March 2012 – Page 19 – Manipur News

Manipur NGOs say no to oil exploration – Assam Tribune

Weekly BlitzManipur NGOs say no to oil explorationAssam TribuneIMPHAL, March 26 – Manipur-based Joint Action Committee (JAC) on protection of hydro-carbon and resources in association with 11 other pressure groups reaffirmed today to oppose oil explo…

Weekly Blitz

Manipur NGOs say no to oil exploration
Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, March 26 – Manipur-based Joint Action Committee (JAC) on protection of hydro-carbon and resources in association with 11 other pressure groups reaffirmed today to oppose oil exploration and proposed Tipaimukh dam project in the State.
'Build micro hydel projects instead of Tipaimukh dam'Times of India
Activists against Tipaimukh damZee News
Bangladesh Govt backs Tipaimukh damE-Pao.net
KanglaOnline –Weekly Blitz
all 11 news articles »

Nephiu Rio campaigning for NPF candidates in Manipur’s Hill districts … – E-Pao.net

Nephiu Rio campaigning for NPF candidates in Manipur's Hill districts …E-Pao.netNagalim Times (NTIMES) group members in Facebook, the social networking site, gives their comments on NPF winning only 4 out of 12 seats contested in the 10th Manipur…

Nephiu Rio campaigning for NPF candidates in Manipur's Hill districts …
E-Pao.net
Nagalim Times (NTIMES) group members in Facebook, the social networking site, gives their comments on NPF winning only 4 out of 12 seats contested in the 10th Manipur Assembly election in 2012. Many expected the party to win most of the seats it …
Free jailed Naga Women's Union-IM leader: Naga bodiesTimes of India

all 4 news articles »

EIL Recruitment 2012 For Engineers, Engineers India Limited

EIL Recruitment 2012 For Engineers / Engineers India Limited Recruitment 2012 For Engineers: Engineers India Limited, a premier engineering consultancy and turnkey contracting organization executing…

Read the full article and articles like this at …

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/eil-recruitment-2012-for-engineers-india-limited/

Political Management in Manipur – E-Pao.net

Political Management in ManipurE-Pao.netEarlier this year Pillai on a lecture tour to the Northeast described Manipur as “perhaps the most problematic state in the North East as no genuine dialogue has yet taken place with the insurgent groups”. No…

Political Management in Manipur
E-Pao.net
Earlier this year Pillai on a lecture tour to the Northeast described Manipur as “perhaps the most problematic state in the North East as no genuine dialogue has yet taken place with the insurgent groups”. Not only that but what was very insightful was …

and more »

Manipur singer Ranbir Thouna dedicates latest album to Padma Shri Binodini Devi – E-Pao.net

Manipur singer Ranbir Thouna dedicates latest album to Padma Shri Binodini DeviE-Pao.netThe sixth edition of “Talents of Ranbir” produced under the banner of Tamna Sangai, titled Ima (mother), was dedicated to late Padma Shri MK Binodini Devi, a mu…

Manipur singer Ranbir Thouna dedicates latest album to Padma Shri Binodini Devi
E-Pao.net
The sixth edition of “Talents of Ranbir” produced under the banner of Tamna Sangai, titled Ima (mother), was dedicated to late Padma Shri MK Binodini Devi, a multi-faceted personality of Manipur. Talking to The Telegraph today, Thouna said, …

Assam Rifles organises medical camp in Manipur – Newstrack India

Assam Rifles organises medical camp in ManipurNewstrack IndiaImphal (Manipur), Mar.26 (ANI): A team of medical officers and paramedical staff of 24 Assam Rifles organised a medical camp here on Sunday. Specialist doctors in the field of pediatrics, med…

Assam Rifles organises medical camp in Manipur
Newstrack India
Imphal (Manipur), Mar.26 (ANI): A team of medical officers and paramedical staff of 24 Assam Rifles organised a medical camp here on Sunday. Specialist doctors in the field of pediatrics, medicine, surgery and dentistry examined more than 200 patients …

and more »

