Keralites

Tuesday, 06 November 2012

Every Mallus MUST WATCH dis one completely Its not a short film but its wat keralites.mp4

ViswaMalayala Mahotsavam - Non-Keralites function inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy

Virad Hindu Sammelan - Narendra Modi address Keralites

Tech Keralites Onam Celebrations - IIT Kharagpur -

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Alappuzha
Alappuzha (), traditionally known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as Venice of the East by Marco Polo (1292). It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classical Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in Antiquity and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India. The famous Chettikulangara temple is at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district. Arthunkal church and Edathuva church are famous christian worship centres in the district.
http://wn.com/Alappuzha
Alappuzha district
For the town with the same name, see Alappuzha.
http://wn.com/Alappuzha_district
Aranmula
Aranmula is about 128 km from Trivandrum, capital city of Kerala, the south western state in India. It is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. Traditions, cultural variations, traditional village life, sceneries are unique for Aranmula. It is a suburb of Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District. Nearby important places are Pathanamthitta (10 km) and Chengannur (10 km). The nearest railway station is at Chengannur and airports are at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. It is the venue of the annual snake boat race on the Pampa river. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi. The palace at aranmula ( Aranmula kottaram) has a history of 200 years.
http://wn.com/Aranmula
Assam
http://wn.com/Assam
Athirappilly Falls
Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2007.
http://wn.com/Athirappilly_Falls
Australia
{{Infobox country
http://wn.com/Australia
Bangalore
Bangalore , known as Bengaluru (), is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration. As of 2009, Bangalore was inducted in the list of Global cities and ranked as a "Beta World City" alongside Geneva, Copenhagen, Boston, Cairo, Riyadh, Berlin, to name a few, in the studies performed by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network in 2008.
http://wn.com/Bangalore
Calicut
http://wn.com/Calicut
Chennai
Chennai (Tamil: ), formerly known as Madras (Tamil: AKA ), is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the fifth most populous city in India. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai city had a population of 4.34 million in the 2001 census within the area administered by the Corporation of Chennai and an extended Metropolitan Population of 6.5 million. The urban agglomeration of metropolitan Chennai has an estimated population over 8.2 million people.
http://wn.com/Chennai
Cochin
http://wn.com/Cochin
Delhi
Delhi, known locally as Dilli (, , {{Lang-ur| '), and by the official name National Capital Territory of Delhi''' (NCT), is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest metropolis by population in India. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with more than 12.25 million inhabitants in the territory and with nearly 22.2 million residents in the National Capital Region urban area (which also includes Noida, Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad). The name Delhi is often also used to include some urban areas near the NCT, as well as to refer to New Delhi, the capital of India, which lies within the metropolis. The NCT is a federally administered union territory.
http://wn.com/Delhi
Dubai
Dubai ( ; ) is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature.
http://wn.com/Dubai
Fiji
Fiji (; ), officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (; ), is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 2000 km northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Its more immediate neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas and France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast and Tuvalu to the north. Fiji has had inhabitants since the second millennium B.C. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch and the British explored Fiji.Fiji was a British colony up until 1970; British occupation lasted almost a century. Because of the abundance of forest, mineral, and fish resources, Fiji is one of the most developed economies in the Pacific island realm. Today, the main sources of foreign exchange are its tourist industry and sugar exports. The country's currency is the Fijian dollar.
http://wn.com/Fiji
Government of Kerala
The Government of Kerala is a democratically elected body that governs the State of Kerala, India for a period of 5 years. The state government is headed by the Governor of Kerala as the nominal head of state, with a democratically elected Chief Minister as real head of the executive. The state government maintains its capital at Thiruvananthapuram. The Government of Kerala was formed in November 1st, 1956 after merging of Royal States of Travancore-Cochin with Malabar as part of States Reorganization Act-1956.
http://wn.com/Government_of_Kerala
Greater Toronto Area
For a list of communities in the Greater Toronto Area, see List of communities in the Toronto area
http://wn.com/Greater_Toronto_Area
Haripad
Haripad, is a town in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, located between Alappuzha and Kollam on National Highway 47. There are eighteen Hindu temples there and more than 30 more in the surrounding countryside. The most famous temples are Subrahmanya Swami Temple and the Mannarashala Nagaraja Temple. Haripad is close to the Arabian Sea, and connects via the National Highway with Mavelikkara and Thrikkunnappuzha.
http://wn.com/Haripad
Israel
http://wn.com/Israel
Kannur
:For the district with the name Kannur, see Kannur District.
http://wn.com/Kannur
Karnataka
Karnataka (, pronounced ) is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
http://wn.com/Karnataka
Kasargod
http://wn.com/Kasargod
Kerala
Kerala (Malayalam: , {{audio|Ml-Kerala.ogg|) is a state in India. It is located on the south-western region of the country. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act bringing together the areas where Malayalam was the dominant language.
http://wn.com/Kerala
Kerala Backwaters
http://wn.com/Kerala_Backwaters
Keralite
http://wn.com/Keralite
Kochi,India
http://wn.com/KochiIndia
Kodagu
http://wn.com/Kodagu
Kottayam
:This article is about the city of Kottayam, See Kottayam district also.
http://wn.com/Kottayam
Lakshadweep
http://wn.com/Lakshadweep
Maharashtra
Maharashtra (Marathi: , ) is a state located in West India. The word Maharashtra comes from the words Maha meaning Great and Rashtra meaning Nation, thus rendering the name Maharashtra (Great Nation). It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India. It is the richest state in India, contributing to 15% of the country's industrial output and 13.2% of its GDP in year 2005-06.
http://wn.com/Maharashtra
Mumbai
Mumbai (; , ', ), previously known as Bombay' (), is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the second most populous city in the world, with a population of approximately 14 million. The official language of Mumbai is Marathi. But many other languages are also widely used, particularly the Mumbaiian Hindi''. Along with the neighbouring urban areas, including the cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it is one of the most populous urban regions in the world. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha world city. Mumbai is also the richest city in India, and has the highest GDP of any city in South or Central Asia.
http://wn.com/Mumbai
Munnar
http://wn.com/Munnar
Mysore
http://wn.com/Mysore
Negev
The Negev (also Negeb; , Tiberian vocalization: , ) is a desert and semidesert region of southern Israel. The Arabs, including the native Bedouin population of the region refer to the desert as al-Naqab (). The origin of the word Negev is from the Hebrew root denoting 'dry'. In the Bible the word Negev is also used for the direction 'south'.
http://wn.com/Negev
Nelliampathi
Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and has excellent weather conditions. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheel. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.
http://wn.com/Nelliampathi
New Zealand
{{Infobox Country
http://wn.com/New_Zealand
Nilgiris (mountains)
http://wn.com/Nilgiris_(mountains)
Pamba River
Pamba River is the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala and the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
http://wn.com/Pamba_River
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Historically and commonly known as the Persian Gulf, this body of water is also controversially referred to as the Arabian Gulf (by the Arab nations on the Arab side of the gulf) or simply The Gulf by most Arab states, and Gulf of Basra by Turkey, although none of the latter three terms is recognized internationally.
http://wn.com/Persian_Gulf
Portugal
Portugal (, ), officially the Portuguese Republic (; ), is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.
http://wn.com/Portugal
Southern Ontario
Southern Ontario is a region of the province of Ontario, Canada that lies south of the French River and Algonquin Park. Depending on the inclusion of the Parry Sound and Muskoka districts, its surface area would cover between 14 to 15% of the province. It is the southernmost region of Canada, and contains the only place in the nation where one can travel north to the United States. At Windsor, Ontario if one travels north they will reach Detroit, Michigan.
http://wn.com/Southern_Ontario
Suriname
http://wn.com/Suriname
Syrian
http://wn.com/Syrian
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu (, ) is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai (formerly known as Madras). Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the States of Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is bound by the Eastern Ghats in the north, the Nilgiri, the Anamalai Hills, and Palakkad on the west, by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait in the south east, and by the Indian Ocean in the south.
http://wn.com/Tamil_Nadu
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (), also known as Trivandrum (Anglicised name), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India", the city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys.With almost 745,000 inhabitants per the 2001 census, it is the largest and most populous city in Kerala; the wider urban agglomeration has a population of more than one million. Apart from being the IT hub of the state with over 80% of the state's software exports, Thiruvananthapuram ranks first in the number of international tourists in Kerala also.
http://wn.com/Thiruvananthapuram
UAE
http://wn.com/UAE
United States
The United States of America (also referred to as the United States, the U.S., the USA, or America) is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent, with Canada to the east and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. The state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.
http://wn.com/United_States
Wayanad
http://wn.com/Wayanad

