Transcendence

In a Grand Reversal, England beat Australia to retain the Ashes and India drubbed SA by 87 runs ! Great resiience was displayed by Indians. They were all out for 200 odd and then they came back and bowled SA out for 131 !. Then they batted well for 220 odd and then bowled SA for 215 ! Full marks to ZAK, Sreeshant, Ishant and Bajji ! VVS Laxman, the touch artist, was adjudged Man of the Match, for his great innings of 96, which tilted the match in the tourists' favour ! In the other match, England won hands down. After Australia's capitulation for 98 in the first innings, England scored 513, thanks to Trott scoring 168 not out. Siddle's 6/75 was the only consolation for the Aussies. Then in the second innings Aussies were bundled out for 255. England keep the Ashes ! What happened to the Australian Empire? In Tests, India is numero uno with 129 points and in ODIs she is No 2 with 121 points.

Yesterday I had a software installation in Kochi. So I reached Kochi and installed the software in minutes. When I got out of the Office on Marine Drive, it was 1100 AM. I took a boat to Vypeen Islands. This is my first trip to Vypeen. I had studied at Kochi, at Ernakulam, when I did my PDC, in 1970 and 71. Now Kochi looks vastly different. The Boat Jetty has been improved by a new building. There are frequent ferry trips to Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. I got a boat to Vypin at 1200 PM. It went via Willingdon Island, an artificial island carved out by Willingdon. As we neared W Island, one can see the Taj Malabar, the five star hotel. Then the boat moved towards Vypeen. We can see the giant gantry cranes of Vallarpadam very nearby. Vallarpadam is an island on the Wembanad Lake and is the site of the International Container Transhipment Terminal. The ICTT will be functional within six months time. The Vypin boat jetty needs a lot of improvement. Near the boat jetty is the Vypeen Bus St

India were 136/9, in a rain affected pitch at the Centurion. Hats off to the RSA bowlers. It was the pace and swing of M Morkel ( 4/20 ) and Dale Steyn ( 3/34 ) that did the Indian's in. In the other match, Mitchell Johnson's 6/38, shattered England's hopes. All that they could muster was only 187, conceding a first innings lead to Australia.

From 0800 AM onwards we have the Ashes live. At 0200 PM, the India SA First Test starts. Non stop cricket for about 12 hours ! Now ( at 0840 AM 0, Aussies are struggling at 28/3. Tremlett removed Hughes and Clarke while Anderson claimed Ponting. Collingwood dived to take an astonishing catch off Ponting. Now Hussey and Watson are at the crease. Tremlett, bowling at around 135 kph, moved the ball both ways. Strauss took a risky decision to bowl first and his decision was proved right, as both Tremlett and Anderson fired. ZAK or Zaheer Khan may not play in the first Test, due to injury. This series is a fight for supremacy for the top spot in Tests. If ZAK is not fit, who is going to play instead of him is a good question. The secret weapon of RSA is pace. Rising sharp delivery which will tear into the Indian batsmen, who have a dislike for the fast, short pitched deliveries. Let us see whether the Indian batsmen are prepared enough to handle South African pace. Meanwhile TC Mathew, Pre

NZ were defeated comprehensively in the last ODI by eight wickets, as Indian bowlers devastated the NZ batsmen. They bowled them out for 103. P Kumar drew the first blood when he had Guptill caught behind, when the score was zero. Then Nehra had the dangerous Brendon out leg before. Then the spinners took over ( Ashwin three wickets, Yuvraj two ) and NZ were all out for 103! India were 10/2, when both Gambhir and Kohli were out cheap. Then Parthiv scored his second consecutive 50 and Yuvraj scored 42 no and the match was over. A great 5-0 sweep by India ! India is fancied for the 2011 World Cup, according to Vivian Richards. Now that India had done well against NZ, she also will have to do well against mighty South Africa. It is good that the South African tour is round the corner, as it will give India great preparation for the World Cup. We have the World Cup starting on Feb 12th and the IPL, an equally important event starting on Apr 8th.

