Features

Are we too conservative

Published

13 years ago

October 10, 2011

Monumental IT parks , gargantuan structures of development, an unbridled exhibits of the various autographs of glitz. Grisly murders, inconceivable rapes, out of the world scams, a thriving militia of moral-protectors.

When the floodgates of Indian economy opened in the last decade of the milinuem gone by, few would have imagined the society that would be brought forth 20 years later. From a facilitator of attainable realities, money in itself became the dream to be chased; a pursuit that would eventually rewrite India. A new class emerged whose brand ambassadors made more money in the first few months of their first job than what their parents retired with. Kerala always had an educated middle class, a product of various social and political reforms, groomed by a long tradition of quality primary education system facilitated by various minority institutions and pragmatic higher educational options and decisions. Like their parents who reaped the benefits of the Nehuruvian economic model by working outside the state namely, Bombay and the Gulf. Or so one was made to believe by the countless narratives, which made-in-Madras Malayalam cinemas .of that period offered. The buzz word for the post liberalisation professional became American on-site jobs or migrations to the Silicon Valley. The restless 70’s saw their progeny become part of the global community created by the demand for cheap white collar workers and the supply of skilled and eager work force. The disparity of pay structured by the proverbial carrot of future prosperity created a naive society taking its first tottering steps towards global adulthood.

The most prominent signature of economic liberalisation policies in Kerala is Technopark, founded in 1995 and is still the largest IT sector job provider in the state. Its long term implications, though, go far beyond its mere job generating potential. A new culture, facilitated by infrastructural developments and aligned lifestyle changes, was introduced into the society. Yet the oldest IT Park in India remains the lowest income earner among all the IT Parks that came up later in India.

Instant Money Magic

According to Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the former Home Minister of Kerala, more than Rs 10,000 crore of hawala money is transacted in the state. The assets of various Mafia groups in Kerala were estimated at, by DGP Jacob Punnoose, to be around Rs 50,000 crore. Kochi hosts capital to two of the major mafias among them— the land mafia and the money mafia. The mafia seeks to exploit greed. That there is no limit to the money you can accumulate, provided you have your money-thinking brain cells oriented in the proper direction was firmly established as a possibility by the mid 90s—though yet to be a rampant practice in the real world, its theoretical prospects, beyond doubt, were well entrenched. That was also the period when scams of hitherto unheard magnitude (though the figures now look like molehills compared to the mountainous amounts of graft money in the modern world) had rocked the nation—Hawala and the Harshad Mehta stock exchange scams being the show stealers. For a nation, which had yet to come to terms with the rules of the game controlling the newly liberalised market system, these scams shattered the bedrock of Nehruvian middle class economic system piled carefully on the dictum of “lot of hard work, and a little bit of corruption.”- By the dawn of the new millennium, gone were the days when people set the limits of the money they could amass in terms of the work they did. In this new world order, it was not a difficult task for the mafia groups to establish a parallel government, run it with the money power they possessed and the might they gained by acting as a pressure group on the government of the ‘real’ world, and protect its subjects. Two of the major networks through which the money mafia operates are small scale financing and direct marketing. Several money chain groups, some of them big fishes operating even on a national scale, are active in Kochi. Its running theme is very simple and strikingly sinister: to turn an individual’s network of relations with other individuals of the society into currency; a remarkably powerful exhibition of modern day ways of alchemy. Devi, a middle aged housewife in Kakkanadu, Kochi, who lost a substantial amount of money in one such scheme, says: “The initial catch is the small amount of money they offer you when you induct your first recruitment in the network. The precise and rationally flawless ways in which they present the arithmetic of the money that can possibly be yours, and the presentations of real-life success stories—of those who bought cars and even flats are the knockout punches which then settle the deal.” Once such networks are formed, whose members are then linked by a primal craving to make more, more and more money, there automatically open up a multitude of passageways to darker worlds of criminal indulgences. As Devi says, “Once you are sucked in, you will be swallowed.” It only gets more tragic. Radhika, another housewife at Fort Kochi, who reportedly lost a huge amount of money in one money chain network, and subsequently committed suicide, was initially portrayed as a victim of domestic violence. But within a week of investigation the claim was found to be untrue.

Dr. Sr. Teresa CSST
Principal, St. Teresas College
Our college started when women has no freedom, as a motto of women empowerment. We are continuing with single sex education only because we started with a cause and we are still carrying it forward. Not because women are safe in women only college. They seems to be facing bigger threats in their homes rather they are free here they gets lot of opportunities here.
I don’t think that students will get matured only by co-education. Mingling with opposite sex is not a necessity, education is not merely mingling it is something more that. Here students get a lot of opportunities to develop their talents. In a mixed college a girl might not come forward in a similar situation. We are polishing students. We are giving them preparation for them to adjust to any situations in future and life coping skills along with the education.
I don’t agree with women’s only professional colleges because professional education needs lot of give and take and sharing, it will only come through the interaction of both sexes.