A. Sreedhara Menon
http://wn.com/A_Sreedhara_Menon
Acharya Bhadrabahu
Acharya Bhadrabahu (433 B.C. - 357 B.C. ?) was a Jain monk. He is more famously known as a spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya and author of several texts related to Jainism, including some of the most important works, Upsargahara Stotra and Kalpasutra.
http://wn.com/Acharya_Bhadrabahu
Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara (, Sanskrit: , IAST: , pronounced ) (788 CE - 821 CE?), also known as ' and ', was an Indian philosopher who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a sub-school of Vedanta. His teachings are based on the unity of the soul and Brahman, in other words non-dual Brahman, in which Brahman is viewed as without attributes. He hailed from Kalady of present day Kerala.
http://wn.com/Adi_Shankara
Adivasi
Adivasi is an umbrella term for a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups believed to be the aboriginal population of India. They comprise a substantial indigenous minority of the population of India.
http://wn.com/Adivasi
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Moutatthu "Adoor" Gopalakrishnan Unnithan (born 3 July 1941) is a National Award winning Indian film director, script writer, and producer. Adoor Gopalakrishnan had a major role in revolutionizing Malayalam cinema. Adoor's first film Swayamvaram (1972) pioneered the new wave cinema movement in Kerala. Most of his films go to festivals around the world, and are released in Kerala. All the eleven films he directed, from Swayamvaram to Oru Pennum Randaanum, were screened at several International film festivals and won him several National and International awards. He won National Film Awards fifteen times, Kerala State Film Awards seventeen times and also won several International Film Awards. He won the prestigious British Film Institute award for Elippathayam. Adoor received the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2006. The Nation honoured Adoor for his valuable contributions to Indian cinema by awarding him the highest cinema award of India, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2004. He is one among the very few Indian film makers who are well known in the international film fraternity.
http://wn.com/Adoor_Gopalakrishnan
Anglo Indian
http://wn.com/Anglo_Indian
Anglo-Indian
Anglo-Indians are people who have mixed Indian and British ancestry. The British residents in India used the term "Eurasians" for people of mixed European and Indian descent (cf. George Orwell's Burmese Days).
http://wn.com/Anglo-Indian
Arab
http://wn.com/Arab
Arjuna
http://wn.com/Arjuna
Ayyankali
Ayyankali (1863–1941) was a leader of the Indian lower caste Dalits known as the Untouchables. He pioneered many reforms to improve the lives of the Dalits. In 1937 he was praised by Mahatma Gandhi when he visited Venganoor, Ayyankali's home town. In November 1980, Indira Gandhi unveiled sculptor Ezra David's commorative statue of Ayyankali at Kawdiyar square, in Trivandrum.
http://wn.com/Ayyankali
Bodhidharma
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http://wn.com/Bodhidharma
Brahmins
http://wn.com/Brahmins
Brahui people
http://wn.com/Brahui_people
Buddhism
http://wn.com/Buddhism
Buddhist
http://wn.com/Buddhist
Chakyar
Chakyar (also; Cakyar, Chakkiar, Chakiar etc) is a brahmin caste coming under the Ambalavasi community of Hindus in the Kerala state of south India. The women in this caste are called Illotammas.
http://wn.com/Chakyar
Chandragupta Maurya
http://wn.com/Chandragupta_Maurya
Cochin Royal Family
The Cochin Royal Family were rulers of Cochin, or Kochi, India. They were also known as Perumpadapu Swaroopam or Kuru Swaroopam.
http://wn.com/Cochin_Royal_Family
Dravidian people
http://wn.com/Dravidian_people
Duarte Barbosa
http://wn.com/Duarte_Barbosa
Europeans
http://wn.com/Europeans
G. Sankara Kurup
G. Sankara Kurup, ( , born June 3, 1901, Nayathode, Kerala, India - February 2, 1978, Vappalassery,Angamaly,Ernakulam, Kerala), better known as Mahakavi G (The Great Poet G), was the first winner of the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary award . He won the prize in 1965 for his collection of poems in Malayalam Odakkuzhal (The bamboo flute, 1950). With part of the prize money he established the literary award Odakkuzhal in 1968. He was also the recipient of the Soviet Land Nehru Award, in 1967, and the Padma Bhushan in 1968.
http://wn.com/G_Sankara_Kurup
K. J. Yesudas
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas () , (born 10 January 1940) is an Indian classical musician and a playback singer. He has won the National Award for the best male playback singer seven times, the most by any singer and the State Award for the best playback singer more than thirty times by the Government of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Yesudas sings Indian classical music, devotional and popular songs. He has recorded more than 55,000 songs in many languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Malay, Russian, Arabic, Latin and English through his long career spanning Five Decades. He has been singing for most Indian languages except Assamese, Konkani and Kashmiri. He also composed number of Malayalam Film songs in 70's and 80's. He is fondly called 'Gana Gandharvan' (The Celestial Singer).
http://wn.com/K_J_Yesudas
Kamaladas
http://wn.com/Kamaladas
Kaniyar
The '''Kaniyar ' people are located in the districts of Bangalore, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Hassan of Karnataka state, India.
http://wn.com/Kaniyar
Kannadiga
http://wn.com/Kannadiga
Kerala Iyers
Kerala Iyers, colloquially called Pattars, are Tamil Iyers of the Indian state of Kerala.
http://wn.com/Kerala_Iyers
Kumaran Asan
http://wn.com/Kumaran_Asan
L. Athira Krishna
Athira Krishna is an internationally acclaimed prodigy violinist from India. She was born in Trivandrum, Kerala. She has an enviable musical lineage as the granddaughter of the illustrious Vidwan Shri. GopalaPillai, fabulous musician of yesteryears who belonged to the renowned Tanjore tradition of Carnatic Music whose master-disciple lineage traced back to the Sri. Muthuswamy Dikshithar Carnatic trinity of the 18th century, and to Baluswamy Dikshithar, who first introduced the violin to Indian classical music. Athira is the proud recipient of many coveted recognitions including the prestigious Guinness World Record for her unique 32 hour long Non-Stop Carnatic Violin Solo Concert. She is among the youngest Cultural Ambassadors of India taking the rich Indian classical music tradition to the nooks and corners of the world through her violin solo concerts and lec-dems.
http://wn.com/L_Athira_Krishna
M. Mukundan
M. Mukundan() is one of the pioneers of modernity in Malayalam literature. He was born on 10 September 1942 at Mayyazhi in Mahe, a one-time French territory in Kerala. He served as the president of Kerala Sahitya Akademi from October 2006 until March 2010.
http://wn.com/M_Mukundan
M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Madathil Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair ()(b.August 9, 1933), popularly known as MT, is a renowned Indian author, screenplay writer and filmmaker. He was born in Kudallur, a small village in the present day Palakkad District, which was under the Malabar District in the Madras Presidency of the British Raj. He spent his early days in Punnayurkulam village of present day Thrissur District. He is one of the most prolific and versatile writers in modern Malayalam literature. His novels, short stories and screenplays speak of the pain and anguish of the Kerala society in the post independence India. He has won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay four times for: Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Kadavu, Sadayam, and Parinayam, which is the most by any in screen play category.
http://wn.com/M_T_Vasudevan_Nair
M.S. Gopalakrishnan
http://wn.com/MS_Gopalakrishnan
Malayali
The Malayali people (also spelled Malayalee; ; ; plural: Malayalikal) are a group of people who speak Malayalam, originating from the Indian state of Kerala. The Malayali identity is primarily linguistic, although in recent times the definition has been broadened to include emigrants of Malayali descent who partly maintain Malayali cultural traditions, even if they do not regularly speak the language. While the majority of Malayalis belong to Kerala, significant populations also exist in other parts of India, the Middle East, Europe and North America. According to the Indian census of 2001, there were 30,803,747 speakers of Malayalam in Kerala, making up 96.7% of the total population of that state. Hence the word Keralite is often used in the same context, though a proper definition is ambiguous.
http://wn.com/Malayali
Mappila
:This is an article about Mappila Muslims. For other uses, see Mappila (disambiguation). If you are looking for Nasrani Mappilas of Kerala see Syrian Malabar Nasrani.
http://wn.com/Mappila
Muhammad
http://wn.com/Muhammad
Muslims of Kerala
http://wn.com/Muslims_of_Kerala
Namboothiri Brahmin
http://wn.com/Namboothiri_Brahmin
Namboothiris
http://wn.com/Namboothiris
Nambudiri
http://wn.com/Nambudiri
Narayana Guru
http://wn.com/Narayana_Guru
O. V. Vijayan
Ootupulackal Velukkuty Vijayan () (July 2, 1930 – March 30, 2005) was an Indian author and cartoonist, who was an important figure in modern Malayalam literature. Best known for his first novel Khasakkinte Itihasam, Vijayan has six novels, nine short-story collections, and nine collections of essays, memoirs and reflections.
http://wn.com/O_V_Vijayan
P. T. Usha
http://wn.com/P_T_Usha
Phillip Zarrilli
Phillip Zarrilli is a British practitioner of the Indian martial arts of Kalarippayattu and Marma Adi. Zarrilli has also trained in variations of Yoga, the Wu style of Tai Chi Chuan, and is one of the notable Western authorities on the subject of Indian martial arts.
http://wn.com/Phillip_Zarrilli
Pulaya
http://wn.com/Pulaya
Pulayar
The Pulayar () also Pulayar, Pulaya,or Pulayas or Holeya are one of the main social groups found in Kerala, Karnataka and in historical Tamil Nadu or Tamilakam. In Kerala, especially in South Malabar, they are also known as Cherumar (Singlar-Cheruman) Currently they are referred to as Dalits. Their facial features such as flat nose and curly hair show that they are Austroloids, they could have been the tribal people or the Adivasis (aboriginal). An assumtion is that the Pulayas are a collection of Adivasi tribes as their numbers are extremely higher than their cousins. They could have been the residents of the coastal districts and areas not consisting the Western Ghats. Which is the mountain range bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They could have lived harmoniously although not having much contact with the Ezhavas who were the later migrants from Tamil Nadu.
http://wn.com/Pulayar
Raja Ravi Varma
Raja Ravi Varma () (April 29, 1848 - October 2, 1906) was an Indian painter from the princely state of Travancore who achieved recognition for his depiction of scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. His paintings are considered to be among the best examples of the fusion of Indian traditions with the techniques of European academic art.
http://wn.com/Raja_Ravi_Varma
S. K. Pottekkatt
Sankaran Kutty Pottekkatt (), popularly known as S. K. Pottekkatt, (March 13, 1913 – August 6, 1982) was a famous Malayalam writer. He is the author of nearly sixty books which include ten novels, twenty-four collections of short stories, three anthologies of poems, eighteen travelogues, four plays, a collection of essays and a couple of books based on personal reminiscences. Pottekat won the Jnanpith Award in 1980 for the novel Oru Desathinte Katha (The Story of a Locale). His works have been translated into English, Italian, Russian, German and Czech, besides all major Indian languages.
http://wn.com/S_K_Pottekkatt
Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor () (born 9 March 1956) is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.
http://wn.com/Shashi_Tharoor
Swati Tirunal
http://wn.com/Swati_Tirunal
Tamil people
Tamil people (), also called Tamils or Tamilians, are a linguistic and ethnic group native to Tamil Nadu, a state in Southern India and the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka. They speak Tamil (), with a recorded history going back two millennia. Emigrant communities are found across the world, notably Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Canada, and the UK. The Tamils are mostly Hindus with sizable Christian and Muslim populations.
http://wn.com/Tamil_people
Telugu people
http://wn.com/Telugu_people
Thomas the Apostle
Thomas the Apostle, also called Doubting Thomas or Didymus (meaning "Twin") was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is best known for disbelieving Jesus' resurrection when first told of it, then proclaiming "My Lord and my God" on seeing Jesus in . He was perhaps the only Apostle who went outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel. He is also believed to have crossed the largest area, which includes the Persian Empire and India.
http://wn.com/Thomas_the_Apostle
Tuluva
The Tuluva (, plural Tuluver ( ), also called the Tulu people, are an linguistic ethnic group native to the Tulu Nadu region of India, presently divided amongst the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district of Karnataka and the Kasaragod taluk of Kerala. They are the native speakers of the Tulu language . There is a sizable emigrant Tuluva population in Mumbai, the Middle East, and in several countries of the Anglosphere.
http://wn.com/Tuluva

Every Mallus MUST WATCH dis one completely Its not a short film but its wat keralites.mp4

Awesome..shots...cool acting...every malayalies must watch......

published: 27 Dec 2011

author: TeamDreamtouch

ViswaMalayala Mahotsavam - Non-Keralites function inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram 31-10-2012: ViswaMalayala Mahotsavam - Non-Keralites function inaugurat...

published: 01 Nov 2012

author: Oommen Chandy

"Kerala Express"-Keralites in Indian Olympics Team Part 1

Olypics Special Programme:"Kerala Express"-Story on Keralites in Indian Olympics...

published: 19 Jul 2012

author: asianetnews

"Kerala Express"-Keralites in Indian Olympics Team Part 2

Olypics Special Programme:"Kerala Express"-Story on Keralites in Indian Olympics...

published: 19 Jul 2012

author: asianetnews

Luton Keralites Onam 2012

This is a photo album of Luton Keralites Onam celebrations September 2012....

published: 11 Sep 2012

author: thomast001

IIT KHARAGPUR TECH KERALITES T-SHIRT

A Film by "choriyanam" team DIRECTOR- CHRISTIN ALEX DOP- NAVANEETH PAYYANUR EDITOR-VISHNU ...

published: 10 Aug 2012

author: Vishnu vinayamohanan

Luton Keralites Association Onam 2012

LUKA -- Theme Song Lirics:- Rajesh Ramachandran Nair Orchestration & Programing:- George A...

published: 09 Sep 2012

author: Jacob Sebastian

Virad Hindu Sammelan - Narendra Modi address Keralites

The concluding ceremony as part of Guruji Janmashatabdi celebrations. The cheif guest for ...

published: 26 Jun 2012

author: biusers

Thiruvathira by Crewe Keralites UK

Camera & Visual Cuts Runsmon...

published: 03 Sep 2012

author: elfiston2

Tech Keralites - IIT KGP-Onam dance

Tech - Keralites Onam-2012...

published: 10 Sep 2012

author: kunju145

Luton Keralites Association Onam 2012

Welcome Dance Audio Mixing:- Prince Video & Editing :- Prince...

published: 10 Sep 2012

author: Jacob Sebastian

Tech Keralites Onam Celebrations - IIT Kharagpur -

Thiruvathira during Onam Celebrations 2012...

published: 10 Sep 2012

author: kunju145

Luton Keralites Association Onam 2012

Classical Dance By Gowry Priya Rajesh...

published: 10 Sep 2012

author: Jacob Sebastian

Luton Keralites Association Onam 2012- Mujhe Rangde

This dance was performed by Sifa Mathew, Niki Jiji and Noel Jiji...

published: 11 Sep 2012

author: jijimunjanattu

pcnak praise - lijogeorge.com

Pentecostal Conference of North American Keralites...

published: 02 Mar 2010

author: Lijo George

Southeast Worship Team - Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone

from Friday night at PCNAK 2008 in ATL...

published: 31 Jul 2008

author: Bear

West Coast Worship Team - My Savior Lives

from Saturday night at PCNAK 2008 in ATL...

published: 11 Aug 2008

author: Bear

Tips on Teaching and Cooking South Indian Food (Idli/Dosa/Chutney)

I recently gave a series of cooking classes- the first in my life! ;-) In this video, whic...

published: 25 Apr 2010

author: Authentic Journeys

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Photo: US Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer

File - The Royal Navy submarine HMS Astute arrives at Naval Station Norfolk, 28 November, 2011. Astute is the first in a new class of British nuclear submarines that sets the standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth.

UK nuclear deterrent plan triggers divisions

Al Jazeera

06 Nov 2012

- At an unknown location somewhere deep beneath the world's oceans, a British submarine sits primed to launch up to 40 nuclear warheads with a collective destructive power almost 300 times greater...

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Photo: AP / Narciso Contreras

In this Sunday, Nov. 04, 2012 photo, a rebel fighter claims for victory after he fires a shoulder-fired missile toward a building where Syrian troops loyal to President Bashar Assad are hiding while they attempt to gain terrain against the rebels during heavy clashes in the Jedida district of Aleppo, Syria.

Syria could turn into a new Somalia - UN's Brahimi

BBC News

06 Nov 2012

The UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, has said he fears the country could "turn into a new Somalia" unless the crisis does not end soon. In an interview with the newspaper...

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Photo: AP / Mark Lennihan

A man waiting to vote at Public School 370 angrily points at a New York City police officer, left, as tempers flare, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York.

Obama, Romney leave voters facing stark choice

The Leaf Chronicle

06 Nov 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney left Americans to vote Tuesday with a stark choice between their fundamentally different visions for the countrys future...

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Photo: WN / Ahmed Deeb

A mural depicting the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (R) in Gaza City as French prosecutors in Paris opened up an official inquiry into Yasser Arafat's death in Gaza City on August 28, 2012. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas welcomed a decision by French prosecutors to open a murder inquiry into claims the Arafat may have been poisoned.

