Latest news with #Unnikrishnan
New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
The resurgence of Kerala's ritual arts
As twilight fills the air, the light from torches arranged at sacred groves spreads an aura of mystery. It is in this ancient setting that art once became ritual, and emotions turned into prayer. Here, art had a pattern: rustic yet esoteric; practised by a community of veterans; and inclusive, encompassing creativity both varied and unique. Travel anywhere in Kerala — especially during the seasons when ritual arts are staged — and the scene remains familiar. Time may have waned their appeal, but the paraphernalia still harks back, perhaps, to the Sangam era, when Kerala and Tamil Nadu were a cultural whole, and such art forms were rooted in the soil and soul of the people. According to the Kerala Folklore Academy, the state may have once been home to over 3,000 such ritual art forms. Yet most were invisible, lingering in various phases of obscurity. 'Till three years ago, our list had just 145 art forms,' says O S Unnikrishnan, chairman of the academy. It was three years ago that the academy ramped up efforts to rediscover these vanishing expressions. 'We organised folk art melas even in remote areas and worked closely with artists. We have since chronicled 1,004 art forms still being practised in obscurity,' says Unnikrishnan. 'Our next aim is to document them in detail and provide a platform for academic engagement.'
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
For students of Vellarmala school, a new chapter in life
The students of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Vellarmala, Wayanad, who had lost their school building in the 2024 landslide, were welcomed to the school's new building on Monday (June 2, 2025) in a grand manner. The new building has been constructed on the premises of Government Higher Secondary School at Meppadi, where the Vellarmala school has been functioning since the landslides, by the Builders' Association of India (BAI), with modern classrooms and toilets. The students were welcomed by the teachers, accompanied by a band. As many as 25 teachers from the High School section, which achieved 100% results in the SSLC, and 11 teachers from the Higher Secondary section, which secured 83% results in Plus Two, were honoured for their 2024–2025 performance. National vice-president of BAI N. Raghunathan inaugurated the event held on the premises of Government Higher Secondary School. Headmaster (in charge) of the High School section V. Unnikrishnan presided over the event. The BAI had planned to construct 12 classrooms and 16 toilets for the school at a cost of ₹3 crore. While eight classrooms and 10 toilets have been completed, the remaining will be finished and handed over by the end of June. The six divisions of the high school, with 250 students, have been transferred to the new building. The two extra rooms are being used as the staff room and laboratory. The water purifier units and public address system set up by BAI at a cost of ₹2 lakh were also handed over during the inauguration. Meanwhile, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended her warm regards to the 'Praveshanolsavam' held in different schools in the region. The district-level Praveshanolsavam was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Munderi. In her message, Ms. Vadra wished that such an occasion would encourage cooperation and creativity among children, besides showcasing their academic and cultural talents.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Carve your path
I finished Chemistry and am preparing for the UPSC. But I would like to be a pilot. How can I achieve this goal? Unnikrishnan Dear Unnikrishnan, Transitioning from Chemistry to becoming a pilot is achievable but requires a different set of qualifications and training. Balancing the UPSC preparation with flight training will be challenging. You need to create a structured study plan and manage time effectively. Consider prioritising one goal at a time. What about taking the UPSC CDS instead of UPSC CSE with the goal of joining the IAF as a pilot? The standard route for aspiring commercial pilots is to get the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and certification from a DGCA-approved flying school in India. You also need to pass a Class I medical and written examination conducted by the DGCA to obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) before starting flight training. Flight training is expensive and becoming a pilot requires significant dedication and hard work. Visit the DGCA website for detailed information on licensing requirements and speak with experienced pilots to gain insights. Is a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication a good choice for an English Language and Literature graduate? Anjana Dear Anjana, It can be an excellent choice because of the synergy of skills. English Literature provides a strong theoretical foundation in writing, analysis, and critical thinking, which are valued in journalism and mass communication. A deep understanding of language is essential for literary analysis, crafting compelling narratives, effective communication, reporting, storytelling, and so on. The study of literature also cultivates analytical and critical thinking skills, again crucial for evaluating information, understanding context, and presenting a balanced perspective. Career opportunities include print, broadcast, and digital media, content writing and editing, public relations, corporate communications, social media management, advertising and marketing, digital marketing and online content creation. I am doing Computer Science (AI and ML), and am interested in Machine Learning. Are there any opportunities in the government sector or any exams I should take to get a good job? Anaswara Dear Anaswara, While the private sector currently dominates AI/ML jobs, government opportunities are emerging, and certain exams can help you access them. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) utilises AI/ML for various defence applications, including image analysis, pattern recognition, and autonomous systems. Research scientist positions or roles related to AI/ML development in DRDO open up from time to time. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses AI/ML for satellite data analysis, image processing, and mission planning. Opportunities exist in areas like remote sensing and data analytics. