A legal affair

Rhea Sydney, second year LLB student, National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi,  on the importance of an internship in shaping your legal career 

Law, as a subject, is vast and dynamic, as new laws are enacted and old laws are repealed constantly. It is the duty of every lawyer to be updated with every change brought forth in almost every field. It is said that the knowledge and skill required to be a lawyer is not something that can be taught in classrooms, but one gathers it through experience. And this is where internships in a good law firm play a key role.

I was lucky to do a month long internship at the Chennai office of King & Partridge, one of the oldest full-service law firms in India. Interning at a law firm gives you first-hand experience with how a lawyer needs to think, what to expect at the court, how to brief a client and many other skills that can be learnt only with experience. It basically prepares you for the life of a lawyer. 

Internships play a vital role in making you aware of the work environment like the courts, law firms, NGO’s etc. It gives you an added advantage to compete in the current job markets. These internship programmes act as a supplement to the legal education provided in any law school. It also increases your chance of getting recruited as most employers look for work experience. So the best way for law students to prepare for their future is to take advantage of internship opportunities, for it helps in building up your resume and perform well in placement interviews.

My internship at King & Partridge taught me many things which I would otherwise have been ignorant about. I was given access to case files of ongoing cases and have been asked to form my opinion about each case. I am impressed by the amount of knowledge that the lawyers here have acquired. Every lawyer including the senior partner put in many hours in order to finish their urgent work.  I have also been provided with the opportunity to visit the Madras High court, which is one of the oldest High Courts in the country. The stunning architecture renders any first timer speechless. I have been told again and again that new comers often get lost in that beautiful and impressive building.

  

Legal Edge

Hari Narayan, maritime lawyer and partner, United Maritime Law Chambers, Kochi, on building a career in maritime law

Maritime law is a branch of law dealing with issues involved in shipping and navigation. Also called admiralty law, it is a body of both domestic law governing maritime activities, and private international law governing the relationships between private entities that operate vessels on the oceans. Maritime law is evolved out of necessities of sea borne trade and all nations involved in sea commerce has a maritime law as part of its legal system.

Earlier maritime law was not part of the LLB curriculum in the country. Now, considering the fact that India is fast emerging as a trade destination, universities have started incorporating maritime law subjects like marine insurance and carriage of goods by sea as subjects for LLB. Government of India has set up a central university called Indian Maritime University with headquarters at Chennai and campuses in almost all port cities to promote maritime studies.

A student interested in pursuing maritime law can undertake a two year LLM in maritime law. Universities abroad provide one year LLM course as well. They also offer short-term courses in maritime law for two to three weeks, for legal practitioners to understand the basics of maritime law. An in depth knowledge of the subject is essential for maritime lawyers to understand the issues involved and to provide a solution in the quickest possible time, considering the fact that time is money in shipping. 

Increase in sea bound trade and commerce will also increase the scope of legal issues requiring assistance of maritime law specialists. Therefore, there is huge potential for specialising in maritime law as a branch of practice. Unlike other branches of law, maritime practice is international in nature and most of the disputes involved are resolved through international arbitrations in various parts of the world. Maritime lawyers are among the most highly paid professionals in the world and fee is often charged on an hourly basis ranging from USD 1000 to 2000.

A career as a maritime lawyer allows you to travel all over the world, meeting and interacting with similar professionals and appearing before arbitral forums and tribunals.  Maritime lawyers are also preferred by Protection & Indemnity Clubs to work as claims executives. Alternatively, a specialisation in the subject could fetch a job in shipping companies, ports, shipyards and so on. 

Evidence Matters

Dr Thomas Mathew, HOD, department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Thrissur on pursuing a career in forensic medicine

Forensic medicine is an area of forensic science dealing with the medico legal aspects of a crime such as an autopsy, post mortem, clinic forensic examination etc. Also called legal medicine or medical jurisprudence, it applies medical science to civil or criminal cases. With
the rising crime rates in the country, it is an interesting field of medicine and forensic experts are very much in demand.

Medical students, who have completed their five year MBBS are eligible to pursue a three year post graduate degree in forensic medicine. While pursuing a career in forensic medicine, one needs to decide and focus on the discipline that you want to pursue like general forensic medicine, forensic psychiatry, behavioural science and toxicology, forensic pathology, forensic anatomy, etc.