Arafat's remains to be exhumed on Nov. 26, examined for deadly radioactive isotope

Star Tribune

05 Nov 2012

RAMALLAH, West Bank - A Western diplomat says the exhumation of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's remains will take place Nov. 26....

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Photo: US Navy / MCS2 Terah L. Mollise

Rockaway Beach, N.Y. (Nov. 4, 2012) Sailors of USS San Antonio (LPD 17) walk the streets of Rockaway Beach, N.Y to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy Nov. 4, 2012.

Super Storms but Not so Super Rulers

WorldNews.com

05 Nov 2012

Article by WN.com Correspondent Dallas Darling "Of the best rulers, the people do not know they exist." -Lao Tzu Unlike pseudo messianic governments and their virtual political pretenders, super...

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Timeline:
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Get more out of coconut water 06 Nov 2012

The Times of India Tender coconut water has been declared as Kerala's official drink recently. Keralites feel it was high time the drink, the purest form of liquid after water, got its due. However, if its basic avatar is all that you have ever tried out so far, you are missing out on a lot. Sorbet, granita,...(size: 1.9Kb)

Kerala fliers’ woes: Vayalar Ravi seeks Ajit Singh’s intervention 06 Nov 2012

The Hindu Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today sought the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to solve problems faced by fliers from Kerala due to frequent cancellation of Gulf-bound flights. Ravi, who held the additional...(size: 1.6Kb)

Woes of Kerala fliers: Vayalar Ravi seeks Ajit Singh's intervention 06 Nov 2012

Indian Express Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today sought the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to solve problems faced by fliers from Kerala due to frequent cancellation of Gulf-bound flights. Ravi, who held the...(size: 1.6Kb)

Woes of Kerala fliers: Ravi seeks Ajit Singh's intervention 06 Nov 2012

DNA India Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Tuesday sought the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to solve problems faced by fliers from Kerala due to frequent cancellation of Gulf-bound flights. Ravi, who held the additional charge of...(size: 1.7Kb)

Woes of Kerala fliers: Ravi seeks Ajit's intervention 06 Nov 2012

Zeenews New Delhi: Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today sought the intervention of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to solve problems faced by fliers from Kerala due to frequent cancellation of Gulf-bound flights. Ravi, who held the additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry before it was...(size: 2.0Kb)

Ministry told to provide assistance to widow 06 Nov 2012

The Hindu The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to pay compensation to a woman whose husband died in a bomb blast in Saudi Arabia in May 1985. Justice B.P. Ray also called upon Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to take steps to provide ‘help’ to the...(size: 2.5Kb)

Geeky look works. Try it! 05 Nov 2012

The Times of India Girls in Kerala are going bold in flaunting their geeky looks with a pair of chunky black framed glasses A study in Delhi revealed that girls are not keen on wearing spectacles, assuming that it will put off prospective grooms. But surprisingly, if the study was to be conducted in Kerala, it would...(size: 2.4Kb)

Keralas dream takes flight, once again 05 Nov 2012

Indian Express Two decades into Indias open skies policy, a period marked by takeoffs as well as crash landings for many private airlines, Kerala wants to fly to the Middle East on its own wings. The Congress-led government has decided to revive Air Kerala, conceived by the partys previous...(size: 1.8Kb)

Malayalam in super-speciality mode 05 Nov 2012

The Hindu The Vice-Chancellor of the new Thunchathu Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, K. Jayakumar, has set an ambitious course for himself. In an interview to The Hindu-EducationPlus, the former Chief Secretary says he wishes to make the institution, inaugurated in Tirur on November 1, academically,...(size: 8.6Kb)

Keralite among finalists for Peta's hottest vegetarian crown 05 Nov 2012

Indian Express Twenty-four year old Vimal Das from Engadiyur in Kerala's Thrissur district is among the 10 male finalists vying for PETA's hottest vegetarian...(size: 1.0Kb)

DNA conversations: Adaptability in diversity is their mantra 05 Nov 2012

DNA India The city is dotted with cultural associations that were established a long time ago. They help maintain the culture of the community they represent as also contribute to society through welfare activities. Office-bearers and members gathered for a chat with DNA and discussed their culture and...(size: 6.3Kb)

In Kerala, CPMs corporate lesson in running media 04 Nov 2012

Indian Express The CPM in Kerala has set an example in running party-backed media and co-operative ventures successfully. CPM mouthpiece Deshabhimani and party-backed Malayalam Communications, which has news and entertainment TV channels in its bouquet, can match any corporate media...(size: 1.8Kb)

Hand of Gold 03 Nov 2012

Khaleej Times DIEGO MARADONAÂ’S famed 'Hand of God' still works, even if it is not for bringing glory in football for Argentina. A portly Maradona, a far cry from the pint-sized dynamite that he used to be in his days of glory, still enchanted football crazy fans in Keralaâ€™s Kannur, where he recently landed for...(size: 6.1Kb)

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മലയാളി
Malayali

Notable List of Malayalees:

Adi Shankara • Shashi Tharoor • Arundhati Roy • Adoor Gopalakrishnan • Narayana Guru • Varghese Payapilly Palakkappilly • Raja Ravi Varma • P. T. Usha • K. J. Yesudas

Total population

35,757,100 (1997)^[1]

Regions with significant populations

India	33,066,392
United Arab Emirates	773,624	^[2]
Saudi Arabia	447,440	^[2]
Kuwait	134,728	^[2]
Oman	134,019	^[2]
United States	105,655	^[2]
United Kingdom	100,737	^[2]
Qatar	94,310	^[2]
Bahrain	58,146	^[2]
Canada	12,346	^[2]
Malaysia	11,936	^[2]
Australia	10,793	^[3]
Israel	9,000	^[4]
Singapore	7,800	^[2]
Pakistan	6,000	^[5]
Germany
Thailand
South Africa
Botswana
Maldives

Languages

Malayalam (മലയാളം)

Religion

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Judaism

Related ethnic groups

Dravidian people, Tamil people, Kannadiga, Telugu people, Tuluva, Brahui people

Malayali (also spelled Malayalee; Malayalam: മലയാളി, Malayāḷi ^?) is the term used to refer to the native speakers of Malayalam, originating from the Indian state of Kerala. The Malayali identity is primarily linguistic, although in recent times the definition has been broadened to include emigrants of Malayali descent who partly maintain Malayali cultural traditions, even if they do not regularly speak the language. While the origins of the Malayali people are in the state of Kerala, significant populations also exist in other parts of India, the Middle East, Europe and North America. According to the Indian census of 2001, there were 30,803,747 speakers of Malayalam in Kerala,^[6] making up 96.7% of the total population of that state. Hence the word Keralite is often used in the same context, though a proper definition is ambiguous.

Etymology [link]

Malayalam, the Malayalis' native language, has its origin from the words mala meaning mountain and alam meaning land (Tamil/Malayalam) or locality (which lies alongside the mountain).^[7] Hence 'Malayali' means people from the mountains who lived beyond the Western Ghats, and Malayalam the language that was spoken there.

Geographic distribution and population [link]

Communities [link]

Historically, religion and caste played a major role in community, with individuals associating and marrying within their religion or caste. Hence, Malayali communities can be differentiated along historical religious lines.

Hindu [link]

Ezhava [link]

Main article: Ezhava

The Ezhavas are the largest Hindu community in Kerala. Ezhavas are also found amongst the Malayali diaspora around the world. Ezhavas are today a social group sharing a common history from the pre-social reform era. With a population of 7.3 million Ezhavas are the largest Hindu community in Kerala.

Nambudiri [link]

Main article: Nambudiri

The Nambudiri Brahmins are the indigenous Brahmins of Kerala, who are considered the most orthodox Brahmins in India.^[9] They perform rituals in temples of Kerala based on Tantra Vidhi, a complex and ancient branch of Tantric traditions found only in Kerala, and some Mahakshetras ("Great Temples") around India (which have a Nambudiri acting as the Head Priest). Namboothiris follow the conservative and ritualistic Śrauta traditions and the ancient Purva Mimamsa, unlike the majority of other Brahmins in India who follow the Vedanta.

Nair [link]

Main article: Nair

A lady wearing the Mundum Neryathum in the traditional regal style

Nairs (sometimes spelled Nayar) were Hindu upper caste and division of the Hindu caste system. The Nairs were a martial nobility^[10]^[11]^[12]^[13] and figure prominently in the history of Kerala. The Nairs form the second largest Hindu community in Kerala.

Interim castes [link]

Certain interim castes ( Antharala Jati) such as Kaniyar, Viswakarma( Kammalas) are worth mentioning . They were once socially indispensable for their exclusive traditional occupational functions .

Ganaka /Kaniyar community were associated with the practice of traditional Hindu astrology, and other intellectual vocations ^[14] such as conducting Kalari for teaching letters(3R's)^[15] to non- Brahmins at village school(Ezhuthu Palli) and Martial arts (Kalary payattu).^[16]^[17] They were generally known by the title Panicker and Asan ^[18] in northern and southern regions of Kerala respectively.^[19]

Many artisan communities are collectively known as Viswakarma, they were engaged with various craft traditions ( carpentery, masonry,glack smithing, gold smithing, pot making etc.), involving the make and maintenance of architectural entities of Kerala.^[20]

Ambalavasi [link]

Main article: Ambalavasi

Ambalavasi is the name of a Kerala community (not to be confused with caste) composed of a number of Hindu castes such as Pushpakas (Unni, Nambeesan, etc.), Chakyars, Moothaths, Ilayaths, Kurukkals, Warriers, Marars, Nambiars, Pisharody, Poduvals etc. Traditionally, they perform temple related jobs and art forms.

Pulaya [link]

Main article: Pulayar

Ayyankali statue at Thiruvananthapuram

The Pulayas, also known as Pulayar are one of the main social groups found in the Kerala society, who were traditionally engaged in various agriculture-related occupations. Ayyankali (1863–1914), one among the great social reformers of India, who was praised by Mahatma Gandhi when he visited Venganoor, was born to a Malayali Pulaya family.

Muslim [link]

Main article: Mappila

Christian [link]

Main article: Saint Thomas Christians

Christians form the third largest group in Kerala. Over the centuries, they have blended well with the changing socio-cultural environment of the region, becoming uniquely Indian and Christian.

According to beliefs, Christianity in India dates to Thomas the Apostle’s conversion of Jews and local population in Kerala during the 1st century CE.^[21]^[22] The 3rd and 4th centuries saw an influx of Christians from the Middle East. Distance kept the community of St Thomas Christians separate from other Christian communities until about the 8th century, when they started receiving bishops and support from the Chaldean Church. The arrival of Europeans in the 15th century and discontent with Portuguese interference in religious matters fomented schism into Syrian Catholic and Orthodox communities. Further schism, rearrangements, and missionary activity led to the formation of the other Indian Churches. Latin Rite Christians were converted by the Portuguese in the 16th and 19th centuries mainly from communities where fishing was the traditional occupation. Anglo-Indian Christian communities formed around this time as Europeans and local Malayalis intermarried. Protestantism arrived a few centuries later with missionary activity during British rule. The community today can broadly divided into Catholic, Orthodox, Marthomite, other Protestant denominations and the relatively newer Pentecostal groups. It is important to note that despite being a heterogeneous group, Malayali Christians find unity in a common history and faith.

Jewish [link]

An Indian Jewish family in Cochin, circa 1900.

Cochin Jews, also called Malabar Jews (Malabar Yehudan) are the ancient Jews and their descendants of the erstwhile state of Kingdom of Cochin which includes the present day port city of Kochi.^[23] They traditionally spoke Judeo-Malayalam, a form of the Malayalam tongue, native to the state of Kerala. The Jews of Cochin did not adhere to the Talmudic prohibition, followed by other Orthodox Jews, against public singing by women, and therefore have a rich tradition of Jewish prayers and narrative songs performed by women in Judeo-Malayalam.^[24]

Their population has been greatly reduced from historical numbers, as many have emigrated to Israel to settle in the Negev. Part of the decline in Kerala's Jewish population can also be attributed to conversion.^[21] Many of the Jews that converted during the time of Saint Thomas became Nasranis aka Saint Thomas Christians.^[21]

Jain [link]

Main article: Jainism in Kerala

Jainism has had a continued presence in Kerala since pre-Christian times with Jainism in Kerala enjoying an extensive heritage and history.

At present, Jainism in Kerala has a very small following, mainly from the original Jains of Kerala and the Gujarati Jain business community, to be found in Kochi and Calicut. Most of the Shwetambar followers are living in Mattancherry (Kochi) and Digambar community families are residents of Ernakulam (Kochi).