Manipur University Recruitment 2012: Research Associate Vacancy

Manipur University Recruitment 2012 for Research Associate Vacancy: Applications on prescribed form are invited from Indian Nationals for filling up the posts of Research Associates in Centre for…

Read the full article and articles like this at man…

Manipur University Recruitment 2012 for Research Associate Vacancy: Applications on prescribed form are invited from Indian Nationals for filling up the posts of Research Associates in Centre for…

Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

IISER Admission 2012: Dual BS-MS Program 2012

IISER Admission 2012: Dual BS-MS Program 2012: Applications are invited for admission to the 5-Year BS-MS Dual Degree Programme for the academic session starting 2012. The IISERs: IlSERs are devoted…

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Read the full article and articles like this at manipurhub.com

Read more / Original news source: http://manipurhub.com/iiser-admission-2012-dual-bs-ms-program-2012/

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom See more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1136 Photos by Tiken… more »

Xploring Andro – photos by Tiken Thokchom

See more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1136

Photos by Tiken Thokchom
evan_ken (at) yahoo.co.in

March 20, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/xploring-andro-photos-by-tiken-thokchom/

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1132 Photos by Tiken Thokchom… more »

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos

Check out more photos at: http://gallery.kanglaonline.com/?p=1132

Yaoshang Sports Meet 2012 Photos – by Tiken Thokchom

Photos by Tiken Thokchom
evan_ken (at) yahoo.co.in

March 13, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/yaoshang-sports-meet-2012-photos/

Open letter in support of Pu Phungjathang Tonsing for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur

Pu Phungjathang Tonsing Elected INC candidate, truly deserves the post of Deputy Chief Ministership for… more »

Pu Phungjathang Tonsing Elected INC candidate, truly deserves the post of Deputy Chief Ministership for the following reasons;

By virtue of being the senior-most amongst contenders in Political arena who have been elected 6 consecutive times in the State Legislature Assembly
Never in the Manipur history witnessed 9 Kuki MLAs, representing a single party INC. In other words all Kukis are in support of Congress (I) Govt.
Manipur completed 10th Assembly Election in 2012, till the last Govt. there had never been any Kuki representative holding the highest berth as CM, not even a deputy. Because till the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly only Meiteis and Nagas are given the top position continuously.
If INC manifestos stands true for peaceful co-existence and equality amongst its citizens & leadership, they should never let this opportunity pass in vain against Shri Phungzathang, the senior most among his colleagues.
High Command authorities ought to remember the sacrificial contribution towards Indian Freedom movement led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ( INA) wherein thousands of Kukis joined him and fought for free India till their last breath. Even today a handful INA pensioners are still alive in our midst to bear living witness to the greatest contribution of our forefathers for our country in general and Manipur in particular [for Azaadi Hindustan]
As a saying goes “Impossible is found only in the dictionary of fools” and “All the worlds a stage..”
It is our hope and fervent expectation from Indian rulers that they ought to realize their commitment and sincerity to downtrodden bonafide citizen without any biasness and discrimination.
GOD Bless the newly form Govt. of Manipur.

M.S.Obedya Haokip
Imphal, Manipur
obedyahaokip (at) rediffmail.com

March 13, 2012

Dhobi Ghat – a slum of the national capital: questions on development, governance and role of civil societies

Dhobi Ghat , a slum area with a majority of muslim population , is situated… more »

Dhobi Ghat , a slum area with a majority of muslim population , is situated on the bank of river Yamuna, near Batla House, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi with around 150 families. These families are mostly deprived and poor, surviving with low literacy rate, malnutrition, hunger and lack of sanitation.

Note: This is an excerpt. To read the whole article, please download the PDF file

Khudai Khidmatgar had organized a youth camp under the guidance of social activist Faisal Khan, with its objective of ‘service of God’ on 26th feb 2012 for the families of dhobi ghat. There were 20 volunteers in this campaign. I was one of them to experience the ground conditions of this area.

