Latest news with #Travancore
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Slow food sets foot in Thiruvananthapuram with 1940 India by Azad
The name Azad has held great significance on the culinary map of Thiruvananthapuram for over eight decades. From a makeshift outlet located at Vallakkadavu named Azadinte Kada (Azad's shop) to a diverse gastronomic portfolio consisting of restaurants, fine dining eateries, bakeries and kiosks, Azad has constantly evolved while staying true to its Travancore roots. The latest addition to this list is a slow food restaurant with a Quick Service Restaurant model named 1940 India, located at Vazhuthacaud. What is slow food? The slow food movement, combating international fast-food chains and homogenisation of food, began in the '80s in Italy. The moniker is attributed to its anti-fast-food ideology and has no relation to cooking time. The campaign, founded by Italian activist Carlo Petrini against the opening of a McDonald's outlet in Rome, is characterised by a core philosophy, 'Good, clean and fair' food, covering quality of ingredients, sustainable production methods and a fair price for producers. There is also an emphasis on supporting local businesses and seasonality. 'During the opening of an international fast-food franchise outlet nearby, we discussed how almost everything, apart from a few of their employees, is imported. This income benefits only the foreign company,' says Ozman Azad, a third generation member of the family. 'We have specific local vendors for each of our shops, which expand depending on seasons. Everyone who is part of that local network benefits from this. We need to replicate this framework everywhere with the ethnic foods of that location,' says Ozman. He runs the business with his brothers, Wazim Azad and Mahin Azad. Their father, Abdul Nazar Azad, son of MP Azad, who founded their first restaurant in 1940, is the chairman of Azad Corporate. Since inception, Azad's restaurant at Overbridge known for the iconic Azad Pakka Travancore Biriyani, their fine dining restaurant Star, and their bakery and confectionary store Bread Factory, are household names in the State capital. 'We have been doing the slow food concept for 85 years. And it has always been hyper local-centric in terms of sourcing the ingredients and the staff. But 1940 India is the only place where there is an additional emphasis to serve it fast,' says Ozman. A key difference between fast food and slow food outlets is the presence of a chef. 'They play a significant role in the kitchen. Fast food is about assembling, while slow food involves preparing the components from scratch and staying away from frozen products,' says Ozman. He adds that the smooth operation of the outlet depends on 'the hub', located at Eanchakkal, established six months before the restaurant's opening. This facility, with 25 staff, is responsible for research, development, and operations. The restaurant has a total workforce of 23 people. The menu The menu of 1940 India caters to the youth, who consume fast food the most. 'If slow food aims to combat fast food, then it should target the younger generation. We have sandwiches, rolls, mac 'n' cheese, which might draw in the younger crowd. But at the same time we serve idiyappam, chicken curry, mutton curry and so on,' says Ozman. 'We also discovered that the younger generation prefers smaller individual portions over ordering multiple dishes across the table. They have only short breaks during their work hours, so we have to serve fresh food quickly too,' he adds. The menu is divided into five sub-groups. The I Am Young And Happy menu features sandwiches, rolls, loaded fries and mac 'n' cheese. My Travancore, My Love has kothu porotta, traditional crispy chicken, chicken peralan, mutton curry roast, baby Kerala porotta, noolappam and dum biriyani. Indian curries, tikkas, kebabs, bread, and rice dishes are featured in the I Am India section. I Love Asia menu has Cantonese chicken and nutty cauliflower, along with fried rice and Hakka noodles. Custard brownies, gulab jamun and soft serve comprise the dessert menu. Rajasthani thandai, a fragrant sweet drink with a spicy kick, and Punjabi lassi are also available. My Travancore, My Love menu would differ according to the location, featuring dishes indigenous to that area, says Ozman. 'Our next step here would be to create personalised menu classifications, looking at different generations and dividing their time slots into six, serving what they would like to eat at each of these slots,' Ozman says. The peak hours are after 8pm and during the hours following the usual lunch breaks. The slow food chain is expanding to Bengaluru next year and will establish a hub in the lead-up to that. 'We are targeting areas where you can find fast-food chains; therefore, we are not limited to just metropolitan areas.'