Jainism came to Kerala in the third century BC soon after Chandragupta Maurya (B.C. 321-297), accompanied by the Jain monk Bhadrabahu, travelled to Shravanabelagola near Mysore (in present day Karnataka). Their followers are believed to have journeyed further south, into present day Kerala and Tamil Nadu, in search of suitable places for meditation. By the start of the Christian era, Jainism was well established in Kerala. Ilango Adigal, author of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, was among the notable royal patrons of the Jain religion in Kerala. He lived in Trikkanaa-Mathilakam which attained fame as a centre of Jain culture and learning.

Unclassified [link]

Main article: Atheism in Kerala

With the growth in intermarriage between Malayali communities and also with other groups, especially outside Kerala, many people who identify themselves with Kerala or with Malayali culture can not readily be labeled as members of one of the historic castes or communities listed above. Also, although a number of these groups were historically affiliated to one or other religion or sect, many of their modern members may be agnostic or atheist, or identify more strongly with some other religious or non-religious ideology. Nevertheless, Malayalis have been a open-minded people who are accepting of various groups irrespective of caste and class in their community.

Culture [link]

Malayali cultural genesis can be traced to their membership (around the 3rd century CE) in a well defined historical region known as Tamilakam, encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms and southern coastal Karnataka. Later upon the arrival of other ethnic groups such as Namboothiris, Nairs, etc. the distinct culture took shape. This was later elaborated upon by centuries of contact with foreign cultures such as Syrian, Judeo, Arabian, Portuguese, English communities which have left their mark.^[25] These foreign communities often settled in Kerala and assimilated with the local population resulting in different ethnic groups such as the Cochin Jews, Mappilas, Syrian Malabar Nasranis, and Anglo Indian.

Language and Literature [link]

Mahakavi Kumaran Asan was one of the Triumvirate poets of modern Malayalam. Shown here is a portrait of Asan.

Malayalam is the language spoken by the Malayalis. Malayalam is derived from Middle Tamil in the 6th century, of which Modern Tamil was also derived.^[26] An alternative theory proposes a split in more ancient times.^[26] For cultural purposes Malayalam and Sanskrit formed a language known as Manipravalam, where both languages were used in an alternating style. Malayalam is the only among the major Dravidian languages without diglossia. This means, that the Malayalam which is spoken does not differ from the written variant. Malayalam is written using the Malayalam script.

Malayalam literature is ancient in origin. The oldest literature works in Malayalam, distinct from the Tamil tradition, is dated between 9th century and 11th century.^[26] Malayalam literature includes the 14th century Niranam poets (Madhava Panikkar, Sankara Panikkar and Rama Panikkar), whose works mark the dawn of both modern Malayalam language and indigenous Keralite poetry. The Triumvirate of poets (Kavithrayam: Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer)^[27] are recognized for moving Keralite poetry away from archaic sophistry and metaphysics and towards a more lyrical mode.In the second half of the 20th century, Jnanpith awardees like G. Sankara Kurup, S. K. Pottekkatt, Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and M. T. Vasudevan Nair have made valuable contributions to the Malayalam literature. Later, such Keralite writers as O. V. Vijayan, Kamaladas, M. Mukundan, and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, whose 1996 semi-autobiographical bestseller^[28] The God of Small Things is set in the Kottayam town of Ayemenem, have gained international recognition.^[29]^[30]

Tharavadu [link]

Main article: Tharavadu

Tharavadu is a system of joint family practised by Malayalis, especially castes like Nambudiris, Nairs, and Ezhavas. Each Tharavadu has a unique name. The Tharavadu was administered by the Karanavan, the oldest male member of the family.^[31] He would be the eldest maternal uncle of the family as well. The members of the Tharavadu consisted of mother, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers. The fathers and husbands had very minimal role to play in the affairs of the Tharavadu. It was a true matrilineal affair. The Karanavar took all major decisions. He was usually autocratic. However, the consent of the eldest female member of the family was taken before implementing the decisions. This eldest female member would be his maternal grandmother, own mother, mother's sister, his own sister or a sister through his maternal lineage. Since the lineage was through the female members, the birth of a daughter was always welcomed. Each Tharavadu also has a Para Devatha (clan deity) revered by those in the particular Tharavadu. Temples were built to honor these deities.

Kerala's society is less patriarchical than the rest of the Majority World.^[32]^[33] Certain Hindu communities such as the Nairs, some Ezhava families in Travancore and Cochin, Ezhavas in north Kerala and Muslims around Kannur used to follow a traditional matrilineal system known as marumakkathayam which has in the recent years (post Indian independence) ceased to exist. Christians, Muslims, and some Hindu castes such as the Namboothiris and some Ezhavas follow makkathayam, a patrilineal system.^[34] Kerala's gender relations are among the most equitable in India and the Majority World.^[35]^[36]

Architecture [link]

Main article: Architecture of Kerala

Kerala, the native land of Malayalis has a tropical climate with excessive rains and intensive solar radiation.^[37] The architecture of this region has evolved to meet these climatic conditions by having the form of buildings with low walls, sloping roof and projecting caves.^[37] The setting of the building in the open garden plot was again necessitated by the requirement of wind for giving comfort in the humid climate.^[37] Timber is the prime structural material abundantly available in many varieties in Kerala. Perhaps the skillful choice of timber, accurate joinery, artful assembly and delicate carving of wood work for columns, walls and roofs frames are the unique characteristics of Malayali architecture.^[37] From the limitations of the materials, a mixed mode of construction was evolved in Malayali architecture. The stone work was restricted to the plinth even in important buildings such as temples. Laterite was used for walls. The roof structure in timber was covered with palm leaf thatching for most buildings and rarely with tiles for palaces or temples.^[37] The Kerala murals are paintings with vegetable dyes on wet walls in subdued shades of brown. The indigenous adoption of the available raw materials and their transformation as enduring media for architectural expression thus became the dominant feature of the Malayali style of architecture.^[37]

Nalukettu [link]

A typical Nalukettu structure

Nalukettu is a quadrangular building constructed after following the Tachu Sastra(Science of Carpentry). In past, Nalukettu was the house in which Malayalis lived.^[38] It was a typical house which was flanked by out-houses and utility structures.The large house-Nalukettu is constructed within a large compound.It was called Nalukettu because it consisted of four wings around a central courtyard called Nadumuttom.^[38] The house has a quadrangle in the center. The quadrangle is in every way the center of life in the house and very useful for the performance of rituals.The layout of these homes was simple, and catered to the dwelling of a large number of people, usually part of a tharavadu. Ettukettu (eight halled with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halled with four central courtyards) are the more elaborate forms of the same architecture. An example of a Nalukettu structure is Mattancherry Palace.^[38]

Performing Arts and Music [link]

Malayalis use two words to denote dance, which is attom and thullal.^[39] The art forms of Malayalis are classified into three types. They are (i)Religious like Theyyam, Bhagavatipattu etc., (ii)Semi religious like Sanghakali, Krishnanattom etc., and (iii)Secular like Kathakali, Mohiniaattam, Thullal etc.^[39]Kathakali and Mohiniaattam are the two classical dance forms from Kerala.^[40] Kathakali is actually a dance-drama. Mohiniaattam is a very sensual and graceful dance form that is performed both solo and in a group by women.^[40]Kutiyattam is a traditional performing art form from Kerala, which is recognised by UNESCO and given the status Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.^[41]Ottamthullal is another performing art, which is also known as the poor man's Kathakali, which was created by the poet Kunchan Nambiar as an alternative to Chakiarkooth (another performing art),which was open only for higher castes to see.^[42]Theyyam is a ritualistic art form of Malayalis, which is thought to predate hinduism and to have developed from folk dances performed in conjunction with harvest celebrations. Theyyam is performed as an offering to gods so as to get rid of poverty and illness.^[43] Velakali is another ritualistic art form, mainly performed at temples in the festival time. Kolkali is a folk art in which dance performers move in a circle, striking small sticks and keeping rhythm with special steps. Many ancient Malayali family houses in Kerala have special snake shrines called Kavu. Sarpam Thullal is usually performed in the courtyard of houses having snake shrines. This is a votive offering for family wealth and happiness.

Performing arts in Kerala is not limited to a single religion of the Malayali society. The Malayalam speaking Muslim community of Kerala, known as Mappila and the Christian community has their own unique performing art forms. Duff Muttu, also known as Dubh Muttu/Aravanamuttu^[44] is a performing art form prevalent among the Muslim community. It is a group performance, staged as a social event during festivals and nuptial ceremonies.^[44] Oppana is a popular form of social entertainment among the Muslim community. It is a form accompanied by clapping of hands, in which both men and women participate.^[45] Margamkali is a performing art which is popular among the Saint Thomas Christians. It combines both devotion and entertainment, and was performed by women in groups.^[46] Since 1980's women also have found groups. The dancers themselves sing the margamkali songs in unison call and response form.^[46]Parichamuttikali is another performing art which is popular among Saint Thomas Christians. This is an artistic adaptation of the martial art of Kerala, Kalaripayattu.^[46] Chavittu nadakom is a theatrical art form observed mainly by Kerala Latin Christians, dating back to second half of 16th century.^[46]

However, many of these native art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among ordinary Keralites. Thus, more contemporary forms – including those heavily based on the use of often risqué and politically incorrect mimicry and parody – have gained considerable mass appeal in recent years. Indeed, contemporary artists often use such modes to mock socioeconomic elites. In recent decades, Malayalam cinema, yet another mode of widely popular artistic expression, have provided a distinct and indigenous Keralite alternative to both Bollywood and Hollywood.

Music formed a major part of early Malayalam literature, which is believed to have started developing by 9th century CE.^[47] The significance of music in the culture of Kerala can be established just by the fact that in Malayalam language, musical poetry was developed long before prose. Kerala is musically known for Sopanam. Sopanam is religious in nature, and developed through singing invocatory songs at the Kalam of Kali, and later inside temples. Sopanam came to prominence in the wake of the increasing popularity of Jayadeva's Gita Govinda or Ashtapadis. Sopana sangeetham (music), as the very name suggests, is sung by the side of the holy steps (sopanam) leading to the sanctum sanctorum of a shrine. It is sung, typically employing plain notes, to the accompaniment of the small, hourglass-shaped ethnic drum called idakka, besides the chengila or the handy metallic gong to sound the beats. Sopanam is traditionally sung by men of the Marar and Pothuval community, who are Ambalavasi (semi-Brahmin) castes engaged to do it as their hereditary profession. Kerala is also home of Carnatic music. Legends like Swati Tirunal, Shadkala Govinda Maarar, Sangitha Vidwan Gopala Pillai Bhagavathar, Chertala Gopalan Nair, M.D. Ramanathan, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, M.S. Gopalakrishnan, L. Subramaniam T.N. Krishnan & K.J. Yesudas are Malayali musicians.

Padmabhushan. Dr.K.J. Yesudas sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. He has recorded more than 50,000 songs in many languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Malay, Russian, Arabic, Latin and English during a career spanning five decades. He has performed in most Indian languages except Assamese, Konkani and Kashmiri. He also composed a number of Malayalam film songs in the 1970s and 1980s.[1] Yesudas is fondly called Gana Gandharvan (English: The Celestial Singer. He has won the National Award for the Best Male Playback Singer seven times, the most by any Indian singer, and the State Award for the Best Playback Singer twenty three times by the Government of Kerala and by the Governments of Tamil Nadu (8), Karnataka (5), Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal (1) altogether 43 state awards. He was awarded The Padma shri in 1975 the Padma Bhushan in 2002 by the Government of India for his contributions towards the arts.

In 2006 Yesudas sang 16 film songs in four South Indian languages on the same day at AVM Studio, Chennai. Yesudas has performed in many major cities around the world. In 1965, he was invited by the Soviet Union government to perform at music concerts in various cities in the USSR and also sang a Russian song over Radio Kazakhstan. Yesudas became one of the senate members in the International Parliament for Safety and Peace. On November 14, 1999, Yesudas was presented with an honorary award by UNESCO for "Outstanding Achievements in Music and Peace" at the "Music for Peace" event in Paris.a concert held to mark the dawn of the new millennium and whose attendees included artistes such as Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Montserrat Caballé, and Zubin Mehta. [18] In 1971, during the Indo-Pakistan War, Yesudas traveled all around Kerala with his musical troupe to raise funds for the Indian Prime Minister's National Defense Fund. In 2001 he sang for album Ahimsa in Sanskrit, Latin and English and in a mix of styles including New Age and Carnatic. In his music concerts in the Middle East he sings Arabic songs in the Carnatic style. He frequently serves as a cultural ambassador for India through his performances abroad, promoting Indian music. In 2009 Yesudas began a cross-country musical campaign against terrorism in Thiruvananthapuram, with the motto 'Music For Peace'. Kavita Karkare, wife of Hemant Karkare, handed over the torch to Yesudas to mark the launch of the 'Shanthi Sangeetha Yatra'.