Y Pathan never struck form in ODIs or T20s for India, though he had played some sterling knocks in IPL matches. But yesterday was the day when he struck form. The hour findeth the man and Y Pathan was the man of the hour. In a great display of scintillating batting, Pathan blasted 7 sixes and 7 fours in a great matchwinning innings of 123 not out. India were 188/5, needing 316, when S Tiwari walked in to partner Pathan. An unconquered 133 partnership between the two saw India home. Earlier, a glorious innings by Franklin ( 98 no ) saw NZ finishing at 315/7. The NZ batsmen, away from pressure, attacked the Indian bowlers and 315 is a good score indeed. India lost two quick wickets, that of the inform Gambhir and Kohli at 68. Yuvraj was out when the score was 103 and Parthiv Patel was out for 53, when the score was 108. Rohit scored a useful 44, but then holed out to Vettori and the score was an abysmal 188. Then the great partnership began. Tiwari was 37 no off 39 balls, with 2 fours an

Kerala's 40 billion dollar economy, growing at 14% is ranked 9th. She is growing at 14% and contributes 4% to Indian 1.2 tr dollar GDP. She is at the moment undercapitalised and potential unactualised. Her software is growing at 40% and Tourism at 25%. ( V S claimed that K's sw exports are now 3000 crores, forgetting that Karnataka's is 30,000 cr ). Her tourism nets in 13000 cr and may go upto 16000 cr or 3.5 billion dollars this year. Kerala is promoting it as Responsible Tourism and Eco Tourism, where the Ecology is preserved for posterity. Immense growth is forecast with the inception of the Kochi team, as Kerala will be marketed via IPL matches ! Brand Kerala is now in the minds of the Kerala entrepreneurs and Kerala's Ayurveda, Software, Tourism, Yoga and Cuisine will be marketed under the Kerala Brand. Keralam ennu kettalo thilakkanam.............................. Upto 1980, Kerala was an unknown destination. Then Kerala Tourism developed it. Walter Mendis c

Kochi will be the eighth team to play in IPL IV,which begins from Apr 8th onwards. Rajastan Royals and Punjab were disqualified, but then they had contested that decision and the matter is in court. The BCCI had cleared the Kochi team, as the Kochi team's ownership had passed scrutiny. The decision was given today afternoon, as the BCCI had deferred the decision by a week. Down Under, Pietersen's double ton had checked Australi. He is 213 no out,of a massive 551/4 ! Cook scored 148 and England holds the upper hand.

Gambhir's consecutive hundred sealed the fate of the India NZ series. This is his 9th ODI hundred. Kohli continued his dazzling form and was 64 no. There were two century partnerships, one between M Vijay and Gambhir and the other between Gambhir and Kohli. Let us hope India will move up in ICC Rankings. This is the triumph of Young India ! Hats off to the captain, Gambhir !

Yoga Therapy has been hailed the world over. Yuj means to unite and Yoga is Union with the Absolute Being. Yoga is the Science of Man ! Know then thyself, presume not God to scan The proper study of Mankind is Man ! Placed in the isthmus of a middle state A being rudely great With too much knowledge for the sceptic's side And too many weaknesses for the Stoic's pride He hangs between ! Yoga is a systematic study of man in his threefold aspect, as Mind, Body and Self. It is the Arts Artium or the Art of all arts and the Scientia Scientiarum, the science of all sciences. It is based on hoary Indian wisdom and culture and is the art of living a healthy, contented, balanced and peaceful life. The Eightfold Path of Yoga is Yama Conditional personal and social behaviour, according to Yogic Law Niyama Attitutue under Yoga norms Asana Physical Body discipline Pranayama

The application of these oils to the body by trained masseurs can give immense stress release to the patient. Various ailments like spondylitis, back injuries, sprains and muscle injuries also can be cured by Ayurvedic massages. You can experience the healing powers of Ayurveda. How true it is said that there is no earthly sorrow which Heaven cannot heal. ( Ayurveda is a heavenly science, as it is Veda, cognised by the Seers in higher states of Consciousness ). Best suited for Ayurveda's restorative and curative programs are Kerala's equitable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool Monsoons season from June to September. Kerala is the only state now in India which practises this ancient, hoary science with dedication. You can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the Monsoon Season by taking Ayurvedic treatment at least once in your lifetime in the green ambience of Kerala ! Body rejuvenation treatment can be taken for 7