One of the most shocking facts discovered was that no civil society group/ government officials had ever visited them, even though this area is in the capital city and is situated near Jamia Nagar. How is it possible that NGOs who get crores of rupees to work in slum , to eradicate poverty, to fight with malnutrition, to raise voices for rights, to campaign for education etc; have never visited this area, I wondered.

My report here is dedicated to those people, with the hope that their condition will become better gradually through joint efforts of the government, civil society and their own. In my first sight of this area, I saw children playing, not with modern era toys, but with plastic bags immersed in waste, garbage of river etc.

____________________

Note: This is an excerpt. To read the whole article, please download the PDF file

Ravi Nitesh
ravinitesh (at) gmail.com

March 12, 2012

Kalakshetra Manipur – “Exposition on Grotowski” – KanglaOnline

Kalakshetra Manipur – “Exposition on Grotowski”KanglaOnlineBy Marie Gutierrez Kalakshetra Manipur is conducting its Masterclass Session 2012, an actors' training workshop with young theatre scholars observing the process from March 1, 2012 to…

Kalakshetra Manipur – “Exposition on Grotowski”
KanglaOnline
By Marie Gutierrez Kalakshetra Manipur is conducting its Masterclass Session 2012, an actors' training workshop with young theatre scholars observing the process from March 1, 2012 to March 29, 2012. Experienced young actors from different parts of …

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 – April 10, 2012 at Imphal

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 The Ultimate Rock and Roll Experience is… more »

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012

The Ultimate Rock and Roll Experience is headed straight to you!!! International Rock band FIREHOUSE is slated to perform live at Imphal on April 10, 2012. The “FireHouse Rock to rescue India tour 2012” is organized by 7 Sisters Entertainment (Sky Group venture), in association with Queensberry Foundation. The event will be held at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Coming to Manipur- FireHouse Rock to Rescue India Tour 2012 – April 10, 2012 at Imphal

The band is slated to perform at Dimapur on April 7 at DDSC stadium, after which it will head straight to rock capital-Imphal. With the tour dates finally announced, fans can get ready to witness a slice of rock music history.

FireHouse has been rockin’ for over a decade. Their music has taken them all over the world and has produced Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum records in the United States and Countries abroad. In 1990, their first album, entitled ‘FireHouse’ was released. The bands first single, Shake and Tumble, had impressive radio success. The band then released Don’t Treat Me Bad, which became their first Top Ten hit. This was followed by Love of a Lifetime, which also entered the Top Ten reaching the #3 spot on the United State charts. The band’s second album, Hold Your Fire, was released in 1992. It produced the hits Reach for the Sky and Sleeping with You. Another Top Ten hit, When I Look into Your Eyes, peaked on the US charts at #5. This album earned the band two more gold albums and over 1 million sales worldwide. In 1995, FireHouse released their third album on Epic, simply titled 3.
Once again, FireHouse produced another Top Forty hit in the US with I Live My Life for You. It was with this album, FireHouse made their first trip to Southeast Asia for a promotional tour. Their fourth album, Good Acoustics, was released in 1996 ad quickly went Gold in Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines. Good Acoustics contains unplugged versions of the group’s greatest hits, as well as four new songs. This album produced foreign hits such as In Your Perfect World, Love Don’t Care, and You Are My Religion. Category 5 was officially released in the United States in 1999. On April 22, 1999, the band recorded their live show in Osaka. The result – the first ever live album by FireHouse. Bring ‘em Out Live was released in Japan in December 1999 and in the United States on Spitfire Records in July 2000. The turn of the century brought the release their seventh album, titled 02. This album had notable success despite the changing style of popular rock music.

As music changes over time, Firehouse continues to evolve their musical style; yet, at the same time. Hang onto their hard rock roots. Released in October of 2003, album number 8 is no exception. You can expect to hear what Firehouse is famous for… soulful, melodic hard rock.