Besides the necessary educational qualifications, one must be very observant, have strong communication skills and a keen eye for detail for a successful career in forensic field. Similarly, internships offered will help to gain on the job experience, which is an added advantage.

Forensic medicine offers numerous career prospects in the government as well as private sector. The government sector jobs will be placed in forensic science labs, police department, crime branches, regional forensic science laboratories, narcotics department, etc.  One can also work as medical officers in the forensic medicine departments of hospitals, state health services or with the National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences as a scientist.

Apart from this, one can also get a job as a tutor with a medical college or work as a police surgeon in medical colleges and with the home ministry on medico-legal cases and forensic medical examination.

Celebrating the saints

It’s celebration time for believers and devotees across Kerala, as the Church gears up for the canonisation ceremony in Rome

With Pope Francis canonising Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Euphrasia in Rome today, celebrations are on in full swing by parishioners across Kerala. Members belonging to Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara and Latin churches across the state have arranged various programmes in their parish to celebrate the canonisation.

St Philomena’s Church, Koonammavu, in Ernakulam district, which houses the tomb of Chavara Achan, and Mannanam Church in Kottayam district, where his tomb was later shifted to, are expecting a huge number of devotees and believers attending the holy mass and other programmes today.

Rajagiri campus in Kakkanad is gearing up to celebrate the canonisations in a big way. Elaborate programmes and holy mass will be held at the campus in Kakkanad on November 29. As part of the canonisation process, Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, will lead a thanksgiving mass in Rome on 24 November.

Apart from the church, the Government of Kerala has also decided

to support the celebrations related to the canonisation of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara by undertaking various developmental activities like improvement of roads and other PWD works at Mannanam, the resting place of Chavara Achan. 

According to Fr Joseph Pathadan, Asst. Procurator, Ernakulam Angamaly archdiocese, “We are extremely pleased about the canonisation of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Euphrasia. It is a matter of great faith and brings the youth closer to God and religion”

 “It is a great feeling. Truly honoured and blessed to live in the same era as the saints,” says Sr Mary Georgina, principal, Jyothi PU College, Bangalore.

A life changing experience

Tresa Abraham, Medical Intern from Father Muller's Medical College, Mangalore

I belong to 2007 MBBS batch of Father Miller Medical college Mangalore. It was during our five and a half years of medical schooling Doctors Ministry of Jesus Young India( a missionary movement) bloomed in different medical college campuses including mine, challenging and inspiring medicos to rediscover medicine as a Vocation rather than a mere profession.It was under their guidance and after a training that lasted for more than a month that two of my colleagues and I decided to go as mission doctors to rural areas.Thus I was posted in Holy Trinity Hospital Adilabad District of Telangana.

During our rural postings to PHC in Mangalore , practice seemed much easier being at the vicinity of a number of hospital with better facilities.This however wasn't the situation in village where I was posted.Like any rural area more than the distance to a better hospital , it was the financial struggles and lack facilities there continue to be the hurdles. To add on to the agony are a number of local practitioners including voodoo practices in interior village areas hinder the chances of primary medical intervention.

Having spent almost seven months in this area practicing at the hospitals, house visits, & organising medical camps, among people where the complexities of modern life hasn't taken over , where doctors are considered to be equal to God  it was a real learning experience.At the same time ,being known to then as a Christian doctor, was challenging as to live like one .It did teach me to value life more, and that every patients requires listening to them as the prime treatment. When the poor facilities limited the treatment protocols to the text books leaving treatment possible only with limited intervention and prayer being one of them, we could see the Creators hand working miracles.

Among million lessons learned that which i hold close to heart is though medicines are treatment, Medical care professionals are healing hands through whom Healing comes from Above.

The rural stint

Sridevi Rajeeve, medical intern, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, Ernakulam

Internship is a one year mandatory training period in which we rotate in all specialty departments gaining work experience in that field. And two months of Community Health is mandatory in the curriculum, where we will gain practical experience in a rural hospital service away from our teaching hospital.