The Kottakkal Pharmacy, Arya Vaidya Sala and Somatheertham Ayurvedic Resorts are some of the institutions which champion the cause of the Science of Life, Ayurveda, in Kerala. Ayurveda - The True Health Care A perfect, ancient science of Life and health care, Ayur means Life and Veda means science. This branch of Medicine succintly explains the scientia of dos and donts one has to follow to lead a holistic healthy life, is holistic in approach, and is good for both physique and psyche. It is curative and restorative and highlights the principle that Prevention is better than Cure. The prophylactic wing of Ayurveda is known as Naturopathy, even though naturopaths differ about the origin of Naturopathy. Ayurvedic Theory - The Five Great Elements The Pancha Maha Bhootas or the Five Great Elements are the basis of not only Life, but of the Universe. Both the Macrocosm ( Universe ) and Microcosm ( Man ) are made up of the Elemental Five, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Good equilibrium

This standard Keralite breakfast is in tea stalls or corner cafes, where men take in the chai and breakfast, read the morning newspaper and debate over the latest political news. In larger towns and cities, a more generic South Indian breakfast is popular. This is based on the dishes originally devised in the Karnatka pilgrimage center called Udipi. Deep fried savoury doughnuts made of chickpea flur called Vada, and circular steamed rice cakes, called iddlis are served. They come along with Sambar, a sour and hot watery broth or mushed together with chutni, a paste made with ground coconut and chopped green or red chillies. These idli-vada-sambar breakfasts are available on all hotels and tea stalls, particulary in urban Kerala. All round the clock in railways and bus stations, but then by 1100 AM, they switch to their lunchtime menu. In the resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, toast, omlettes, museli and banana pancakes are served to the international and domestic tourists. Bread and esp

Kerala, the Land of Spices, is famous for its cuisine. Traditionally, food is served on a banana leaf, but some now serve it on steel plates. Kerala is known for its spicy and hot foods. The Keralite takes food with the right hand. Almost every dish prepared has coconut and spices to flavour the local cuisine. The use of tamarind heightenes the pungency and coconut gives its richness. Tender coconut water, a natural product in the Land of Coconuts, can be a threat to Coke and Pepsi, as it is a nutritious and refreshing quencher of thirst. Banana chips are to the Keralite mind what potato fries are to the American. Jackfruit chips, banana chips and the crunchy Papadam can give French Fries a run for their money any day. Kerala cuisine is a mixture of meats, vegetables and seafood flavoured with a variety of spices. The main diet of Coastal Kerala is Seafood and vegetables in the plains of Kerala. Amongst tribals and North Kerala, meat is the main food. Rice, the main food Daily diet is

The joy of the monsoons can be seen on everybody's face. Kids dancing in the streets, elders enjoying rains from the balconies of their flats or the sit outs of their homes and women preparing hot vadas and coffee are symbols of the first monsoon rain. Also the sight of people enjoying a common umbrella on the public place. Gone are the days of blistering heat in a tropical country ! A sharp fall in the number of tourists during the Monsoon was the phenomenon of the past. Now Kerala Tourism is working on a new Monsoon campaign to attract tourist during the monsoon season which starts from May 29 and ends on 16th of December ( from Rohini Njattuvela to Thrikketa Njattuvela ). Monsoons in Kerala are the most tantalising in India. With green ambience and plenty of rains, Kerala is the most sought after destination during the rainy season. The state is promoting Ayurvedic or Medical Tourism. The best season for Ayurvedic Healthcare is this season which stretches from June to Decemeber

The joy of the monsoons can be seen on everybody's face. Kids dancing in the streets, elders enjoying rains from the balconies of their flats or the sit outs of their homes and women preparing hot vadas and coffee are symbols of the first monsoon rain. Also the sight of people enjoying a common umbrella on the public place. Gone are the days of blistering heat in a tropical country ! A sharp fall in the number of tourists during the Monsoon was the phenomenon of the past. Now Kerala Tourism is working on a new Monsoon campaign to attract tourist during the monsoon season which starts from May 29 and ends on 16th of December ( from Rohini Njattuvela to Thrikketa Njattuvela ). Monsoons in Kerala are the most tantalising in India. With green ambience and plenty of rains, Kerala is the most sought after destination during the rainy season. The state is promoting Ayurvedic or Medical Tourism. The best season for Ayurvedic Healthcare is this season which stretches from June to Decemeber