About 7 Sisters Entertainment: Based in New Delhi, “7 Sisters Entertainment” is an event and artist management company formerly known as Haolaa Records formed in January 2007 with an intention to promote talented local bands and artist especially from North-East India, based in New Delhi under SKY GROUP, Dimapur. Over the years, these dedicated, and talented young professionals have been delighting audiences with pub gigs, open air concerts, music festivals and client events. Not content with only these, the group also wants the region to witness the best of music and brings straight to the people legends from the music world.
“7 Sisters Entertainment” manage and produce quality events and music, while believing in mutual trust, professionalism, dedication and commitment to give the best.

Sky Group is a mix of musicians, entrepreneurs and professionals coming together under one banner. Blending music with a greater cause, the people behind the event also has in mind to create a difference through this venture. “Beyond the limits of entertainment…” is a common vision for the people working under the Sky Group. Having worked in Fortune 500 companies for the most part of their careers, these dedicated youths feel it is the right time to give back to their society. And especially to the section of society which is in need.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to create awareness on Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Having felt the need to show love and care towards the senior citizens, Sky Group also wishes to extend their help towards Old Age Home. Feeling the need of an acute lack of aids to Children with Special Needs, Sky Group through this musical endeavor will try to create awareness on the plight of CWSN. Also, having heard about the financial constraints faced at Old Age Homes, Sky Group has also expressed concerns over the welfare of its residents. With an intention to highlight the fact that elderly folks of our society should be given the privilege to live the last days of their lives with dignity, Sky Group is working to reach out to the underprivileged senior citizens.

Authorized ticket vendors for Imphal are Nokia Show Room, while in Dimapur; tickets will be sold at Queensberry Foundation, Crescendo and Furtados. Limited tickets will be printed.

SCHEDULE:

Dimapur: 7April, DDSC Stadium
Imphal: 10 April, Hapta Kangjeibung

March 11, 2012

MSAD International Women’s Day Celebration on March 8, 2012

OFFICE OF THE MANIPURI STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION DELHI Estd 1971 International Women’s Day Celebration This International… more »

OFFICE OF THE MANIPURI STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION DELHI
Estd 1971

International Women’s Day Celebration

This International Women’s Day has once again reaffirmed the belief of the people of Manipur in the spirit that Manipuri women have shown in various fields. In a society where everything is rotting, the women of Manipur have everything to suffer and yet they have all throughout been in the front to fight the painful rotting. They have proved this when they play in the field, on the ring, in the jail, on the street. They have created a place of their own in proving this and we cannot miss to recognise it.

In connection to the occasion of International Women’s Day, Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) had organised a meeting to celebrate the spirit and achievements of Manipuri women in their struggle for a peaceful home and society in Manipur. The meeting discussed the socio-political environment in Manipur in order to discern the intensities of the history of Manipuri women’s struggle. While the need to see the context of women’s political action in Manipur was the focus of the discussion, MSAD also addressed the need to seriously look into the crimes against women perpetrated by beastly security and police forces, and cruel husbands alike. MSAD in this regard holds that series of recent cases of rape, murder and torture of women have challenged the civil society in Manipur to offer a critical engagement with these brutal events so that women are safe. In the spirit of the International Women’s Day, MSAD once again appeals to all Manipuri women to fight such atrocities both in the domestic and public world.

Manipur Student Association Delhi (MSAD) organized a social gathering of the 101 year jubilee celebration of International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March 2012. It was conducted at Delhi University.

Sd/-

Md Shafikul Haque
President MSAD.

Apunbana Yaiphare!
Unity Is Victory!

March 10, 2012

Kalakshetra Manipur – “Exposition on Grotowski”

Kalakshetra Manipur invites you to “Exposition on Grotowski” By Marie Gutierrez on March 13, 2012… more »

Kalakshetra Manipur invites you to “Exposition on Grotowski”

By Marie Gutierrez
on March 13, 2012 1:00 pm

Kalakshetra Manipur is conducting its Masterclass Session 2012, an actors’ training workshop with young theatre scholars observing the process from March 1, 2012 to March 29, 2012. Experienced young actors from different parts of India and from France with young theatre scholars from School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi are interacting for a month.