As interns, we are the first line of caregivers to every patient coming to the emergency department. We do minor surgical procedures, assist in all major surgical procedures, conduct normal deliveries, manage ICUs, man peripheral health centres of our hospital and even perform lifesaving maneuvers in the ER.

I was posted at St. Augustine’s Hospital at Kumily, Thekkady for that one month stint, an experience that transformed my perspectives completely. It was shocking to note that the diagnostic and therapeutic facilities we were accustomed to at our hospital were conspicuous by their absence here.

The very first lesson learnt during rural posting was to rely less on labs and devices and utilize our senses in arriving at a diagnosis. Lesson number two was how to exercise resourcefulness as supply of medicines and surgical items were limited in the rural area. Dealing with the dilemma of whether to keep a patient in a deteriorating condition or refer him/her to a higher centre many miles away, was a predicament for a rookie doctor like me then – a hard lesson number three! A vital lesson number four was never to take anyone for granted, for even the peon, nurses and other staff had many a pearl of medical wisdom which they willingly shared with us interns.

The local people always received us warmly into their homes. I experienced the reverence and admiration a doctor receives in the countryside for the first time after I helped in an uncomplicated delivery of a woman.

At the end of the grueling hands on rural experience, I realised how vital the rural posting was in reshaping my belief systems and imbibing new ideologies of my noble profession that had never been encountered before. It was a whole new experience to work on your own, gaining practical proficiency and make life-changing decisions in split second. I would urge my peer group to never let go of this transformative experience. 

Magical Melodies weave magic

Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai, the popular filmy number that made many a heart to flutter, took the ghazal lovers of Thrissur on a musical sojourn at Times Magical Melodies, organised by The Times of India

Hothon se chulo tume mera geet amar kar do, Ghazal maestro Umbayee, accompanied by playback singers Gayathri Asokan and Sithara Krishnakumar, began the musical evening paying rich tributes to the legendary Jagjit Singh. Times Magical Melodies, the first ever event organised by The Times of India, in the cultural capital of Kerala, turned out to be a magical evening of mesmerising ghazals and blissful music.

While Gayathri opened her account with Jhoom le has bol le pyaari agar hai zindagi, a beautiful composition by Hariharan, celebrating life in all its fullness, Sithara chose to begin with Aaj jaane ki zid na karo by noted classical vocalist, Farida Khanum.

The audience, who listened attentively to each of the numbers, were transported to the magical world of enthralling music. They broke into applause, turning nostalgic when popular Malayalam film songs like Oru pushpam mathram and Thamasamende varuvan, were rendered by the artists.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the ever popular Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein, rendered by Umbayee. He created an instant rapport with the audience with interesting anecdotes making it more interactive and lively.

The artists were ably supported by their musical troupe consisting violin, guitar, mridangam, harmonium, tabla and guitar. The programme saw the singers render many famous compositions of Ravindran master, M S Baburaj, ONV Kurup and Mirza Ghalib. It set the tone for an unforgettable musical evening to cherish. 

The fish saga

The rains are here and so are the NRI’s who are visiting their hometown on vacation. Here are some interesting titbits on fish – the staple diet of Keralites

The fish is a wonderful creation of God. It forms an integral part of the Kerala palate and its presence in the Kerala cuisine is impossible to ignore. The transformation it takes when it reaches different districts of Kerala is remarkable. It blends well with natural fruits and herbs in the hands of a holiday maker. It's steamed in a bamboo shoot in the hands of a tribal cook. 

Similarly, the use of coconut in fish preparation makes all the difference in fish curries. Red tamarind is used in Malabar while the central region uses the black tamarind (kodampuli). Another distinctive feature is the flavour of cumin, which is present in the Malabar curry form. Meenchatti, an earthern ware vessel, used to prepare the fish curry adds that special flavour to Kerala fish curry.

Fish is the most delicate meat and it deteriorates faster than other proteins due to the water content and moisture in it. It is important to ensure good hygiene while handling fish, such as the quality of water and ice, and use of stainless steel equipment that can be easily cleaned.

Eating healthy

Fish is one of the healthiest food not just in monsoon but throughout the year. Health experts vouch for the fact that fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. The recommended daily amount of omega 3 fatty acids from fish is 200-600mg. And remember, the best source of omega 3 fatty acids is fish and not fish oil capsules.