News18
31-07-2025
- General
- News18
Army commemorates King Marthanda Varmas 1741 triumph over Dutch at Colachel
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 31 (PTI) The Madras Regiment of the Indian Army on Thursday commemorated the 284th anniversary of the Battle of Colachel, where Travancore forces under King Marthanda Varma defeated the Dutch East India Company in a unique amphibious battle fought both at sea and on land in 1741. The Battle of Colachel was fought on July 31, 1741, about 68 km south of present-day Thiruvananthapuram, and historians describe it as the first victory of an Indian force over a well-armed European power. Travancore forces under King Marthanda Varma, fighting both at sea and on land, overcame the Dutch. Colachel is now part of the state of Tamil Nadu. 'This earned the House of Travancore the unique distinction of being the only Asian military power to ever have defeated a leading European sea power at sea and land," a Defence release said here. The victorious Marthanda Varma commemorated this achievement of Indian soldiers and sailors by erecting a majestic Victory Pillar near the beach at Colachel. The commemoration took place at the Colachel War Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, which stands as a pillar of valour and remembrance of the Travancore Army's great victory over the Dutch forces. The event was attended by military and civilian dignitaries, retired officers, police officials, NCC cadets and local residents. Among them were Major General VDI Devavaram, SM, VSM (Retd), Major General Flora (Retd), Vinayakumar Meena, IAS, Sub-Collector of Thakkalai, Kannadasan, Colachel DSP, and Kanniyappan, Municipal Commissioner. The Indian Army also organised a public weapons display as part of the celebrations. PTI TGB TGB ADB view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 16:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
V S Achuthanandan: From the freedom struggle to free software, to bringing MGR and Ilaiyaraaja – he always thought of the people
Comrade V S Achuthanandan was a rare breed of leader: He rose from the ranks of Alleppey's coir workers to become the Chief Minister of Kerala. He attended only primary school, but with self-education, he became fully at ease with the English-educated. He was a mass agitator par excellence, but also proved to be one of the best administrators. Wherever he was, he never lost his link with the people. He was a man of the masses. In the 1930s and 1940s, the industrial port town of Alleppey was a crucible for a generation of revolutionaries who fought caste discrimination, struggled for labour rights and threw themselves into the freedom struggle against the army of Travancore. The estimate is that around 500 workers were massacred in what has come to be known as the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. V S Achuthanandan was one of the leaders of the pinnacle of the freedom movement in southern Kerala. As with many other Alappuzha worker-leaders, it was P Krishna Pillai who identified the organiser in young Achuthanandan and deputed him to organise the agricultural workers in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. Since then, the story of the mobilisation of agricultural workers in Kerala has been intertwined with that of V S Achuthanandan. The struggle was not only for better wages but also against caste and for self-respect and dignity. During the Punnapra-Vayalar armed uprising, V S was arrested and brutally tortured. His main contribution came during the post-insurrection period when he played a key role in resisting repression and rebuilding the movement. He rose rapidly in the party leadership and, as the district secretary, earned widespread admiration for winning nine out of 11 seats in the then-unbifurcated Kollam district in the 1957 legislative assembly election. It was for the above reason that he was deputed to lead the election campaign in the prestigious by-election in Devikulam in 1958. The election campaign focused on new initiatives of the Communist government for the welfare of the plantation labourers, most of whom were migrants from Tamil Nadu. While Congress brought leaders and ministers from Tamil Nadu, V S stole the limelight by bringing M G Ramachandran (MGR) to campaign, making it the only time that MGR campaigned in Kerala elections. The musician Ilaiyaraaja was also a key player in the music troupe. The CPI candidate Rosamma Punnoose had a resounding victory. In the inner party struggle during the early 1960s, V S was one of the 32 members who walked out of the CPI National Council, which led to the split in the Communist Party. Since then, he has been one of the foremost leaders of CPI(M), being state secretary for 12 years and a Politburo member for 24 years. He was a member of the legislative assembly for 35 years. Whether in power or outside, he always identified himself with the struggles of the poor for land, wages and livelihood. He could communicate with them easily and endeared himself to the masses. There were two occasions for me to closely interact with and work with him. The first was during the People`s Plan Campaign when, after the demise of E M S Naboodiripad, he became the Chairman of its High-Power Guidance Council. Every month, we would undertake tours visiting panchayats, reviewing the work and learning from practice. One incident that I remember specifically occurred during our visit to an IT co-operative setup by Ernakulam District Panchayat. V S closely listened to the enthusiastic narrative of a bunch of youngsters about the digital future and the importance of free software in the people's struggles against the monopolistic control of the IT industry. A decade later, as Chief Minister of Kerala, he would draw up an IT policy where free software figured importantly and set up the International Centre for Free and Open-Source Solutions (ICFOSS). The picture of his meeting with Richard Stallman is as iconic as the many images of him among the people leading the agitations. The second occasion was when I worked as a member of his cabinet. I have watched with tremendous admiration his determined pursuit of some development projects. For example, he had a clear vision about the role the Vizhinjam port could play in Kerala`s development, and he tenaciously pursued the project against odds. Although delayed by a decade, the Vizhinjam deep water port has today become a reality. Another