A coffee table book on IT sector
Published February 2, 2010 | 
From being a tourist destination to an information technology hotspot, Kerala takes up new ideas for a better state. The Kerala government released a coffee table book known as the ‘IT@Kerala – The Smart State”.
The 160-page book, is launched by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan charting Kerala’s march from being God’s Own Country to the hottest investment destination in the IT sector.
The book features Kerala’s IT infrastructure, industry and its journey of becoming a smart state with resourceful professionals. Also highlighting the strengths and growth potential of IT in Kerala along with the testimonials of top IT companies, thus giving a complete description of infrastructure facilities laid down for the IT industry.
IT Principal Secretary Ajay Kumar said about the book that it is an insight to potential investors about the various opportunities and conducive environment Kerala has in offer.
Listing all the major tourist destinations, the lush valleys, misty hills, sunny beaches and dozens of cultural spectacles, food, and ayurveda that engage business with pleasure. The facilities available with easier connectivity through road, rail and air transport in the state, are all noted down in the book.
Presently there are more than 30,000 IT professionals working in the state which include top notch companies of varying size and shape.
Are social issues taking a back seat amidst the seasonal fiesta
Published December 3, 2009 | 
With Christmas and New Year round the corner, the first visible clues of the impending celebrations have already started dropping in. The city and its enthusiastic community is gearing themselves to soak up the fun and gaiety. Shopping festivals, arts and craft fairs, food festivals and cake decoration competitions are the latest attractions in the event calender of Kochi.
The shimmering lights bathing the streets, Christmas trees decorated with colorful add-ons and twinkling Xmas stars- everything speaks for the festive mood in the air . Markets hum with avid shoppers who shop till they drop rummaging through the countless stores that offer the latest clothes, tree decorations, cakes, wine and fire crackers.
While people make a beeline in the Spanish food fest and the steak house festivals currently on in the city, I was surprised at the lack of interest shown to the Aids prevention day campaign ( Dec 2) and the International day for disabled persons ( Dec 3), which passed off as low key affairs. While the district administration blames it on the low budget allocation, the lay man quips that they prefer fun and entertainment rather than these complex social issues, which they feel is best left to the administration to tackle. As the blame game continues, Kochi is all set to welcome yet another New year with new hopes and aspirations.
Enjoy a timely treat in Kerala
Published August 7, 2008 | Kerala has many unique characters in its vast abode many of which are widely reflected in its society. You can find lots of peculiarities here, from its lifestyle to traditions all these features makes Kerala one of the impressive states in India. And one of the facets of this incredible land is its food culture.
This gourmet’s paradise flaunts a wide choice of cuisines, from traditional Keralian delights to exotic seafood’s. The land of spices blends a unique aroma and taste to its countless preparations tantalising your taste buds. With so much tourist influx this God’s Own Country has designed itself in a way that every guest does have lots of options to look for.
But when the matter of talk is about Kerala food how can one leave behind the series of restaurants, tea shops and local thattu kada(mobile restaurants) dotted along the busy lanes and rough terrains of the villages. These food zones or eateries are some of the most hot spots for any foodie. Here you can get a whole lot of stuffs to relish on starting from crispy dosa’s to full course traditional Kerala meal served in banana leaf.
But hey, you may find these places a bit unusual than the other restaurants and food zones you might have been before. Don’t get amazed on seeing the waiter telling you your menu for the time, well before you could even place your order which you have planned to munch on. Well, when you are in Kerala you do need to check out the time before designing your scrumptious menu. Because Kerala restaurants are very punctual about time, so you cannot order a dosa at the time of lunch, or tea at the time of dinner. Here you have to dish out your order as per the schedule of the restaurant.
So next time before slipping into these eateries do check the time twice ahead you place your lip smacking order.