While Malayalis love their fish deep fried, other healthy ways to enjoy fish include baked, poached, grilled and steamed. It has been proved that people who consume fish regularly have a lower incidence of depression and may help diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels better. Therefore, eating one or two servings of fish weekly can reduce the risk of a range of diseases, from childhood asthma to prostate cancer.

Methods of cooking fish

Healthy ways to cook fish include:

 Baking - make shallow cuts along the top of the fish. Put into a greased dish and cover with foil. Flavor with herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. Bake at around 180°C and baste frequently.

 Shallow frying - dry and flour the fish. Place a small amount of oil or butter in the pan. Fry the fish at a medium heat.

 Grilling - cut slashes into whole fish to help the heat penetrate the flesh. Place fish on a preheated grill. Baste frequently.

 Poaching - not suitable for flaky varieties. Place fish in gently simmering stock. Whole fish should be placed in a pan of cold stock, which is then slowly brought up to a gentle simmer.

 Steaming - put fish in a steamer or on a plate over a saucepan containing gently boiling water. Cover.

Fish curry varieties:

1.     Pollichathu: Fish marinated with flavoured masala wrapped in plantain leaf and broiled.

2.     Pattichathu: Fish cooked with black tamarind, curry leaves, red chillies (either chilly hot or very mild), best when matured for 2 days in the meen chatti in which it is cooked.

3.     Mappas: A fish preparation with mild spices and first extract of coconut milk, slightly thick gravy.

4.     Piralan: Fish prepared with mild spices has the thick creamy coating of first extract of coconut milk.

5.     Peera: Fish cooked into dry dishes using plenty of grated coconut.

Types of fish cuts

·        Fillet - the boneless flank of the fish.

·        Dressed - with head and fins (entrails, scales and gills are removed).

·        Steak - cross-sections taken from a dressed fish.

·        Gutted - whole fish with entrails removed.

Chill kill is a process pioneered by the Japanese, where in the live fish is put in ice and killed. They bring down the temperature below +4 degrees and this prevents deterioration of the fish for longer periods. Also the fish is kept away from sunlight which causes enzyme action to accelerate thereby deteriorating the fish faster. Chill kill also contributes to better flavour of the fish, as flavours of the fish are released only after 6 hours of fish being killed in ice.

(With inputs from Faraz Javeed, CEO, Wild Fish)

5 ugly but delicious fishes to eat this monsoon

a) Indian Halibut ( malayalam name Aayirampalli)

b) Sole fish ( Manthal)

c) Indian monk fish ( Orathal)

d) Leather Jacket ( udupuoori)

e) Lung fish ( Varaal)

Timeless Beauty

Elizabeth Chacko, managing director, Kalpana International, is a pioneer in the beauty industry and a name to reckon with, having many firsts to her credit. Having been in the business spanning 37 years, she recently opened Kalpana family salon and spa, one of the biggest parlours in Kerala. Excerpts from the interview:

Why did you choose this profession? How did you start off?

Born in Thiruvalla, in Pathanamthitta district, my father worked in the Indian Railways, while my mother was a homemaker. My only brother is a specialist doctor in Washington DC, USA. I had the best of education from British Oakgrove School, Mussoorie, and did my honours in Economics from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi. After my formal education, I wanted to do something related to skin and that’s how I chose this profession. After a two year course in electrolysis and cosmetology from the US, I opened my very first beauty parlour in Connaught Place, Delhi.

Post marriage, I left Delhi and opened my first parlour in Chennai at Hotel Ambassador Pallava in 1974. As there were not many parlours in Chennai at that time, most of the people from the film fraternity used to visit our parlour often and soon became regular clients.

Tell us about your initial years. Was it tough to start off at a time when beauty parlours were unheard off?

The initial years were tough but I truly believe in the power of God, for we were never short of customers. After a brief stint in the banking sector, the first parlour in Kerala was opened in 1979 at Kochi. There were no beauticians in Kerala at that time, so I employed four girls from the lower strata of the society to help me out in the parlour.