Also among the younger generations with wide acclaim and promise is Child Prodigy Violinist L. Athira Krishna etc., who are looked upon as Maestros of tomorrow.^[48] Kerala also has a significant presence of Hindustani music as well.^[49] The king of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal patronaged and contributed much to the Hindustani Music. The pulluvar of Kerala are closely connected to the serpent worship. One group among these people consider the snake gods as their presiding deity and perform certain sacrifices and sing songs. This is called Pulluvan Pattu. The song conducted by the pulluvar in serpent temples and snake groves is called Sarppapaattu, Naagam Paattu, Sarpam Thullal, Sarppolsavam, Paambum Thullal or Paambum Kalam. Mappila Paattukal or Mappila Songs are folklore Muslim devotional songs in the Malayalam language. Mappila songs are composed in colloquial Malayalam and are sung in a distinctive tune. They are composed in a mixture of Malayalam and Arabic.

Film music, which refers to playback singing in the context of Indian music, forms the most important canon of popular music in India. Film music of Kerala in particular is the most popular form of music in the state.^[49] Before Malayalam cinema and Malayalam film music developed, the Keralites eagerly followed Tamil and Hindi film songs and that habit has stayed with them till now.

Vallam Kali [link]

Vallam Kali, is the race of country made boats. It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in Autumn. Vallam Kali include races of many kinds of traditional boats of Kerala. The race of Chundan Vallam (snake boat) is the major item. Hence Vallam Kali is also known in English as Snake Boat Race and a major tourist attraction. Other types of boats which do participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam, and Kochu Vallam. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one the famous Vallam Kali held in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is the oldest and most popular Vallam Kali in Kerala. The race is held on river Pamba on the moolam day (according to the Malayalam Era) of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple. The Aranmula Boat Race takes place at Aranmula, near a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pamba to watch the snake boat races. Nearly 30 snake boats or chundan vallams participate in the festival. Payippad Jalotsavam is a three day water festival. Its conducted in Payippad Lake which is 35 km from Alappuzha district of Kerala state. There is a close relation between this Payippad boat race and Subramanya Swamy Temple in Haripad. Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a boat race festival celebrated in the last week of December in the backwaters of Kochi, a city in Kerala. This boat race is one of the most popular Vallam Kali in Kerala. This festival is conducted to promote Kerala tourism.

Festivals [link]

Malayalis celebrate a variety of festivals. Other than the two given below Malayalis also celebrate Christmas and Bakrid.

Onam [link]

Main article: Onam

File:Thiruvathira Kali During Onam.jpg

Thiruvathira kali

Onam is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in Kerala, although celebrations also occur among the diaspora. It is the foremost festival among the cultural repertoire of Malayalis, and falls during the month of Chingam (August–September as per the Gregorian calendar), the first month of the Malayalam calendar and lasts for ten days from the Star Atham in Chingam. Though it is essentially a harvest festival of Malayalis, mythologically it is linked to Malayali-Hindu folktales. Like many other religious festivals in India, Onam is celebrated by people across all castes and faiths. Onam has been part of Malayali psyche for centuries. There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. The earliest record of Onam is found during time of Kulasekhara Perumals around AD 800, soon after the Kalabhra Interregnum of Kerala History. Until the eighth century the political history is mostly unknown and is usually known as the Kalabhra Interregnum. Kalabhras were supposed to have been ruling Kerala until at least the sixth century. Kalabhras probably refers to Keralaputras. They are believed to be people of Mayavi.

Onam has two specific significance. First it is the communal memory and celebration of past history as ennunciated in the Mahabali Legend. A story of how paradise was lost. Second it is the celebration of the harvest tied with the memory of the golden age of prosperity. It is believed that during those days the whole of Chingam was celebrated as Onam season. After the rain drenched month of Karkidakam with its privations, Chingam is a welcome month for people in the state of Kerala. The festival is the harbinger of spring – signalling the start of the harvest season. Onam epitomizes the newfound vigour and enthusiasm of the season, and is celebrated with traditional fervour with visit to temples, family get-togethers, gifting each other clothes called Onakkodi and lots of merry making. Thiruvathira is in the malayalam month Dhanu (Dec–Jan). it is considering as the bithday of Lord Shiva.

Vishu [link]

Main article: Vishu

Vishukkani

Vishu is a festival celebrated by Malayalis around the first day in the Malayalam month of Medam (April – May). This occasion signifies the Sun's transit to the zodiac Mesha (Mesha Raasi) as per Indian astrological calculations. Vishu is also considered as the Malayalam New Year day and thus the importance of this day to all Malayalis regardless of their religion or sect. Similarly the day is celebrated in almost all places in India by the Hindus albeit by different names. In Assam this day is called Bihu, in Punjab Baisakhi and in Tamil Nadu Puthandu. The word "Vishu" in Sanskrit means "equal". Therefore Vishu is more probably denoting one of the equinox days.

The festival is marked with offerings to the divine called Vishukkani. The offerings consist of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is completed the previous night. On the day of Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first thing one sees. Since the occasion marks the beginning of Malayalam New Year, it is also considered auspicious to read verses from Hindu Holy book Ramayanam after seeing the Vishukkani. It is also believed by some that the page of the Ramayanam to which you open up will have a bearing on your life in the coming year. Devotees also throng the well-known temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Teample, Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple to have a "Vishukkani Kazhcha" on the early hours of "Vishu" day.

Cuisine [link]

Main article: Cuisine of Kerala

The cuisine of Malayalis are linked in all its richness to the history, geography and culture of the land. Spices form an important ingredient in almost all curries. Malayali cuisine is not homogeneous and regional variations are visible throughout. Kerala is known for its traditional sadhyas, a vegetarian meal served with boiled rice and a host of side-dishes. The sadhya is complemented by payasam, a sweet milk dessert native to Kerala. The sadhya is, as per custom, served on a banana leaf. Traditional dishes include sambar, aviyal, kaalan, theeyal, thoran, injipully, pulisherry, appam, kappa (tapioca), puttu (steamed rice powder), and puzhukku. Coconut is an essential ingredient in most of the food items and is liberally used.

Puttu is a culinary specialty in Kerala. It is a steamed rice cake which is a favourite breakfast of most Malayalis. It is served with either brown chickpeas cooked in a spicy gravy, papadams and boiled small green lentils, or tiny ripe yellow Kerala plantains. In the highlands there is also a variety of puttu served with paani (the boiled-down syrup from sweet palm toddy) and sweet boiled bananas. to steam the puttu, there is a special utensil called "Puttu Kutti". It consists of two sections. The lower bulkier portion is where the water for steaming is stored. The upper detachable leaner portion which is separated from lower portion with peforated lids so as to allow the steam to pass through and bake the rice powder which has been filled. The upper portion of the leaner section is covered with a peforated cup shaped lid once it is filled with rice powder.

Appam is a pancake made of fermented batter. The batter is made of rice flour and fermented using either yeast or toddy, the local spirit. It is fried using a special frying pan called appa-chatti and is served with egg curry, chicken curry, mutton stew, vegetable curry and chick pea curry.

Martial arts [link]

Keralites [link]

List of famous Keralites

References [link]

^ Ethnologue report for Malayalam
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Zachariah, K. C. & Rajan, S. Irudaya (2008), Kerala Migration Survey 2007 (PDF), Department of Non-resident Keralite Affairs, Government of Kerala, p. 48. This is the number of emigrants from Kerala, which is closely related to but different from the actual number of Malayalis.
^ ^a ^b [1]
^ The Last Jews of Kerala, Edna Fernandes, Portobello Books 2008
^ Where Malayalees once held sway: DNA India
^ ^a ^b [2], censusindia.net
^ "kerala.gov.in". http://www.kerala.gov.in/. -go to the website and click the link – language & literature to retrieve the information
^ Statistics New Zealand:Language spoken (total responses) for the 1996–2006 censuses (Table 16), stats.govt.nz
^ [3], encyclopedia.com
^ Neither Newton nor Leibniz, canisius.edu
^ From Vedic Martial Arts to Aikido, veda.harekrsna.cz
^ A travel feature on the ancient Kerala art of Kalaripayattu, rediff.com
^ Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art, enskalari.org.in
^ Arthur Miles The land of the lingam Hurst & Blackett, Ltd., 1933
^ A. Aiyappan. Social revolution in a Kerala village: a study in culture change -1965 ,
^ L.Krishna Anantha Krishna Iyer (Diwan Bahadur), The Cochin tribes and castes, 1909.
^ Pi. Uṇittiri Studies in Kerala Sanskrit literature ,University of Calicut,2004
^ KUMAR SURESH SINGH People of India: Volume 27, Part 1ANTHROPOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA - 2002
^ Studies in traditional Kerala society ,college book house ,1977
^ Krishnat P. Padmanabha Menon, Jacobus Canter Visscher, History of Kerala history of Kerala written in the form of notes on Visscher's letters from Malabar, Volume 3, Asian Educational Services, 1984.
^ ^a ^b ^c Weil S. 1982; Jessay P.M. 1986; Menachery 1973; Menachery 1998.
^ A.E. Medlycott, India and The Apostle Thomas, pp.1–71, 213–97; M.R. James, Apocryphal New Testament, pp.364–436; Eusebius, History, chapter 4:30; J.N. Farquhar, The Apostle Thomas in North India, chapter 4:30; V.A. Smith, Early History of India, p.235; L.W. Brown, The Indian Christians of St. Thomas, p.49-59
^ Katz 2000; Koder 1973; Menachery 1998; Thomas Puthiakunnel 1973; Weil 1982; Menachery 1998.
^ Cited on p164 of The Last Jews of Kerala
^ Bhagyalekshmy 2004, pp. 6–7.
^ ^a ^b ^c Malayalam, R. E. Asher, T. C. Kumari, Routledge, ISBN 0-415-02242-8, 1997
^ "Trios of modern Malayalam literature". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=vfSPI2irzUgC&pg=PA185&dq=Vallathol#v=onepage&q=Vallathol&f=false.
^ Cooper KJ (20 October 1997). "For India, No Small Thing; Native Daughter Arundhati Roy Wins Coveted Booker Prize". Washington Post. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/19563051.html?dids=19563051:19563051&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=OCT+20%2C+1997&author=Kenneth+J.+Cooper&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=For+India%2C+No+Small+Thing%3B+Native+Daughter+Arundhati+Roy+Wins+Coveted+Booker+Prize&pqatl=google. Retrieved 28 December 2008.
^ Lyall, Sarah (15 October 1997). "Indian's First Novel Wins Booker Prize in Britain". New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A01E6DD173FF936A25753C1A961958260. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
^ "Winds, Rivers & Rain". Salon. September 1997. http://www.salon.com/sept97/00roy.html. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
^ "Tharavadu system". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=rMRw0gTZSJwC&pg=PA84&dq=Malayali+tharavadu+system#v=onepage&q=&f=false.
^ McKibben 2006.
^ Lindberg 2004, pp. 18–19.
^ Government of Kerala 2002b.
^ Government of Kerala 2004r, p. 366.
^ Lindberg 2004, p. 1.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Kerala architecture". http://www.keralahistory.ac.in/keralaarchitecture.htm.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Nalukettu". http://www.malayalamresourcecentre.org/Mrc/culture/cultureofkerala/kerala.html. -Malayalam Resource Centre
^ ^a ^b "Kerala dance forms". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=waWQ8mAUrC8C&pg=PA139&dq=Kerala+dance#v=onepage&q=Kerala%20dance&f=false.
^ ^a ^b "Classical dance forms of India". http://dances.indobase.com/classical-dances/index.html.
^ "Koodiyattam". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=lDhuAAAAMAAJ&q=Koodiyattam+UNESCO&dq=Koodiyattam+UNESCO.
^ "Ottamthullal". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=L8bExoV6GL8C&pg=PA70&dq=Ottamthullal#v=onepage&q=Ottamthullal&f=false.
^ "Theyyam". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Fk8FQa2ZSFQC&pg=PA928&dq=Theyyam#v=onepage&q=Theyyam&f=false.
^ ^a ^b "Duffmuttu". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ZYfRBcLdTNYC&pg=PA8&dq=duffmuttu#v=onepage&q=duffmuttu&f=false.
^ "Oppana". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=zh6z0nuIjAgC&pg=PA149&dq=Oppana#v=onepage&q=Oppana&f=false.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Christian art foms". http://books.google.co.in/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&pg=RA2-PA945&dq=Margamkali#v=onepage&q=Margamkali&f=false.
^ Sreedhara Menon, A.. Kerala Charithram. Kottayam, Kerala: D.C. Books. p. 494.
^ Rolf, Killius (2006). Ritual Music and Hindu Rituals of Kerala. New Delhi: BR Rhythms. ISBN 81-88827-07-X.
^ ^a ^b "Music". Keral.com. Archived from the original on 2 August 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080802081714/http://www.keral.com/movies/music.htm. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
^ ^a ^b [4]
^ Bodhidharma bought Kalari to China [5]
^ Bodhidharma and Kalari [6]
^ Suresh, P. R. (2005). Kalari Payatte – The martial art of Kerala.
^ Subaltern Sports: Politics and Sports in South Asia By James H. Mills. Published 2005, Anthem Press. Subject: Archaeology /Anthropology. ISBN 1-84331-167-4
^ ^a ^b ^c Zarrilli, Phillip B. A South Indian Martial Art and the Yoga and Ayurvedic Paradigms. University of Wisconsin–Madison.
^ Phillip B. Zarrilli, When the Body Becomes All Eyes