In the midst of the workshop, an actor from France, Marie Gutierrez who has worked with Zygmot Molik (Laboratory Theatre Grotowski, Poland) will present an “Exposition on Grotowski” on March 13, 2012 (Tuesday) at 1:00 p.m.

Another actor Grégori BAQUET, who is also a psycho-therapist, specialized on body and mind therapy will give a talk on the same day.

You are cordially invited to the Exposition and Interaction on the same day at the working space of Kalakshetra Manipur, Langol Laimanai, Imphal. Hope to have a close and fruitful interactive session.

Regards

Kh. Ushakanta
Secretary
Kalakshetra Manipur
Langol Laimanai Imphal

March 7, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/kalakshetra-manipur-exposition-on-grotowski/

Kalakshetra Manipur – “Exposition on Grotowski”

Kalakshetra Manipur invites you to “Exposition on Grotowski” By Marie Gutierrez on March 13, 2012… more »

Kalakshetra Manipur invites you to “Exposition on Grotowski”

By Marie Gutierrez
on March 13, 2012 1:00 pm

Another actor Grégori BAQUET, who is also a psycho-therapist, specialized on body and mind therapy will give a talk on the same day.

Regards

Kh. Ushakanta
Secretary
Kalakshetra Manipur
Langol Laimanai Imphal

March 7, 2012

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/kalakshetra-manipur-exposition-on-grotowski/

MMAB 2012 Annual Sports Meet – Results

Dear sir, We are delighted to announce the results of MMAB Annual Sports Meet. The… more »

Dear sir,

We are delighted to announce the results of MMAB Annual Sports Meet. The details results is attached.

Note: Prizes / Trophies will be distributed on 11th March 2012 at The ABC Ground, Opp. Viveknagar Police Station, Viveknagar, Bangalore – 47.
Time 5pm onwards. Followed by CULTURAL DANCES, ACADEMIC RECOGNITION & THABAL CHONGBA

Kindly do the needful.
Thanks and regards

Y. Arun
Publicity & Communication Secy.
MMAB

March 7, 2012

A	B	C
1		MMAB Annual Sports Meet Results
2	Event / Category	Place/Position	Team / Individuals
3	Football	Winner	Kanglasha FC – A Captain Amarjit
4		Runner-up	FC Apaibi Captain Arun/Romesh
5		3rd Place	Bangalore Manipuri Friendship FC Team A Capt Naobi Team B Capt Dinesh
6
7	Badminton Men’s Double	Winner	Th. Romen & I. Deban
8		Runner-up	A. Sarat & W. Rajeswor
9
10	50 M Race Girls < 5 years	1st Place	Charu
11		2nd Place	Ornella
12		3rd Place	Gilliana
13	Above 5 years	1st Place	Saleja
14		2nd Place	Bhoomika
15		3rd Place	Nini
16
17	50 M Race Boys Below 5 yrs	1st Place	Ayushman
18		2nd Place	Kevin(Agavin)
19		3rd Place	Trishna
20	> 5 years < 10 yrs	1st Place	Danish
21		2nd Place	Prithiviraj
22		3rd Place	Clifford
23	Above 10 yrs	1st Place	Nganba
24		2nd Place	Daniel
25		3rd Place	Aditya
26
27	Spoon Race Girls < 5 years	1st Place	Trishna
28		2nd Place	Gilliana
29		3rd Place	Ornella
30	Above 5 years	1st Place	Bhoomika
31		2nd Place	Yaiphabi
32		3rd Place	Selenna
33
34	Spoon Race Boys < 5 years	1st Place	Hangamba
35		2nd Place	Ayushman
36		3rd Place	Anand
37	> 5 years < 10 yrs	1st Place	Danish
38		2nd Place	Prithiviraj
39		3rd Place	Rinky
40	Above 10 yrs	1st Place	Nganba
41		2nd Place	Daniel
42		3rd Place	Aditya
43
44	Spoon Race – Women	1st Place	Ch. Sangita
45		2nd Place	Bindya
46		3rd Place	Anamika
47
48	Thouri-Chingnabi	Winner	Team No. 2 Captain Dhaneswari
49		Runners-Up	Team No. 1 Captain Pishakmacha
50
51	Chafu-Thugaibi	Winner	Chanchan
52		Runners-Up	Kiran
53
54	Carrom – Women’s	1st Place	Anamika
55		2nd Place	Surmala
56
57	Carrom – Men’s	1st Place	Jananjoy R.K
58		2nd Place	Khogen
59		3rd Place	Newton
60
61	Musical Chair – Children	1st Place	I. Nini
62		2nd Place	Nganba. I
63		3rd Place	Rincky R.K
64
65	Musical Chain -Women’s	1st Place	Reena
66		2nd Place	Suchitra