Slowly, I opened a branch in the Navy, ran it for about 8 years and then handed it over to the Navy. I also started one at Hotel Monarch in Ooty. The parlour in Mysore was opened about 25 years back along with a multi gymnasium for gents and ladies and is still running successfully.

At that time, wedding make ups were unheard off and there were no florists in Kochi then. Thus, I opened a beauty school in Kochi in 1995 and poor students were taught beautician course, flower decoration and bridal bouquet, free of cost. Grooming sessions were also conducted at the beauty school. 

You have been in this field for the past 37 years. How has the concept of beauty and parlour changed over the years?

In 1979, when we opened our first parlour in Kerala, young ladies used to bring even their mothers to the parlour. By God’s grace, our parlour was fully occupied from day one and we had customers coming in from all over Kerala. Slowly the concept of beauty picked up in the state.

Though we started off with facials and the latest haircuts, we also did hair fall, pimple, acne and wart treatments. By word of mouth, I always had a good flow of customers till date. Today, it gives me great pride that I’m doing the make up for the third generation!

There were many firsts in your career. What are the firsts that you have introduced in the beauty field?

Apart from electrolysis, which was introduced for the first time in Kerala, pimple treatment, wart removal and hair fall treatment were also done primarily in Kalpana. Besides these, we also started the concept of health clubs in Kerala, which was functional for 20 years in Edappally, before it was closed down. I always yearned to do something with the skin, so I got interested in the beauty business. As for facials, I make my own creams, lotions and other beauty products and use them depending on the skin type of the customer.

Another novelty is the complete wedding package, including the bridal make up, saree draping, bridal bouquet, car decoration and so on. These days, young girls are willing to spend a good amount of money on the bridal package to look their best on their wedding.
Can you suggest some tips to stay beautiful naturally instead of using artificial methods? 

A face pack of equal amount of oats, honey and lime juice is good for skin. One needs to keep themselves clean and healthy, eat the right food, exercise well, have a regular sleep and most importantly, think positive. It is also good to visit a parlour atleast once a month. A parlour makes u look more beautiful and gives you the confidence to carry yourself well, which is very important in today’s world. 

Customers mostly walk into our parlours for facials, manicure, pedicure, waxing and other skin treatments and ask for beauty tips. I would say, fitness and healthy food goes hand in hand and is necessary to increase the blood circulation and keep the body in shape.
What do you consider as the biggest achievement so far? 

In my 37 years of business, I have personally trained a lot of women in the beauty business. My biggest achievement is to see my students and staff set up their own parlours in Kochi, the Gulf etc. Kalpana is the first parlour to bring north Indian girls and Chinese beauty experts to Kerala. Today, I am proud of the fact that we have a highly trained and efficient staff working for us.

What are your future expansion plans?

It took a lot of hard work to rise to this level and I’m grateful to God that I have made it this far. Today, Kalpana has 4 parlours in Kochi alone. As part of our future plans, I would like to promote the new family salon on Marine Drive, Kochi. It is the biggest parlour so far in Kerala, with exclusive spa therapy, bridal packages, hair and skin treatments, all under one roof. I also have plans to open one in Dubai in future. In short, I want every customer who walks into my parlours to feel good when they walk out. 

World Heart Day 2014

World Heart Day this year sends out a strong message on the relevance of ‘creating heart healthy environments’ 

29 September is observed as World Heart Day (WHD) every year to create awareness about the risks related to heart and how one can prevent them. The World Heart Federation, along with the World Health Organisation is making remarkable efforts to fight the heart diseases globally and reduce the risk of mortality. The theme of WHD this year is ‘creating heart healthy environments’.

Lifestyle matters

Often we think that one’s lifestyle is solely responsible for poor health. Apart from maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle, it is equally important to live in a healthy environment, be it at home, at work or in the community we live in.

A healthy life begins at home, with simple changes in lifestyle like eating healthy foods, avoiding oily, fatty foods, exercising daily, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, more physical activity and simply being active.

 Dr Sajy Kuruttukualam, cardiologist, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, agrees. “When it comes to creating a heart healthy environment, we need a multi-disciplinary approach, starting with the government policy changes and stringent laws when it comes to smoking and alcohol consumption,” he says. 