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Oommen Chandy ഉമ്മന്‍ ചാണ്ടി

Chief Minister of Kerala
Incumbent
Assumed office May 18, 2011
Governor	H.R. Bhardwaj
Preceded by	V.S. Achuthanandan
Constituency	Puthuppally
Chief Minister of Kerala
In office August 31, 2004 – May 18, 2006
Preceded by	A. K. Antony
Succeeded by	V.S. Achuthanandan
Constituency	Puthuppally
Personal details
Born	(1943-10-31) October 31, 1943 (age 68) Puthuppally, Travancore
Political party	Indian National Congress
Spouse(s)	Mariamma Oommen
Children	1 son and 2 daughters
Residence	Puthuppally, Kerala
Religion	Christian, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Website	http://www.keralacm.gov.in/
As of Nov 2, 2007 Source: Govt. of Kerala

Oommen Chandy (Malayalam: ഉമ്മന്‍ ചാണ്ടി) (born October 31, 1943 in Puthuppally, Travancore, Indian Empire) is an Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Kerala. He has held the Chief Minister of Kerala position earlier from 2004 to 2006, and was the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011.^[1]

1 Early life
2 Political life
3 Minister
- 3.1 Minister in different ministries
4 Chief Minister 2004–2006
5 Leader of Opposition
6 Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party
7 Second term as Chief Minister (from 2011 onwards)
8 Major achievements of Ommen Chandy Ministry
9 Major Initiatives
10 Up keeping Morale
- 10.1 Palmolein Import Scam
11 Mass Contact Programme(Janasambarkka paripadi)
12 See also
13 References
14 External links

Early life [link]

Oommen Chandy or 'Kunjoonju' was born to K.O. Chandy and Baby Chandy. Born in an upper class affluent Orthodox Syrian Christian family at Puthuppally,Kottayam district, Kerala, Chandy ventured into the political arena as an activist of Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the party. He was the unit president of KSU at St George High School, Puthupally, and went on to become the State President of the organization. Chandy completed his college education from CMS College, Kottayam, SB College, Changanassery. Later, he took a bachelors degree in law (LLB) from Government Law College, Ernakulam. He is also a trade unionist and heads several INTUC affiliated outfits.

Political life [link]

Chandy started his political career through the Kerala Students Union (KSU), which he served as president from 1967 to 1969. He was elected as the president of the State Youth Congress in 1970. He is the 21st chief minister of Kerala at present.

He has represented Puthuppally Constituency for decades, having been elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011. During his long legislative career he had also served as the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee during 1996–98.

Election Victories
Year	Closest rival	Majority (votes)
1970	E.M.George (CPM)	7,288
1977	P.C.Cherian (BLD)	15,910
1980	M.R.G.Panicker (NDP)	13,659
1982	Thomas Rajan (ICS)	15,983
1987	V.N.Vasavan (CPM)	9,164
1991	V.N.Vasavan (CPM)	13,811
1996	Reji Zacharia (CPM)	10,155
2001	Cherian Philip(CPM Ind.)	12,575
2006	Sindu Joy (CPM)	19,863
2011	Suja Susan George (CPM)	33,255

Minister [link]

Chandy sworn as a minister in Kerala for four times. He was the Minister for Labour from 11.04.1977 to 25.04.1977 in the first K. Karunakaran Ministry and continued holding the same portfolio in the succeeding first A.K. Antony Ministry till 27.10.1978. He was in the charge of Home portfolio in the second K. Karunakaran Ministry from 28.12.1981 to 17.03.1982. Again, he was sworn in as a minister in the fourth K.Karunakaran Ministry on July 2, 1991. He was in charge of Finance Portfolio and resigned from the cabinet on 22.06.1994 due to difference with the Chief Minister.

Minister in different ministries [link]

No.	Head of the Ministry	Period	Portfolio

1	K. Karunakaran	11/04/1977 – 25.04/1977	Labour
2	A. K. Antony	27/04/1977 – 27/10/1978	Labour
3	K. Karunakaran	28/12/1981 – 17/03/1982	Home
4	K. Karunakaran	02/07/1991 – 22/06/1994	Finance
5	Oommen Chandy	31/08/2004 – 18/05/2006	Chief Minister
6	Oommen Chandy	17/05/2011 – till Date	Chief Minister

Chief Minister 2004–2006 [link]

The results of the parliamentary elections in May 2004 saw the Indian National Congress not winning a single seat in Kerala. The sitting Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, was forced to resign and accept responsibility for the poor results. On August 30, 2004, Oommen was elected the Congress Legislature Party leader at the end of a meeting by AICC observers and clearance by the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi. In what may be seen as a reflection of his work as Chief Minister, the Congress-led alliance was defeated, but managed to retain 40 out of 140 seats in the assembly and boost its vote-share by nearly 10% after the general election rout. He resigned as Chief Minister on May 12, 2006 following the defeat of his party in 2006 Assembly Elections.

Leader of Opposition [link]

Oommen Chandy was the leader of opposition in the twelfth Kerala Legislative Assembly. Under his leadership UDF marked victories in Lok Sabha Election 2009 gaining 16 out of 20 parliament constituencies in Kerala. and Local Body Election 2010. In the history of Kerala politics it's first time that UDF got an upper hand in local body elections.

Leader of Congress Parliamentary Party [link]

After winning the closely contested 2011 assembly election, Congress legislative party unanimously elected Oommen Chandy as its leader. At the Congress Legislature Party meeting, Mr. Chandy's name was proposed by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala and seconded by Aryadan Mohammed. The election process was formally launched after Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Mohsina Kidwai and AICC general secretary Madhusoodan Mistry, who is in charge of Kerala, held a one-to-one meeting in their capacity as observers with the 38 elected MLAs.

Second term as Chief Minister (from 2011 onwards)[link]

UDF (United Democratic Front) led by Oommen Chandy secured a slender margin in assembly election which held on April 13, 2011. UDF candidates won in 72 seats against 68 seats of LDF (Left Democratic Front). He took the oath on May 18, 2011 with six other ministers of his cabinet. Later thirteen other ministers were also inducted into his cabinet. He gave up Vigilance Portfolio in early August 2011, after a fresh probe was ordered on the Palm Oil case (which happened when he was Finance Minister in 1992).

Though UDF came to power with a wafer thin majority, his 100 days programmes announced propelled the state fast forward. 107 programmes were announced as part of the 100 days programme of the Government. Out of this the government could accomplished a whopping figure of 101 leaving just 6 of the programmes unfinished. This really gave a boost to the governance. The policies adopted by Oommen Chandy helped to bridge the gap between people and officials.

UNDP appreciated Oommen Chandy, for the range of innovative practices in democratic governance, initiated by the Government of Kerala in strengthening people's access and participation in human development and governance. They were impressed by the innovative approach to ensure transparency and accountability in Governance, particularly the to web-stream the entire functioning of CM’s office. The Mass Contact Programme, in many ways, is the first of its kind to ensure the right to direct access to leaders and senior civil servants of the government.^[2]

Oommen Chandy left the post of Home Ministry on 13 April 2012 and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan took charge of the post.^[3]

Major achievements of Ommen Chandy Ministry [link]

Rehabilitation of Moolampilly Victims [link]

The government and representatives of people evicted from Moolampilly for the Vallarpadam Tranship Container Terminal Project in Kochi reached an agreement settling outstanding issues regarding the rehabilitation.

The government would provide water supply, electricity, and road connectivity to a common point in each of the plots earmarked for resettlement of the evictees who had lost their homes. The area would be demarcated in such a way that coastal zone regulations would not come in the way of constructing two-storied buildings with sufficient built-up area. A sum of Rs.75,000 would be given to each family for piling as the land given was marshy.

The government would continue to provide rent at Rs.5,000 a month to the evictees up to six months after the establishment of the infrastructure facilities promised by the government. The arrears in rent for the past 27 months would also be paid to them.

State government would take up with the Cochin Port Trust the issue of providing jobs to a member of each of the evicted families at the Vallarpadam project.

Cases to be withdrawn

The government would withdraw all cases against the evictees and those who assisted them in their agitation excluding those involving violence and destruction of property. The Revenue Department would write to the Centre seeking exemption of compensation paid to the evictees from income tax on capital gains. Conditions on titles given under the rehabilitation package would be relaxed to enable the evictees pledge the land to banks for availing loans.

It was also decided at the conference that 12 families who had been denied allotment of land under the rehabilitation package would be given titles. They would be given all the benefits under the package upon their forfeiting compensation paid under the Land Acquisition Act and withdrawal of cases filed by them against the government. Two of the evictees, Joy John and John Joseph, who lost their livelihood would be given assistance to start a trade.

A monitoring committee headed by the District Collector would oversee implementation of the agreement and bring issues, if any, to the notice of the government.

Aid for endosulfan victims [link]

The UDF Government had increased the aid from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh As many as 176 victims who had been given Rs 50,000 earlier were given an additional Rs 50,000 on Monday. The remaining families in the list of 486 victims were distributed Rs 1 lakh each.^[4]

Enforcing transparency [link]

In an attempt to enforce transparency 24x7 live webcast streaming of Chief ministers office and meeting chamber started on July 1, 2011. This is streamed on the official website of the Chief Minister of Kerala.^[5]

Teacher's Package [link]

A package was introduced for the teacher's of aided school's of Kerala. It helped more than ten thousand's of teacher's who were outside the school due to less no of students in schools.A teachers bank was introduced for the protection of all those teachers who were jobless.Also all the procedure's of teachers bank were done online. The teacher's bank came effective from the academic year 2011–12.This was one of the most appreciated action of the oommen chandy government.

Major Initiatives [link]

Kochi Metro Rail Project [link]

An alternate mode of public transport the metro will definitely ease the traffic of Kochi city. The project will bring about a more equitable allocation of road space. It is being set up at an estimated cost of 5,146 crore, and is expected to be completed in 2015. The first phase of the project is from Thripunithura to Aluva spanning 25.253 km.Project will be implemented in the Delhi metro model and E Sreedharan will head the project.

High Speed Rail Corridor [link]

The High Speed Rail Corridor is proposed from Mangalore to Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation has been named the nodal agency for the High Speed Rail Corridor. It would become operational by 2020. It has been proposed to use Japanese technology. DMRC is entrusted to study the feasibility of the project and will soon submit a detailed project. This project was originally mooted by the 2006 LDF Government led by V. S. Achuthanandan.^[6]

Mono rail [link]

The project will be completed in two phases. The first will be from Pallipuram to Thampanoor and the second from Thampanoor to Neyyatinkara. The total cost of the project will be Rs. 5130 crore. At a time 600 persons can travel in the monorail. This will ease the traffic congestion in the city. The monorail will also come up at Kozhikode as the study has pointed that the project is feasible for this city too.

Whistle blower policy [link]

Strengthening the whistle blower policy, the Chief Minister announced that his government would undertake an initiative to reward those who provide vital clues or evidence of corruption in any area, providing protection to them. An expert committee has been already formed for setting up the state Whistle Blower Protection Policy and soon this would become operational.

Vizhinjam International Port [link]

Vizhinjam International Deep-sea Container Terminal is expected to become operational by 2015. The state government has prepared a time-bound action plan to complete the project. The financial bid of Welspun consortium will be referred to the empowered committee as they have obtained the security clearance from the centre.

Vision 2030 [link]

Suggestions and ideas from enlightened Keralites are sought for envisaging comprehensive development plan of Kerala. Public can send their suggestions, ideas, views etc. for the development of Kerala so as to envisage its vision for 2030. This online platform intends to ensure the participation of all Keralites for arriving comprehensive development plan for Kerala.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project [link]

Kerala has been included in the second phase of this project, expected to begin in September 2012. Project would include pollution control, mangrove and wetland preservation, provision of livelihood options for fishermen, etc.

Public Grievance Lodging & Monitoring System [link]

This is an online system where citizens can lodge their grievances related to any department in Government of Kerala through this portal. The grievance would be forwarded to the concerned authorities for needful action. Chief Minister’s Public Grievance Redressal Cell- Call Center is a physical place, which works 24X7, where anybody can make telephone calls to 1076 (Tollfree number) and can register their complaints to Chief Minister’s Call Center.

Live webcast of office [link]

To ensure maximum transparency in administration of UDF Government, the office of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy went live on the Internet from 1 st July 2011 with 24-hour live webcast of the functioning of the office and CM’s chamber. The scheme was one of the agenda included in Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan.