Today is the day when the Thrikketta Njattuvela or the solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts. This is the Retreating Monsoon or the Thula Varsha and this Njattuvela may signal the end of the Monsoon season. The word Monsoon itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry parched earth drenched, the splashing waters makes monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. Kerala has been defined as Tropical Wet by the German climatologist Koppen and Monsoon is a refreshing change from the long summer months, when scorching heat and dust ruled the roost. The farmers get relief from the draught like situation and the promise of the rains which heralds prosperity. Enjoy the monsoons of Kerala under Monsoon Tourism. Never to be wasted indoors is this enchanting seasons of raindrops and rainbows. Monsoon gives everything to you in fresh as the special season of the year. Monsoon is not all packed up in rain coats. On the contrary, they are fun time. Splashing and swimming in knee deep waters

Today is the day when the Thrikketta Njattuvela or the solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts. This is the Retreating Monsoon or the Thula Varsha and this Njattuvela may signal the end of the Monsoon season. The word Monsoon itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry parched earth drenched, the splashing waters makes monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. Kerala has been defined as Tropical Wet by the German climatologist Koppen and Monsoon is a refreshing change from the long summer months, when scorching heat and dust ruled the roost. The farmers get relief from the draught like situation and the promise of the rains which heralds prosperity. Enjoy the monsoons of Kerala under Monsoon Tourism. Never to be wasted indoors is this enchanting seasons of raindrops and rainbows. Monsoon gives everything to you in fresh as the special season of the year. Monsoon is not all packed up in rain coats. On the contrary, they are fun time. Splashing and swimming in knee deep waters

There are many number of definitions of Ecotourism, each highlighting different aspects. It is to be noted that different parameters emerged in common to all eco tourism developmental initiatives. Eco Tourism may be defined as that Which is based on Nature Where interpretation and education are important components Which is sustainable ecologically Which benefits the local people. If any of these components are not satisfied, such a venture cannot be classified as an Eco Tourism venture ! Tourism, without well thought out plans and managed programs, can mean the destruction of the natural habitat. Also the cultural shock concomitant with interaction with various cultures can also put the locals in danger. Stipulation of certain standarss and awareness campaigns amongst tour operators and travel agents reduces considerably this impact. Eco Tourism,therefore, is considered as a solution to tourism related environmental problems. The region of the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropica

Serene natural habitats are marketed and this is known as Eco Tourism, a branch of International Tourism. Nature and her pristine beauty is highlighted and Tourism without damaging Nature is encouraged. Natural Philosophy, championed by Goethe and others, point out that Nature is the main efficient cause. While God is still invisible, the only visible manifestation is Nature. I follow two philosophers this way It was Nature, Nature, all I heard them say ! ( The Faust - Goethe ) Aimed to provide awareness to the tourists about the wisdom of Nature and the protective functions of the forests, Eco Tourism is educational in nature. The guide and the tourist visit the naturally beauteous areas for understanding the cultural and natural history of environment, but taking care not to change or alter the integrity of the ecosystem. At the same time, this safe tourism provides economic opportunities to the local inhabitants, who also join in the green Conservation Movem

A great innings by the skipper Gambhir saw India home. Gambhir scored 138 no, Kohli, 64 and M Vijay, 33. It was Sreeshant's swing which did the New Zealanders in. Sreeshant was the pick of the bowlers and confounded the NZ batsmen with his controlled swing. He took 4/47 ! NZ could only muster 258 and India scored 259/2 ! It is time NZ improved their bowling performance. India is formidable on Indian soil. Now India leads 2-0 in the five match series. The Indian batsmen seem to be not at all bothered about NZ bowling. NZ attack must be more penetrative ! Indian bowlers should be complimented the way they came back, after some lacklustre performance in the first two Tests. In the last Test and the two ODIs, they came back strongly, thanks to Sreeshant and Co !