According to him, three major factors contribute to heart diseases: Air pollution, food pollution and mind pollution. Leading a stress free life, regulating our food habits by avoiding salty and junk foods can help keep the heart in shape. “In the same way, although fitness and exercise is important, one must never overdo it. Sudden severe exercise is dangerous and leads to heart problems. Instead, exercising in a controlled and regulated manner keeps one fit and healthy,” says Kuruttukulam. 

Cardiovascular risks           
Similarly, cardiovascular health is an important aspect with regard to heart. Statistics say that cardiovascular diseases are responsible for majority of deaths every year making it the no.1 killer. It is caused by risk factors such as obesity, cholesterol, hypertension, lack of physical activity and so on, which can be preventable to a great extent.

“Of all the risk factors related to heart, stress is the most dangerous one,” feels Dr Sony Joseph Vadakel, consultant physician, Ernakulam Medical Centre. “A stressful life leads to erratic eating habits, which affects the cholesterol level, blood pressure, body weight and so on. Including more fish, vegetables and fruits in our daily diet, reducing the intake of oil, and exercising daily will help maintain an ideal body weight. This helps reduce the cardiovascular risks. To sum up, a good positive thinking is a great stress buster,” says Vadakel. 

It is high time we made healthy choices in our daily lives when it comes to the matters of the heart. For heart choices are not hard choices and can go a long way to keeping the heart in shape. 

 

On foreign shores

Students in Kerala are increasingly looking for overseas destination to pursue their higher education

Gone are the days when higher education abroad was a distant dream and meant for the affluent in the society. With many students seeking education overseas, popular colleges across India have a tie-up with foreign universities and business schools. Unlike earlier, a lot of options are available today for students seeking opportunities in education overseas.

Advantage overseasMany are the advantages of studying abroad. Students get a better opportunity to get quality education at low price with the most sophisticated educational facilities. Overseas educational system gives more importance to research and innovation. Besides, scholarship programs are offered for Indian students in many European countries, which is an added advantage, apart from quality education and international exposure. Some countries also offer permanent residency, migration prospects and job opportunities for students.              According to Manoj P, chief executive, Global Education, the most preferred destinations for overseas education are US, UK and Australia, apart from Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. Around 70% of the students in India opt for these countries and most of them pursue post graduate programs. Countries like Australia and Ireland, even offer post study work visa which helps students to explore job opportunities while pursuing education abroad.

Most students seeking education abroad look for post graduate and diploma courses than under graduate programmes. The reason could be the cost factor involved in the three year programme as against one year masters programmes. MBA, Master’s program in Engineering, Medicine and International business are some of the popular courses opted by students.

Students are required to pass the IELTS/ GMAT/ GRE exams which is necessary to apply for overseas education.The exams and scores vary with each university and country. And it is always advantageous for them to apply through an educational consultant. “Apart from getting guidance on the best courses and universities to study, they are also assisted with the educational loan, visa documentation and travel requirements. They are also given mock visa interview sessions,” says Biji Anil, manager, Riya Education.

Make good use of the opportunities available abroad for a quality education at affordable prices.

Boosting Destination Kerala

“With the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2014 bringing in a huge volume of potential international and domestic business prospects, Kerala tourism is poised for a steady growth this year,” says Abraham George, president, Kerala Travel Mart Society. Excerpts from the interview:

What are the highlights of KTM 2014
As part of the KTM this year, we are giving the participants a life experience of the village theme. We also plan to showcase the village theme for which there will be a live demo of responsible tourism. Coir making, pottery making, thatching using coconut leaves etc will be part of the village experience. This will showcase the village products as well as give a village experience to the participants. 

Post the travel mart, from 21- 24 September, we are taking interested participants on a Post Mart FAM Tours, a 4 day tour of North and South Kerala, to gain a first-hand tourism experience of God’s own country. Similarly, we have also planned an exclusive houseboat experience and an Ayurvedic tour to key resorts in Kerala. These post event programs will definitely bring in business in future.