24x7 office [link]

The CM’s office works 24×7 on all the days. He is the only Chief Minister in the country who keeps himself visible to the public when in office through a webcast.

His office and cabinet can be visible through the website http://www.keralacm.gov.in/.

The 24×7 call center would facilitate people to register their grievances and complaints directly to the CM’s office by telephone. The call center would function 24×7 and can be accessed on 1076- toll free number, for BSNL customers. Those using other services will have to dial 1800 425 1076 for accessing the service. People calling from abroad have to fix the code 0471 before the too free number.

Up keeping Morale [link]

Palmolein Import Scam [link]

The Palmolein Import Scam occurred during the year 1991–92 in the Kerala state when K. Karunakaran was the chief minister of the state and the ruling party was United Democratic Front. During this time Oommen Chandy was the Finance Minister^[7] of the state and was responsible for financial accounts of the state of Kerala. This scam allegedly caused a loss of Rs 2.32 crore to the state. The case once closed after the death of K. Karunakaran in December 2010 was reopened in March 2011^[8] during the election period of 2011. However this did not affect the election results to a great extent.

The court stated that Oommen Chandy had approved of the import of palmolein through "Power and Energy Ltd" by paying 15% service charge and it was evident from his signature in the note.^[9] However the court has not been able to show any direct involvement of Oommen Chandy in the scam . Aiding to the investigation of the case in 2011, when the case was reopen, Oommen Chandy, the then Chief Minister had agreed to step down from the Office of Chief Minister of Kerala in 2011, and face the case "legally and morally". But on the advice on Congress core committee, Oommen Chandy continues to stay incumbent. To provide more trust and transparency to the investigation, Oommen Chandy gave up the portfolio of Vigilance and Anti Corruption.^[10]

The vigilance court asked the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau to submit its investigation report of the palmolein case by November 10, 2011. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) gave a clean chit to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on January 7, 2012. The Vigilance team submitted its further probe report in the palmolein import case, saying there was no evidence to arraign Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as an accused.

The facts, evidences and circumstances of the case in the probe showed Oommen Chandy had not committed any illegal acts or omissions as the then finance minister, the report said.

The VACB report said Oommen Chandy was not part of the conspiracy which caused the state exchequer a loss of Rs 2.32 crore. He had not acted in a manner to ensure undue monetary advantage for the private firm involved in the import.^[10]

Mass Contact Programme(Janasambarkka paripadi)[link]

An innovative practice in governance, Oommen Chandy’s Mass Contact Programme is the first of its kind to ensure the right of direct access to leaders and senior civil servants of the government to get the grievances of the people redressed in time.

Heralding a new system of governance the Mass Contact Programme resolved around 3,11,075 complaints of the common people. MCP was conducted in all 14 districts of the state. The programme lasted for an average of 16 hours in each district. Financial assistance of Rs 22.68 crore was distributed.

A permanent monitoring mechanism was also put in place.

Mass Contact Programme helped in identifying usual bottlenecks; amendments and changes in policy that were required; and also in guiding the Government to move faster and adopt to new approaches to ensure welfare of the people.

References [link]

^ Krishnan, Anantha. "Kerala assembly elections 2011: UDF wins by narrow margin". The Times Of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/assembly-elections-2011/kerala/Kerala-assembly-elections-2011-UDF-wins-by-narrow-margin/articleshow/8288245.cms.
^ "Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy gives up vigilance portfolio after probe order". The Times Of India. August 9, 2011. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/kerala-chief-minister-Ummen-chandy-gives-up-vigilance-portfolio-after-probe-order/articleshow/9540035.cms.
^ http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/article3308810.ece
^ "Oommen Chandy sworn in Kerala CM". Chennai, India: The Hindu. May 18, 2011. http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2029001.ece.
^ Bajaj, Vikas (July 17, 2011). "Transparent Government, via Webcams in India". New York, United States of America: The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/18/business/global/in-india-an-official-puts-a-webcam-in-office.html?_r=1.
^ LDF ministry led by V. S. Achuthanandan which had originally mooted the project Times of India, Feb 13, 2012
^ Probe Chandy’s role in 1992 Palmolein case Zee News, Thiruvananthapuram, August 8, 2011
^ Palmolein import scandal case to be reopened The Economic Times,Thiruvanathapuram, March 15, 2011
^ Palmolein case: Chandy knew, feels the Court The New Indian Express, August 10, 2011
^ ^a ^b Palm oil deal glare on Chandy The Telegraph,Thiruvananthapuram, August 8, 2011.

External links [link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Oommen Chandy

Preceded by A. K. Antony	Chief Minister of Kerala August 31, 2004 – May 18, 2006	Succeeded by V. S. Achuthanandan
Preceded by V. S. Achuthanandan	Chief Minister of Kerala 2011– till date	Succeeded by Incumbent

Current Chief Ministers of Indian states (list)

v t e Chief Ministers of Kerala

Travancore	P. G. N. Unnithan Pattom A. Thanu Pillai Parur T. K. Narayana Pillai

Cochin	Panampilly Govinda Menon T. K. Nair E. Ikkanda Warrier

Travancore-Cochin	Parur T. K. Narayana Pillai C. Kesavan A. J. John, Anaparambil Pattom A. Thanu Pillai Panampilly Govinda Menon President's rule

Kerala	President's Rule E. M. S. Namboodiripad C. Achutha Menon President's Rule C. Achutha Menon K. Karunakaran A. K. Antony P. K. Vasudevan Nair C. H. Mohammed Koya President's Rule E. K. Nayanar K. Karunakaran K. Karunakaran E. K. Nayanar K. Karunakaran A. K. Antony E. K. Nayanar A. K. Antony Oommen Chandy V. S. Achuthanandan Oommen Chandy

Persondata
Name	Chandy, Oommen
Alternative names
Short description	Indian politician
Date of birth	October 31, 1943
Place of birth	Kumarakom, Kerala
Date of death
Place of death

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Narendra Modi નરેન્દ્ર મોદી

Chief Minister of Gujarat
Incumbent
Assumed office 7 October 2001
Governor	Dr. Kamla Beniwal
Preceded by	Keshubhai Patel
Constituency	Maninagar
Personal details
Born	(1950-09-17) 17 September 1950 (age 61) Vadnagar, Gujarat, India
Political party	Bharatiya Janata Party
Residence	Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Alma mater	Gujarat University^[1]
Religion	Hinduism
Website	Narendra Modi
As of 9 March, 2009 Source: Government of Gujarat

Narendra Damodardas Modi (Gujarati: નરેન્દ્ર મોદી; born 17 September 1950^[1]) is the current Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat. Born in a middle class family in Vadnagar, he was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and his wife Heeraben.^[2] He has been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since childhood also having interest in politics since adolescence. He holds a master's degree in political science. In 1998, he was chosen by L. K. Advani, the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to direct the election campaign in Gujarat as well as Himachal Pradesh.

He became Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001, promoted to the office at a time when his predecessor Keshubhai Patel had resigned, following the defeat of BJP in the by-elections. His tenure as chief minister of Gujarat began on 7 October 2001, and he is the longest serving Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat.^[3] In July 2007 he became the longest serving Chief Minister in Gujarat's history when he had been in power for 2063 days continuously.^[4] He was elected again for a third term^[5] on 23 December 2007 in the state elections, which he had cast as a "referendum on his rule".^[6]^[7]

1 Personal life
2 Early activism and politics
3 Tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat
4 Views and opinions
- 4.1 Modi's position on terrorism
- 4.2 Views on criticism of Modi's governance
5 See also
6 References
7 External links

Personal life [link]

Modi was born in a middle class family in Vadnagar in Mehsana district of what was then Bombay State, India.^[8] During the Indo-Pak war in the mid sixties, even as a young boy, he volunteered to serve the soldiers in transit at railway stations.^[9] As a young man, he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organisation and was involved in the anti-corruption Nav Nirmāṇ ("Reconstruction") Movement. After working as a full time organiser for the organisation, he was later nominated as its representative in the Bharatiya Janata Party.^[10] As a teenager Modi used to run a tea stall with his brother.^[11] Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar. He earned a masters degree in political science from Gujarat University.^[12]

Early activism and politics [link]

Modi was a pracharak (campaigner) in the RSS during his university years.^[12]^[13] He took up the challenging task of energising the party cadres in right earnest. In partnership with Shankersinh Vaghela, Modi set about creating a strong cadre base in Gujarat. In the initial period, Vaghela was seen as a mass leader, while Modi was recognised as a master strategist.

The party started gaining political mileage and formed a coalition government at the centre in April 1990. This partnership fell apart within a few months, but the BJP came to power with a two-thirds majority on its own in Gujarat in 1995. During this period, Modi was entrusted with the responsibility of organising two crucial national events, the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra (a political rally through India on a converted Toyota van) of L.K. Advani and a similar march from Kanyakumari (the southernmost part of India) to Kashmir in the North. After the exit of Shankarsingh Vaghela from the BJP, Keshubhai Patel was made Chief Minister while Narendra Modi was sent to New Delhi as a General Secretary of the Party.

In 1995, Modi was appointed the National Secretary of the party and given the charge of five major states in India. In 1998, he was promoted as the General Secretary (Organization), a post he held until October 2001. In 2001, Narendra Modi was chosen by the party to be the Chief Minister of Gujarat after the removal of chief minister Keshubhai Patel.

Tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat [link]

Personality [link]

Modi is known for leading a frugal lifestyle. He has a personal staff of just three. He is known to be a workaholic Chief Minister and an introvert.^[14] He ordered the demolition of many Hindu temples that were built without proper government sanction which earned him the ire of VHP^[11] He is a crowd puller as a speaker. Modi has also tried to turn his image from an Hindu Nationalist politician to an image of able administrator. He wears business suits and is improving his command over the English language.^[15]

Awards and recognitions [link]

Modi was awarded Gujarat Ratna by Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch on celebration of centenary year.^[16]

Development of Gujarat [link]

As a Chief Minister, Modi started various 'yojanas' or plans. This includes:

Panchamrut Yojana,^[17]^[18]^[19] a five-pronged strategy for an integrated development of the state,
Sujalam Sufalam, a scheme to create a grid of water resources in Gujarat in an innovative step towards water conservation and its appropriate utilisation.
Krishi Mahotsav – agricultural research labs for the land
Chiranjeevi Yojana – To reduce infant mortality rate
Matru Vandana – Providing preventive and curative services under the Reproductive and Child Health Programme
Beti Bachao – Campaign against female infanticide to improve sex ratio
Jyotigram Yojana – Provide electricity to every village
Karmayogi Abhiyan – To educate and train government employees
Kanya Kelavani Yojana – To encourage female literacy and education
Balbhog Yojana – Midday meal scheme for students to encourage school attendance from poor backgrounds.^[20]

Vibrant Gujarat [link]

Main article: Vibrant Gujarat

Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial Global Investors' Summit held by the Government of Gujarat in Gujarat, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers; the summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat. the event has been held continuously since 2003.

Gujarat earthquake [link]

Main article: 2001 Gujarat Earthquake

The biggest challenge which he had to face when he took over as the Chief Minister, was the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the massive Gujarat Earthquake of January 2001.

Gujarat violence [link]

Main article: 2002 Gujarat violence

On 27 February 2002, a train was burned by a Muslim mob in the town of Godhra leading to 59 deaths, most of them Hindu pilgrims and activists returning from the holy city of Ayodhya.^[21] Riots broke out in the state after it was suspected to be caused by Muslims, leading to 1180 deaths, many of them Muslims. Modi administration was accused of inaction over the riots and for encouraging them.^[15] As an aftermath of the riots, there were calls for Modi to resign from his position as chief minister of Gujarat. The opposition parties stalled the national parliament over the issue. Even Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), allies of the BJP, asked for Modi's resignation.^[22]^[23] Modi submitted his resignation to the Governor and recommended the dissolution of the 10th Gujarat Legislative Assembly.^[24]^[25] In the following state re-elections the BJP, led by Modi, won 127 seats in the 182-member assembly.

In April 2009, the Supreme Court of India appointed a special team of investigators to look into the role Modi had played in the alleged anti-Muslim conspiracy.^[15] The team was appointed in response to the complaint of zakia Jafri, the widow of ex-Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was murdered in the riots.^[26] In December 2010, a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) in its report to the Supreme Court seeking answers pertaining to the Ehsan Jafri case, submitted that they had found no evidence against Narendra Modi.^[27]

However in February 2011, the Times of India reported that a confidential report from the SIT indicted Modi on several counts of alleged complicity in the Gujarat riots of 2002.^[28] Most other sources have noted that the SIT report does not indict Modi for the riots due to lack of evidence.^[29]^[30] The Indian Express too said the report did not find any Modi involvement in the violence, though it did accuse him of watering down the seriousness of the situation.^[31] According to the Hindu, the report not only found that Modi tried to water down the seriousness of the situation, but Modi also implicitly justified the killings of Muslims, and failed to condemn the attacks on them.^[32] The Bharatiya Janata Party demanded an investigation into the publication of the report, claiming the leak was politically motivated.^[33]

The apex court refused to pass any order on the case and referred it to the Ahmedabad magistrate for a decision.^[34] In April 2012, a Special Investigation Team found absolved Modi of any involvement in the Gulberg massacre, arguably the worst episode of the riots.^[35]. On 7 May 2012, a Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae, Raju Ramachandran observed that Modi can be prosecuted under sections 153 A (1) (a) & (b), 153 B (1), 166 and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity among different groups during the 2002 Gujarat riots.^[36]. However the amicus report has been criticised by the Special Investigation Team for relying heavily on the testimony of a perjurer^[37].

