be BJP or the NDA". "The question of a BJP or an NDA support to a Third or a Fourth Front is a ruled out possibility," BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said. "There is a possibility of a non-Congress created government emerging after the polls and the nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be the BJP or the NDA, " he said. "There is no Third Front possible in India as a government because a Third Front or a Fourth Front all together does not total up to more than 150 seats beyond any calculation without either the Congress or the BJP support," he told NDTV.
Jaitley said in such a scenario the Congress would have to decide whether it wants "short term or long term gains". "But I see the politics gradually drifting in favour of a larger non-Congress party doing better," he said. The saffron party's chief strategist said such a non-Congress formation could not form the next government without BJP.
Jaitley said in such a scenario the Congress would have to decide whether it wants "short term or long term gains". "But I see the politics gradually drifting in favour of a larger non-Congress party doing better," he said. The saffron party's chief strategist said such a non-Congress formation could not form the next government without BJP.
First round of Pooram fireworks today
01 May 2009:
‘Sample vedikettu’, the first round of fireworks at Thrissur Pooram, will be held on Friday.
Pyrotechnic wizards Mundathikkodu Mani and Vennur Rajan will turn the Thrissur skyline into a riot of colours.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Swaraj Round to watch the show. The district administration said that extensive security arrangements were in place.
Thiruvambady Devaswom will kick off the show around 7 p.m. The show by Paramekkavu Devaswom will follow.
Traffic along the Swaraj Round will be regulated between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The district administration issued instructions that the pyrotechnic show should be held between 7 p.m. and 8.15 p.m.
An exhibition of ‘chamayam’ (elephant accoutrements) organised by the Paramekkavu Devaswom will begin on Friday. Thiruvambady will display its accoutrements at the CMS School on Saturday.
Revenue Divisional Officer P. K. Sudheer Babu urged Pooram organisers to strictly follow captive elephant management and fireworks safety rules.
“Organisers should submit relevant documents of elephants being featured in Pooram celebrations to the Deputy Superintendent of Police. Elephants in musth should be brought into Thrissur city from May 2 to 4. Organisers should check whether the elephants selected had behaved violently recently,” he said.
‘Sample vedikettu’, the first round of fireworks at Thrissur Pooram, will be held on Friday.
Pyrotechnic wizards Mundathikkodu Mani and Vennur Rajan will turn the Thrissur skyline into a riot of colours.
Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Swaraj Round to watch the show. The district administration said that extensive security arrangements were in place.
Thiruvambady Devaswom will kick off the show around 7 p.m. The show by Paramekkavu Devaswom will follow.
Traffic along the Swaraj Round will be regulated between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. The district administration issued instructions that the pyrotechnic show should be held between 7 p.m. and 8.15 p.m.
An exhibition of ‘chamayam’ (elephant accoutrements) organised by the Paramekkavu Devaswom will begin on Friday. Thiruvambady will display its accoutrements at the CMS School on Saturday.
Revenue Divisional Officer P. K. Sudheer Babu urged Pooram organisers to strictly follow captive elephant management and fireworks safety rules.
“Organisers should submit relevant documents of elephants being featured in Pooram celebrations to the Deputy Superintendent of Police. Elephants in musth should be brought into Thrissur city from May 2 to 4. Organisers should check whether the elephants selected had behaved violently recently,” he said.
Kerala readies for grand Thrissur Pooram festival
Thrissur : The final arrangements for the Thrissur Pooram, the most colourful temple festival of Kerala, were in full swing here on Friday with police tightening security and artistes practicing their routines to ensure a dazzling display of sound and colour for the spectators on Sunday.
The Thrissur Pooram, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May), is a grand assembly of gods and goddesses from various villages and towns in and around Thrissur town.
The deities from these temples make their annual visit on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by grand ensembles, to pay obeisance to the deity of Vadakkunathan temple, where the festival is held.
Thousands of people congregate at the temple early morning as processions accompanied by temple orchestra arrive. The event that lasts through the night attracts many foreigners. Last year, over 500 tourists from abroad had attended the festival.
Thrissur Superintendent of Police M.P. Dinesh said all arrangements were in place to control the crowd and ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Final review of the security measures was being conducted on Friday.
During the Pooram, the temples of Parammekkavu and Thiruvambady compete in various festivities.
"We are fully ready and the people can expect a memorable pooram this time," said M.C.S. Menon, head of the Thiruvambadi temple's contingent.
Towards the end of the event, a fireworks display lights up the night sky for several hours.
"This time we have concentrated on keeping noise pollution to the lowest during the fireworks but we will still have a colourful display," said K. Mohanan of the Paramekkavu temple team.
The Thrissur Pooram, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May), is a grand assembly of gods and goddesses from various villages and towns in and around Thrissur town.
The deities from these temples make their annual visit on caparisoned elephants, accompanied by grand ensembles, to pay obeisance to the deity of Vadakkunathan temple, where the festival is held.
Thousands of people congregate at the temple early morning as processions accompanied by temple orchestra arrive. The event that lasts through the night attracts many foreigners. Last year, over 500 tourists from abroad had attended the festival.
Thrissur Superintendent of Police M.P. Dinesh said all arrangements were in place to control the crowd and ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Final review of the security measures was being conducted on Friday.
During the Pooram, the temples of Parammekkavu and Thiruvambady compete in various festivities.
"We are fully ready and the people can expect a memorable pooram this time," said M.C.S. Menon, head of the Thiruvambadi temple's contingent.
Towards the end of the event, a fireworks display lights up the night sky for several hours.
"This time we have concentrated on keeping noise pollution to the lowest during the fireworks but we will still have a colourful display," said K. Mohanan of the Paramekkavu temple team.
BJP rules out supporting Third Front govt
30 April 2009
New Delhi: BJP today ruled out supporting a Third Front government in the event of the NDA failing to cobble up a majority, stating the "nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be BJP or the NDA". "The question of a BJP or an NDA support to a Third or a Fourth Front is a ruled out possibility," BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said. "There is a possibility of a non-Congress created government emerging after the polls and the nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be the BJP or the NDA, " he said. "There is no Third Front possible in India as a government because a Third Front or a Fourth Front all together does not total up to more than 150 seats beyond any calculation without either the Congress or the BJP support," he told NDTV.
Jaitley said in such a scenario the Congress would have to decide whether it wants "short term or long term gains". "But I see the politics gradually drifting in favour of a larger non-Congress party doing better," he said. The saffron party's chief strategist said such a non-Congress formation could not form the next government without BJP.
New Delhi: BJP today ruled out supporting a Third Front government in the event of the NDA failing to cobble up a majority, stating the "nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be BJP or the NDA". "The question of a BJP or an NDA support to a Third or a Fourth Front is a ruled out possibility," BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said. "There is a possibility of a non-Congress created government emerging after the polls and the nucleus of any non-Congress government has to be the BJP or the NDA, " he said. "There is no Third Front possible in India as a government because a Third Front or a Fourth Front all together does not total up to more than 150 seats beyond any calculation without either the Congress or the BJP support," he told NDTV.
Jaitley said in such a scenario the Congress would have to decide whether it wants "short term or long term gains". "But I see the politics gradually drifting in favour of a larger non-Congress party doing better," he said. The saffron party's chief strategist said such a non-Congress formation could not form the next government without BJP.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)