Could you please elaborate on the theme of KTM this year:
As part of the theme this year, we are showcasing Kerala as a wedding destination. We are also taking the initiative to take MICE to the next level by promoting the fabulous destinations unknown to global players.
Kerala is home to a lot of beaches and scenic locales which is ideal location for wedding. A lot of foreigners and non Keralites, spend crores to have a dream wedding in picturesque locations, we are naturally blessed with such places here. Why not showcase them to the outside world and attract more tourists to our land, thereby boost the tourism sector. 

How has the response of the participants been to KTM
For the first time, we did a detailed research and analised the potential first time buyers who could help boost Kerala tourism. With 280 international prospects and 940 domestic buyers, who are interested in the trade, the response to KTM this year was overwhelming. They have already confirmed their participation in the mart. Apart from UK, Germany and France, what is unique about this year’s KTM is that we have participants from Scandinavia, Middle East, South American countries like Brazil, Chile and Peru, who have shown interest this year. 

Online appointments have been fixed for them to meet the local sellers over the 3 days of the travel mart. In order to maximise the outcome, we have also announced attractive prizes for maximum meetings held. There has been good expression of interest shown by the international buyers.

What are the expectations from KTM 2014We have high expectations from Kerala Travel Mart this year. This is the only travel fair in the world that is conducted “by the trade for the trade.” With the key highlights such as Post Mart FAM Tours and village theme experience for the first time, buyers from different parts of the world will have a first-hand experience of Kerala as an ideal destination for wedding and MICE. 

Welcome to Kerala Travel Mart 2014

With the focal theme being Kerala as a wedding destination, Kerala Travel Mart Society is hosting the eighth edition of Kerala Travel Mart in Kochi

Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), India’s largest tourism buyer-seller meet, is a biennial event that has garnered a lot of attention in the tourism sector ever since its launch in 2000. Being the only travel mart in the country focusing on a single destination, KTM has always evoked an overwhelming response from both national and international participants over the years. And what makes KTM stand apart from other marts is the fact that it is organised by the various tourism stakeholders in partnership with the Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala.

The eighth edition of KTM 2014 was formally inaugurated by Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala, on 17th September 2014 at Le Meridien Convention Centre, Kochi. The function began with a cultural extravaganza followed by the formal inauguration. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of India, was the chief guest while A P Anil Kumar, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Kerala, presided over the function.

The central theme of KTM 2014 is Kerala as a wedding destination and a perfect destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). Over 242 international buyers and 750 domestic buyers have already confirmed their participation for the event which is scheduled to begin at Samudrika Convention Centre, Willingdon Island, Kochi, from 18-20 September 2014. Parvez Dewan IAS, Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of India, will be the Chief Guest at the valedictory function on 20 September 2014.

“Although UK, Germany and France top the list of international buyers, unlike the previous years, we have tapped relatively new markets this year. Apart from Latin American and Scandinavian countries, Argentina and Australia are some of the newer market we hope to explore this year. This will definitely boost Kerala tourism in a big way”, says Abraham George, President, Kerala Travel Mart Society.

Over the years, KTM was attended by more than 1200 buyers and the numbers are expected to grow with each passing year. KTM 2014 will undoubtedly be a great platform for B2B networking, as the whole event has been streamlined in a manner to make it more productive.

Highlights of KTM 2014

This edition of KTM will present Kerala in a ‘village theme’, giving a glimpse of the rural life of Kerala. The village life will be recreated with a live demonstration of village products and crafts such as coir making, pottery making, rice cultivation, village crafts and hatching with coconut fronds. According to George, presenting the village life in this manner is expected to boost the rural tourism.

Four seminars are being planned during the three days of the mart, engaging the audience in a variety of interesting topics such as Responsible Tourism, Muziris & Tourism, a panel discussion on Ayurveda and future of Kerala.

The Post Mart FAM Tours from 21-24 September to seven different circuits is another major highlight of the mart.  Buyers are taken to different destinations for a true feel of Kerala and they in turn can market to their national and international clientele.

Kerala's unparalleled tourism products and services such as Ayurveda, home-stays, houseboat services, rural tourism, medical toursim and so on, have always found many takers across the world. Local exhibitors like hotels and resorts, tour operators, ayurvedic resorts, speciality hospitals with varying tourism products of Kerala are looking to cash in on this tourism meet.