2007 elections [link]

Modi made a speech at Mangrol in which he justified the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, During the election campaign In response to Sonia Gandhi's speech calling him a "merchant of death",^[38] and referred to Sohrabuddin's killing. For this speech the Election Commission of India, a constitutional body governing election proceedings in India, cautioned Modi as it considered it as indulging in an activity which may aggravate existing differences between different communities.^[39] Modi won the election and continued his post as the Chief Minister Of Gujarat, he won with majority of votes of 122 seats out of 182 total assembly seats.^[40]

Conflicts with Governor Kamla Beniwal [link]

On 25 August 2011 Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal appointed Justice R A Mehta to the post of Lokyukta of Gujarat, a critical anti-corruption post that had been lying vacant since 2003. Justice R A Mehta was recommended for the post by the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in June. Since Governor Beniwal had made this decision without consulting and getting the approval of the chief minister and his council of ministers, the action angered Narendra Modi and his BJP party.^[41]

This marked the beginning of a strained relationship between Modi and the Governor. On 25 September 2011, Narendra Modi accused the Governor of running a parallel government in the state supported by the Congress. He demanded that she be recalled back.^[42] He also later accused her of delaying the progress of bills by not passing them.

The decision of the governor in the appointment of R A Mehta was challenged in the high court by the Modi government. The two member high court bench gave a split verdict on 10 October 2011. Later, a third member upheld the governor's decision in January 2012.^[43]

Foreign visits [link]

As the Chief Minister of the Gujarat State, to attract foreign investment in the state, Narendra Modi has made visits to foreign countries, including China and Singapore.

Narendra Modi made his first China visit in 2007 to invite investors Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit,^[44] and second visit in November 2011. One month after the second visit to China, the Chinese Government released 13 Diamond traders from India jailed by the Shenzhen Customs, which the Chief Minister described as the consequece of his diplomatic efforts and statesmanship.^[45]

In 2005 Narendra Modi was denied of diplomatic visa to the United States, in addition to this visa denial, he was also revoked from his already granted B-1/B-2 visa.^[46]

Sadbhavna Mission [link]

In the late 2011-early 2012 Narandra Modi practised a series of fasts in the name of Sadbhavna Mission. The mission started on 17 September 2011 in Ahmedabad with 3 day fast with a view to strengthen the atmosphere of peace, unity and harmony in the state. He observed total 36 fasts in 26 districts, 8 cities including Ahmedabad.^[47]

Views and opinions [link]

Modi's position on terrorism [link]

On 18 July 2006 Modi delivered a speech criticising Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "for his reluctance to revive anti-terror legislations" like the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He asked the Centre to empower states to invoke tougher laws in the wake of the blasts in Mumbai.^[48] Quoting Modi:

“

Terrorism is worse than a war. A terrorist has no rules. A terrorist decides when, how, where and whom to kill. India has lost more people in terror attacks than in its wars.^[48]

”

Narendra Modi has frequently commented that if the BJP came to power at the Centre, they will honour the 2004 Supreme Court judgement to hang Afzal Guru.^[49] Afzal was convicted of terrorism in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack in 2004 by the Supreme Court of India and is in Tihar Jail.^[50]

On account of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, on Thursday 27 November, Narendra Modi held a meeting to discuss waterfront security along the coastline.^[51] The meeting decided to ask the Central government to urgently sanction the following:

Increase the number of police stations along the coast to 50 (from 10)
Increase the number of police to 1500 from 250
30 modern high-speed surveillance boats.

The 30 coastal boats, under construction at Goa's shipbuilding yard, will have the capacity to run at the speed of 25 nautical miles per hour. These are being manufactured under the Centre's Rs 58-crore grant for coastal security.^[51]

Views on criticism of Modi's governance [link]

In 2003, when Narendra Modi was asked about the conflict of his dreams for Gujarat's future with international criticism of his past activities, Modi said,^[52]

“

Yet, no one has asked this question to the USA after 9/11. Delhi is developing fast – no one has asked this question to Delhi after 1984. If it does not matter to Delhi and USA, why should it matter to Gujarat?

”

Modi's decision to link Gujarat's violence with the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US drew criticism from some observers, who contrasted it with the then Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's unpleasant apology for Gujarat in London a year ago.^[52] Modi responded to this criticism by The Guardian,^[52]

“

I have not read and I would not like to read. But thank you for people spending time on me

”

References [link]

^ ^a ^b "Narendra Modi – Biography". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 27 April 2009. http://web.archive.org/web/20090427085814/http://www.moneycontrol.com/biography/Narendra_Modi/550. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
^ Jose, Vinod. "The Emperor Uncrowned". Delhi Press. http://caravanmagazine.in/Story.aspx?Storyid=1315&StoryStyle=FullStory. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
^ "Narendra Modi". http://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/States/Gujarat/loh.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2010.
^ Agencies. "Modi becomes longest serving CM of Gujarat". The Indian Express. http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=87512. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ "Modi begins new term in Gujarat". London: BBC News. 25 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7159756.stm. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
^ "Hindu Leader Begins 3rd Term in Gujarat". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=4049443. Retrieved 7 May 2008. ^{[dead link]}
^ "Narendra Modi begins third innings as Gujarat CM". The Times of India. 25 December 2007. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Modi_begins_third_innings_as_Gujarat_CM/articleshow/2650589.cms. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
^ Why fasting is no big deal for Narendra Modi, Rediff, 16 September 2011, accessed on 4 February 2012
^ Life and Career: An Overview Official Website
^ "Biography – Narendra Modi". http://www.narendramodi.org/bio.htm. Retrieved 8 May 2008.
^ ^a ^b On Race Course road? Times of India, 18 Sep 2011, 05.46 am IST
^ ^a ^b "Modi proves to be an astute strategist". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 23 December 2007. http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200712231550.htm.
^ "Profile: Narendra Modi". BBC News. 23 December 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1958555.stm. Retrieved 19 May 2010.
^ The Hawk In Flight, Outlook India, 24 Dec 2007, http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?236315
^ ^a ^b ^c Sengupta, Somini (28 April 2009). "Shadows of Violence Cling to Indian Politician". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/world/asia/29india.html. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
^ "Narendra Modi to be presented 'Gujarat Ratna' today". The Times of India. 18 March 2012. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-18/pune/31207124_1_gujarati-community-centenary-year-kondhwa. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
^ "Modi invites investment in Gujarat". Press Trust of India. Expressindia. 11 January 2003. http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=18327. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
^ "Modi Steals The Show At Pravasi Divas". The Financial Express. 12 January 2003. http://www.financialexpress.com/news/modi-steals-the-show-at-pravasi-divas/67951/0. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
^ "With Panchamrut, Modi targets 10.2% Growth". The Financial Express. 9 June 2003. http://www.financialexpress.com/news/with-panchamrut-modi-targets-10.2-growth/81673/. Retrieved 5 April 2009.
^ Patel, Parbat. "Message By Hon. State Minister of Health and Family Welfare". http://www.gujhealth.gov.in/minister-parbatbhai-patel.htm. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
^ "Godhra train fire accidental: Report". Rediff.com. http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/jan/17godhra.htm. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
^ "Gujarat Cabinet puts off decision on elections". The Tribune (India). 2002. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020418/main1.htm. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
^ "Congress demands Modi's resignation over Bannerjee report". United News of India. http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/03godhra.htm. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
^ "Modi resigns; seeks Assembly dissolution". The Hindu. 2002. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/20/stories/2002072002640100.htm. Retrieved 9 May 2006.
^ "Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi resigns; assembly dissolved". Rediff.com. http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/jul/19guj.htm. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
^ Mahapatra, Dhananjay (31 July 2009). "SC rejects Modi govt's plea to stall SIT probes". Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/SC-not-to-stall-probe-on-02-riots/articleshow/4839947.cms. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
^ Mahapatra, Dhananjay (3 December 2010). "SIT clears Narendra Modi of wilfully allowing post-Godhra riots". The Times Of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SIT-clears-Narendra-Modi-of-wilfully-allowing-post-Godhra-riots/articleshow/7031569.cms#ixzz1721JAJuI.
^ "SIT findings ensure Narendra Modi can't shake off riot taint". The Times Of India. 4 February 2011. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SIT-findings-ensure-Narendra-Modi-cant-shake-off-riot-taint/articleshow/7421365.cms.
^ "BJP demands probe into SIT report leak | Ahmedabad, World Snap News". News.worldsnap.com. http://news.worldsnap.com/india/bjp-demands-probe-into-sit-report-leak-100008.html. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ The rise and rise of tomorrow’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday Guardian – 7 November 2011
^ Narendra Modi not involved in Gujarat riots: SIT report Indian Express – 4 February 2011
^ Subrahmaniam, Vidya (4 February 2011). "SIT: Modi tried to dilute seriousness of riots situation". The Hindu (Chennai, India). http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1154007.ece.
^ BJP wants leak of SIT report investigated The Hindu – 5 February 2011
^ 'God is Great!' Tweets a Relieved Modi Outlook – 12 September 2011
^ It's official: Modi gets clean chit in Gulberg massacre Daily Pioneer – 10 April 2012
^ Proceed against Modi for Gujarat riots: amicus The Hindu - 7 May 2012
^ SIT rejects amicus curiae's observations against Modi Hindu -10 May 2012
^ Agencies (8 December 2007). "Sonia's 'merchants of death' was aimed at Modi: Cong". The Indian Express. http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Sonias-merchants-of-death-was-aimed-at-Modi-Cong/248175/. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ "Election Commission Official Notice to Mr.Narendra Modi" (PDF). http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/press/current/NOTICETO%20CM%20GUJARAT.pdf. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ "BJP adds 5 seats in Gujarat Assembly by-polls". Deccan Herald. 14 September 2009. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/25090/banner-300x250.swf. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ Delhi, New (2 September 2011). "Gujarat Lokayukta controversy hots up". The Hindu (Chennai, India). http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2418006.ece. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
^ Dasgupta, Manas (25 September 2011). "Beniwal helping Congress run parallel government in Gujarat, says Modi". The Hindu (Chennai, India). http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2484805.ece. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
^ "Lokayukta: Modi in apex court after HC upholds Guv decision". The Indian Express. 18 January 2012. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lokayukta-modi-in-apex-court-after-hc-upholds-guv-decision/901067. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
^ Modi, Narendra. "Foreign Visits". narendramodi.in. http://www.narendramodi.in/pages/foreign-visits. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
^ "China frees 13 diamond traders, Narendra Modi pats his own back". Mumbai Mirror. http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=3&contentid=201112082011120802471534470e816ce. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
^ Indiatimes, News Network (18 March 2005). "No entry for Modi into US: visa denied". The Times of India. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-03-18/india/27866126_1_business-visa-gujarat-riots-immigration-and-nationality-act. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
^ "CM thanks people of Gujarat for giving huge support to Sadbhavna Mission". deshgujarat.com. http://www.narendramodi.in/news/news_detail/1970. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
^ ^a ^b "Mahatma on lips, Modi fights Centre". The Telegraph (Kolkota, India). 19 July 2006. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060719/asp/nation/story_6496620.asp. Retrieved 9 May 2008.
^ "Now, Amar Singh says Afzal Guru must be hanged". The Indian Express. 4 November 2008. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Now--Amar-Singh-says-Afzal-Guru-must-be-hanged/380948. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ Indo-Asian News Service – Afzal Guru's guilty verdict^{[dead link]}
^ ^a ^b "Modi wants 3-layer ring to secure coast". The Times of India. 28 November 2008. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Modi_wants_3-layer_ring_to_secure_coast/articleshow/3766781.cms. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Modi views on 9/11". The Times Of India. 19 August 2003. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/Violence-wont-matter-to-Gujarat-Modi/articleshow/137933.cms. Retrieved 5 October 2011.

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Preceded by Keshubhai S. Patel	Chief Minister of Gujarat 6 October 2001 – present	Succeeded by incumbent

Current Chief Ministers of Indian states (list)

Persondata
Name	Modi, Narendra
Alternative names
Short description	Indian politician
Date of birth	1950-09-17
Place of birth	Vadnagar, Gujarat, India
Date of death
Place of death

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