AjithKumar , D.I.G and Commissioner of Police Cochin City
The so called rise of crime rates is also because of the rise in reporting of crime. This is possible in Kerala because people have easy access to police stations, and there almost never a hesitancy to file a complaint. There is still a lot of faith in completion of investigation and catching the criminal.

The Kerala Psyche

The nature of moral policing in Kerala is also different from rest of India. Moral impositions arise in most cases not from right wing organizations rather it cut across party lines. The psyche of these impositions resides in gender relation crisis that Kerala is undergoing. There seems to a sexual repression among the Malayalee males. What else can account for the rising crime against women and children in the state? Rape and murder of commuters or moral policing of women travelling at night, under age prostitution, and rampant child abuse are becoming regular breaking news. The new helpline for child abuse victims run by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan were literally flooded with calls when they started in August. A reaction which the authorities never expected, the Mahila Shikshan Kendras meant to house the children is over crowed.

There is constant segregation of gender in our educational institutes. New professional colleges are coming up which advertise their single gender system as desirable. Even colleges that have co-education are promoting segregation within their campuses. Most colleges in the state have banned tight T-shirts and jeans, stopped film dance from schools and unofficially monitor students of the opposite gender who talk to each other for uncommonly long time. These unimaginative changes in the educational sector become contradictory when these students both professional and non-professional, start careers in a 24/7 work culture. A systemic change rather than such cosmetic restrictions is necessary to mould the coming generations in a positive manner.

Thasni Banu, I.T Professional and Moral Police victim
When we were trying to leave the auto driver verbally abused me. I too reacted strongly. He slapped me hard on my face. He then twisted my right arm backwards. By then, people had started gathering and the driver presented us before them as some sort of ‘wrong-doers’.

Rekha.C.Babu, CEO BCG Group
“I have always delegated my work and ensured that I’m never in a compromising position because of my gender. In the initial days my employees were hesitant to say that it was my sister and I who owns the business. Instead they would say our father; Mr. Babu C. George owns the business. I have travelled across the world and the only place I was detained for travelling alone was in Thiruvananthapuram airport and that too in the name of ensuring security of women. It is in the nature of malayalees to find out what others are doing. Why does society pry into the business of an individual?”

Main Story

InstaGlam : Best of Instagram from Nikhila Vimal

Published

2 months ago

September 30, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Nikhila Vimal is a rising star in the South Indian film industry, celebrated not only for her acting prowess but also for her effortless sense of style. With her charming on-screen presence and witty interviews, she has won the hearts of many. Off-screen, Nikhila’s fashion choices are a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, often showcasing her love for Indian wear. Her Instagram is filled with vibrant, traditional looks that exude elegance, proving that she can pull off anything from a classic saree to chic, modern outfits with ease. Whether it’s her poised demeanor in interviews or her playful personality, Nikhila brings an undeniable grace to everything she does, making her a true fashion icon. Lets check her best looks from instagram.

Nikhila Vimal looks absolutely stunning in a gorgeous kurti set by K Pret by KALAAKAAR, styled impeccably by Smiji. The ensemble perfectly blends elegance and tradition, with a modern twist. What truly elevates the look is her long, beautifully braided hairstyle, crafted by Femy Antony, adding a touch of classic charm. To complete the ensemble, Nikhila accessories with a striking pair of long, heavy earrings from Keyaa, which adds just the right amount of glam to her vibrant and sophisticated Indian style. This look perfectly captures her essence bold, graceful, and effortlessly chic

Nikhila Vimal radiates timeless elegance in a stunning Mau cotton revival saree by S O U R A V D A S. This exquisite piece pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, featuring the signature 3 cm ‘chataai’ border with an intricate pattern of gold diamonds along the margins, framed by delicate rows of gold triangles and fine parallel cotton stripes. The saree’s cross-border elegantly leads to a Pallav adorned with two striking Star Konias, while the field is beautifully detailed with gold zari checks over a rich indigo backdrop. Styled by Arjun Vasudev, Nikhila’s look is further elevated by chic jewellery from Tanishq, perfectly complementing the saree’s opulence with a refined touch.

Nikhila Vimal exudes style and sophistication in a stunning black kurthi adorned with intricate embroidery work by Kalaakaari. The delicate detailing on the kurthi adds a touch of elegance, making it a standout piece. This chic look has been perfectly styled and coordinated by Pushpa Mathew, ensuring a seamless blend of traditional artistry with modern flair. The flawless makeup by Swapna Shaheen MUA from Dubai completes the ensemble, enhancing Nikhila’s natural beauty and bringing the entire look together with grace and poise.