occasion was my 2009 budget when I startled many by announcing an anti-recession package of Rs 5,000 crore, after the plan and budget accounts were finalised. I found the chief minister receptive to my explanations of Keynesian tactics. This rather audacious action, which was later favourably commented on by the RBI, could not have been carried out but for his support. He oversaw the expansion of social security measures and also the revival of public sector units and the revamping of public education and public health. He was vocal about women's rights, and women constituted an important support base. He was uncompromising on corruption, and his dramatic campaign against encroachment of public land in Munnar raised a hornet's nest. His last contribution to the state was the Administrative Reforms Commission Report. The focus of his recommendations was on simplifying administration and making it more citizen-friendly. Each department was meticulously examined, and detailed recommendations were listed. V S Achuthanandan will always be remembered as one of the key architects of modern and egalitarian Kerala. The writer is former finance minister of Kerala
India.com
27-06-2025
- India.com
Plan Your Perfect Hill Holiday: Top 8 Must-Visit Hill Stations In Keralas Western Ghats
photoDetails english 2923185 Updated:Jun 27, 2025, 05:14 PM IST 1 / 10 Kerala's Western Ghats are a treasure trove of misty mountains, lush greenery, and cool climates. These hill stations offer an enchanting escape from the heat and hustle of daily life. Whether you're a nature lover, a trekking enthusiast, or just someone seeking peace, these destinations promise unforgettable memories. Munnar – The Queen of Hill Stations 2 / 10 Famous for: Tea plantations, waterfalls, and rolling hills Munnar is undoubtedly Kerala's most iconic hill station. Located at around 1,600 meters above sea level, it is covered with vast tea estates, winding roads, and scenic valleys. The fresh mountain air, coupled with attractions like Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Peak, makes it a must-visit. Wayanad – A Blend of Nature and Culture 3 / 10 Famous for: Wildlife, caves, and spice plantations Wayanad offers a unique mix of dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tribal culture. Adventure lovers can explore Edakkal Caves, trek to Chembra Peak, or enjoy the beauty of Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls. The cool, misty climate adds to its allure year-round. Thekkady – Where Forests Whisper and Elephants Roam 4 / 10 Famous for: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and boating Nestled in the Idukki district, Thekkady is a paradise for nature lovers. The Periyar Lake and Sanctuary offer boat rides through thick forests, with chances of spotting elephants and exotic birds. It's also known for spice gardens and Ayurvedic therapies. Vagamon – The Hidden Gem of Kerala 5 / 10 Famous for: Pine forests, meadows, and paragliding Vagamon remains less commercialised and is perfect for those seeking solitude. With its lush green valleys, pine forests, and gentle hills, it's ideal for trekking, meditation, and adventure activities like paragliding. It's a great offbeat alternative to crowded tourist spots. Ponmudi – The Golden Peak 6 / 10 Famous for: Trekking trails, butterfly parks, and scenic drives Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi offers winding roads through tea gardens and misty landscapes. It's known for its diverse flora and fauna, with golden-hued valleys that shine during sunrise. It's an ideal destination for weekend trips and nature walks. Peermade – Tranquility in Every Breeze 7 / 10 Famous for: Coffee and spice plantations, misty hills Peermade, once the summer retreat of Travancore kings, lies quietly in the Western Ghats. The area is rich in coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations. It's a calm hill station perfect for laid-back vacations, scenic photography, and plantation tours. Malakkappara – The Road Less Travelled 8 / 10 Famous for: Scenic routes, tea estates, and untouched nature Malakkappara is a remote hill station located on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by dense forests and tea gardens, it's best explored via a scenic drive through Athirappilly. It offers raw natural beauty and serene landscapes. Nelliyampathy – The Cloud-Kissed Retreat 9 / 10 Famous for: Secluded charm, viewpoints, and orange farms Often referred to as the 'Ooty of Kerala,' Nelliyampathy is a quiet hill station near Palakkad. It features cool weather, mist-covered mountains, and lush plantations. Seethargundu Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the valley, perfect for sunrise and sunset lovers. 10 / 10 Kerala's Western Ghats offer more than just scenic beauty — they're a blend of adventure, tranquility, and cultural richness. Whether you want to sip tea in Munnar, explore wildlife in Thekkady, or escape to the quiet corners of Vagamon, these hill stations promise soul-refreshing experiences.
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Genome-edited rice seed Pusa DST Rice 1 expected to reach farmers within a year: IARI Joint Director Viswanathan Chinnusamy
The genome-edited rice seed Pusa DST Rice 1 is expected to reach farmers within a year, pending completion of intellectual property procedures, Viswanathan Chinnusamy, Joint Director (Research, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, has said. Dr. Chinnuswamy, who led the development of Pusa DST Rice 1, delivered the Sree Visakham Thirunal Endowment Lecture on 'Genome Editing: India's Trailblazing Path to the First Edited Rice Variety' here on Monday. The lecture was organised by the Indian Society for Root Crops (ISRC) and the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Sreekariyam. Several crops Within the next five to six years, several genome-edited agricultural crops will be ready for large-scale cultivation, according to him. Genome editing, he said, helped overcome limitations in seeds and allowed for the addition of specific desirable traits. V. Arunachalam, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), emphasised the potential of tuber crops in fighting malnutrition. He also stressed the use of genome editing to improve crop yield and quality. CTCRI director G. Byju, who presided, emphasised the role played by tuber crops in ensuring food and nutritional security, right from the Travancore era to the present day.