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is involved in developing and implementing IT solutions for various government departments. AI/ML skills are increasingly relevant for data analysis, automation, and citizen services. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is involved in research and development in advanced computing technologies, including AI/ML. Opportunities exist for research scientists and engineers. All these organisations have their own recruitment processes and exams. Many government research labs and institutes are involved in AI/ML research, particularly in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. Government Data Analytics Roles have a growing demand for data analysts and data scientists with AI/ML expertise. Exams to consider are the GATE, NIC Scientist 'B' exam, CSIR exams, the UPSC and State Public Service Commission Exam. Keep an eye on the websites of government organisations and recruitment agencies for job openings and exam notifications. I am in the first year of a Master's in Public Administration and Policy Studies. I want to start my own business but need financial support until I can do so. How should I go about this? Gowtham Dear Gowtham, Balancing academic pursuits with entrepreneurial aspirations requires careful planning. Leverage your academic skills and consider part-time jobs related to your field of study. This will provide income and relevant experience. Consider being a research assistant at your university, interning or explore part-time roles at local government offices or non-profit organisations, freelancing and writing or doing research for policy-related projects, grant writing for non-profits, consulting for small businesses or organisations who need policy guidance, online tutoring or teaching. Explore options like scholarships or grants for graduate students, especially those with entrepreneurial ambitions. Some organisations support students pursuing social entrepreneurship or businesses aligned with public policy goals. Explore student loan options, but study the long-term repayment implications. Start researching small business loan and grant programmes. Even if you are not ready to apply, this will help you understand the requirements and prepare for future applications. Study government programmes supporting small businesses. If your business idea has a strong social impact component, consider crowdfunding to raise initial capital. Network by attending industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field and identify potential mentors. Work on a business plan and utilise university resources using market research, financial projections, taking courses on business creation and small business management. Does your university offer resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as business incubators, entrepreneurship workshops, and mentorship programmes?
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Over Rs 1crore allocated for coastal protection in Vypeen
Kochi : As demand grows for protective walls along coastal areas to prevent sea erosion in Vypeen region during monsoon season, state govt has allocated Rs 1.83 crore for constructing these protective walls. K N Unnikrishnan, MLA, informed that temporary protective walls using geotubes will be constructed at 13 locations utilizing the allocated funds. "Walls will be built in Edavanakkad panchayat 's wards 13 and 9, ward 12 of Nayarambalam, ward 1 of Njarakkal panchayat and wards 1 and 13 of Kuzhuppilly panchayat , as well as wards 1 and 14 of Pallippuram panchayat. A total of Rs 64.8 lakh will be spent in Edavanakkad, Rs 39.6 lakh in Nayarambalam, Rs 37.6 lakh in Njarakkal, Rs 20 lakh in Kuzhuppilly and Rs 24.53 lakh in Pallippuram. Tender will be opened for works next week, and works will begin soon," said the MLA. Steps to address drinking water shortage Unnikrishnan said the process to install a KSEB feeder line to avoid power interruptions at Chovvara water treatment plant will be expedited as part of measures to combat drinking water shortage in Vypeen region. The MLA said a meeting convened on Wednesday to discuss water shortage has requested KWA to pay KSEB Rs 4.41 crore for the project, as early as possible. He said the Rs 10-crore worth drinking water supply project of Goshree Islands Development Authority (Gida) in Munambam area would be expedited. "Further actions will be taken to implement the report prepared by National Institute of Ocean Technology for establishing a 10 mld (million litres per day) capacity desalination plant in Pallipuram Munambam area," he said.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Experts visit Vypeen beaches for coastal protection project
Kochi: As part of preliminary technical study prior to implementing a comprehensive project to protect coastal areas of Vypeen region, a team from National Centre for Coastal Research in Chennai visited selected beaches of Vypeen on Saturday. The team, led by centre director M V Ramana Murthy, visited the beaches to assess feasibility of installing synthetic geotubes in the area to prevent coastal erosion and sea encroachment. Vypeen MLA K N Unnikrishnan informed that the project is part of coastal protection project being implemented on 22 beaches across Kerala. The project is being conceived and executed by Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC). Three coastal areas in Ernakulam district, located in Vypeen constituency, are included in the project. The selected locations are Puthen Kadappuram in Njarakkal grama panchayat, Veliyathan Parambu beach in Nayarambalam grama panchayat and Cherai beach in Pallipuram grama panchayat. "Synthetic geotubes will be installed away from the shoreline. These durable tubes, made using petrochemical byproducts, will be filled with sand from the sea, enhancing their strength and reducing the impact of large waves," Unnikrishnan said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo "Studies in the area suggest that completion of the project will increase fish resources. Additionally, accessibility to the coast at any time will significantly benefit fishing and tourism sectors," the MLA said. The team visited the beaches along with Unnikrishnan and KSCADC managing director P I Sheikh Pareeth. The MLA stated that state govt has allocated Rs 100 crore to prevent sea erosion in coastal areas. He also mentioned that steps, including tender processes for project implementation, will be expedited after monsoon, and construction activities will be completed within this financial year.