While Nikhila’s glamorous side is truly breathtaking, her casual looks are equally captivating. She effortlessly pulls off a chic vibe in an off-white dress by Buna, keeping it understated yet elegant. The look is complemented with simple earrings, adding just the right touch of subtle sophistication. Her natural makeup, done by Femy Antony, enhances her features without overpowering her minimalist style. Styled by Smiji, the entire look embodies Nikhila’s ability to blend casual comfort with a refined, polished appearance.

Nikhila Vimal looks absolutely gorgeous in a peach salwar set by ZULEIHA, exuding an ethereal charm in this ethnic ensemble. Styled by Smiji, the look is a perfect blend of tradition and elegance. The outfit is beautifully accessorized with statement pieces from Keyaa, adding a touch of sophistication. With makeup by Femy Antony, Nikhila’s radiant glow and flawless finish complete this stunning look, making her a true style icon.

Nikhila Vimal shines radiantly in the exquisite Onam collection by Milan Designs, showcasing her love for traditional attire. Styled by Smiji, the ensemble perfectly captures the essence of the festival, blending elegance with cultural heritage. Complementing her look, she wears beautiful jewellery by Dhwani Bansal, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. The flawless makeup, done by Femy Antony, enhances her natural beauty, making Nikhila the epitome of grace and style during the celebrations.

Cover Story

Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna

Published

2 months ago

September 18, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Actor Krishna Kumar’s daughter, Diya Krishna, a popular social media influencer, recently married Ashwin Ganesan, a software engineer, after a long-term relationship. The couple celebrated their special day with a beautiful ceremony at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Diya’s family, including her siblings Ahaana, Ishani, and Hansika, along with her parents Sindhu Krishna and Krishna Kumar, looked radiant in coordinated light pink ensembles. The wedding was an intimate gathering, attended by close family and friends. Here are all the details of their magical day.

Haldi

For the Haldi ceremony, Diya and Ashwin were spotted in coordinated white outfits by Santini. The look was beautifully elevated with a pop of color from Diya’s pink dupatta and stunning floral jewellery by Florita Florals, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the celebration.

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

MakeUp : Amala Brahmanandan

Jewellery : Florita Floral

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Location : Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa

Mehendi

Diya looked effortlessly chic in a vibrant multi-colored skirt set by Mahek Designs for the Mehendi celebration. Ashwin complemented her perfectly with a multi-hued jacket by Santini, completing their joyful and lively Mehendi look.

Diya’s Outfit : MAHEK DESIGNS

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Mehandi : MISHMA KAMAL

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Sangeeth

Diya and Ashwin absolutely rocked their Sangeet in stunning black outfits by Santini, exuding elegance and style as they celebrated the night in perfect sync!

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

DJ : TONIQ SQUAD

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding

For the wedding, Diya truly dazzled in a polished pastel-themed saree designed by the talented M Loft by Joel. Styled in a manner reminiscent of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s iconic fashion sense, the saree was a vision of beauty, adorned with elegant detailing, intricate embroidery, and flowing glamour, imparting a regal charm to her bridal look.

Diya’s Outfit : M LOFT

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers, Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Garlands : Black Gold Flowers

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding Second Look

For her second wedding look, Diya embraced a simple yet elegant white Kerala traditional set mundu, perfectly complemented by traditional jewelry from Bhima. Ashwin matched the aesthetic, dressed in a silk shirt and mundu by M Loft, creating a timeless and graceful duo.

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Bhima

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Photography : Abhijith SK

Reception

At the Delhi reception, Diya stunned in a maroon saree, perfectly capturing the elegance of a newlywed. The North Indian-style chooda added a beautiful touch to her look. Ashwin complemented her effortlessly, looking sharp in a sleek black suit by Santinni.

Diya’s Outfit : Shazara Design Studio

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Cover Story

Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and elegance. Each year, Malayalam movie celebrities embrace the essence of the festival by donning a mix of timeless traditional outfits and contemporary styles that reflect their unique flair. From graceful sarees to classic set mundus, the stars bring out the best of Kerala’s sartorial heritage. In this lookbook, we decode the standout fashion moments from your favorite M-Town celebs, showcasing how they beautifully combine tradition with modern elegance to make a statement this Onam season.

Anushree

Anushree looked stunning in a double-colored set mundu from Naithu by Sruthi Prasanth, beautifully accessorized with exquisite jewels from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Her look was perfectly complemented by flawless makeup by Sajith & Sujith.

Mahima Nambiar

Mahima Nambiar looks stunning in T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her festive look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature. Styled by Jobina Vincent, the ensemble is further enhanced with flawless makeup and hair by Pinky Visal, creating a captivating Onam look.

Ahaana Krishna

Ahaana Krishna exudes her signature charm with a simple yet effortlessly stylish look for this Onam in Black Set Mundu. Staying true to her unique “Ahaana style,” her minimalistic makeup and elegant hair were beautifully crafted by Amala Brahmanandan, perfectly complementing her festive vibe.

The Sukumaran Family

The Sukumaran family radiates elegance in their traditional Onam attire. Indrajith and Prithviraj opted for timeless simplicity, donning classic white shirts paired with mundus, while Mallika Sukumaran exudes a proud motherly grace in a beautiful, classic Kerala saree, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival.

Shilpa Bala

Shilpa Bala looks stunning and stylish in a white and orange traditional salwar by Kalaakari, exuding festive charm. The look, styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, is perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Pure Allure. Her radiant makeup and hair, done by Sanaah, complete this beautiful Onam ensemble.

Anikha Surenderan

Draped in the stunning ‘Nila’ saree by Anusha Reji, Anikha Surendran mesmerizes with her grace and style. Styled to perfection by Mehaka Kalarikkal, her look is elevated by exquisite jewelry from Goldencup Bridal Rental Jewellery. With flawless makeup and hair by Ashif Marakkar. Anikha’s Onam look is truly captivating.

Nikhila Vimal

Like a muse straight from Raja Ravi Varma’s timeless canvas, Nikhila Vimal exudes ethereal charm in a stunning Pen Kalamkari Kanchipuram saree by The Saffron House. Styled by Smiji, her look is further elevated by flawless makeup and hair by Femy Antony

Dulquer Salman

Dulquer Salmaan looks ravishing in a classic white kurta set, effortlessly blending tradition with chic style. His Onam look radiates simplicity and elegance, making a timeless fashion statement for the festive season.

Pearly Maany

Pearly Maany looks stunning in a saree from T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her elegant look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature Jewellery, with flawless makeup and hair by Touch by SiRe. The saree draping, beautifully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes Pearly’s enchanting festive ensemble.

Arya Babu

Arya graces this Onam in a pure Kerala handloom set saree by Kanchivaram.in, embodying the true essence of tradition and festivity. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by elegant jewelry from Gemforher, with flawless makeup and hair crafted by Manju Michael’s Salon. Arya’s ensemble is a perfect reflection of timeless Onam elegance.

Navya Nair

Navya stuns in her Onam look, wearing a beautiful outfit by Jugalbandhi. Her flawless makeup and hair, crafted by Sijan Joseph, enhance the festive charm. Adorned with exquisite jewelry from R. Giri Pai Jewellery, the look is captured to perfection by Black Lenzio, making Navya a vision of elegance this Onam.

Priya Prakash Varrier

Priya Prakash Varrier looks gorgeous and modern in a stunning saree by Mloft. Styled by Asaniya Nazrin, her look is flawlessly complemented by makeup and hair crafted by Unni, making her stand out with a perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.

Aparna Balamurali

Aparna Balamurali looks traditionally beautiful in a Kerala saree by R O U K A by Sreejith Jeevan. Styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, her look is complemented with flawless makeup and hair by Sruthi Sai. The ensemble is completed with exquisite jewelry from Nakshathra Gold and Diamonds, making Aparna’s Onam look timeless and elegant.

Amala Paul & Family

Amala Paul’s family Onam picture is an absolute dream, with the family dressed in stunning red and white outfits. Amala shines in an elegant ensemble by Made by Milan, while Jagat looks dapper in his outfit from House of Messcal. Styled by Sapna Fathima Kajha, the look is further enhanced by flawless makeup and hair by Sajith & Sujith, and exquisite jewelry from Cressida Signature Jewels. Together, they capture the perfect festive spirit in this beautiful Onam portrait.

Rajisha Vijayan

Rajisha looks stunning in a leaf-printed saree by ALDA Designer, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Styled by Amritha Lakshmi, her look is perfectly complemented by makeup and hair by Laxmi Venugopal. The ensemble is enhanced with elegant jewelry from TT Devassy Jewellery, and the draping, beautifully done by Exotic Makeover’s Elizabeth Shinitha, completes this mesmerizing Onam look.

Miya

Miya embraces the spirit of Onam in a pure Kerala handloom Kasavu saree by Kanchivaram.in, radiating traditional elegance. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by makeup and hair by Sijan Joseph. The ensemble is further enhanced with exquisite jewelry from Mayoora Jewelry Designs, and the saree draping, skillfully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes this timeless Onam look.