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/mmab-2012-annual-sports-meet-results/

MMAB 2012 Annual Sports Meet – Results

Dear sir, We are delighted to announce the results of MMAB Annual Sports Meet. The… more »

Dear sir,

We are delighted to announce the results of MMAB Annual Sports Meet. The details results is attached.

Kindly do the needful.
Thanks and regards

Y. Arun
Publicity & Communication Secy.
MMAB

March 7, 2012

A	B	C
1		MMAB Annual Sports Meet Results
2	Event / Category	Place/Position	Team / Individuals
3	Football	Winner	Kanglasha FC – A Captain Amarjit
4		Runner-up	FC Apaibi Captain Arun/Romesh
5		3rd Place	Bangalore Manipuri Friendship FC Team A Capt Naobi Team B Capt Dinesh
6
7	Badminton Men’s Double	Winner	Th. Romen & I. Deban
8		Runner-up	A. Sarat & W. Rajeswor
9
10	50 M Race Girls < 5 years	1st Place	Charu
11		2nd Place	Ornella
12		3rd Place	Gilliana
13	Above 5 years	1st Place	Saleja
14		2nd Place	Bhoomika
15		3rd Place	Nini
16
17	50 M Race Boys Below 5 yrs	1st Place	Ayushman
18		2nd Place	Kevin(Agavin)
19		3rd Place	Trishna
20	> 5 years < 10 yrs	1st Place	Danish
21		2nd Place	Prithiviraj
22		3rd Place	Clifford
23	Above 10 yrs	1st Place	Nganba
24		2nd Place	Daniel
25		3rd Place	Aditya
26
27	Spoon Race Girls < 5 years	1st Place	Trishna
28		2nd Place	Gilliana
29		3rd Place	Ornella
30	Above 5 years	1st Place	Bhoomika
31		2nd Place	Yaiphabi
32		3rd Place	Selenna
33
34	Spoon Race Boys < 5 years	1st Place	Hangamba
35		2nd Place	Ayushman
36		3rd Place	Anand
37	> 5 years < 10 yrs	1st Place	Danish
38		2nd Place	Prithiviraj
39		3rd Place	Rinky
40	Above 10 yrs	1st Place	Nganba
41		2nd Place	Daniel
42		3rd Place	Aditya
43
44	Spoon Race – Women	1st Place	Ch. Sangita
45		2nd Place	Bindya
46		3rd Place	Anamika
47
48	Thouri-Chingnabi	Winner	Team No. 2 Captain Dhaneswari
49		Runners-Up	Team No. 1 Captain Pishakmacha
50
51	Chafu-Thugaibi	Winner	Chanchan
52		Runners-Up	Kiran
53
54	Carrom – Women’s	1st Place	Anamika
55		2nd Place	Surmala
56
57	Carrom – Men’s	1st Place	Jananjoy R.K
58		2nd Place	Khogen
59		3rd Place	Newton
60
61	Musical Chair – Children	1st Place	I. Nini
62		2nd Place	Nganba. I
63		3rd Place	Rincky R.K
64
65	Musical Chain -Women’s	1st Place	Reena
66		2nd Place	Suchitra

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/mmab-2012-annual-sports-meet-results/

Gleam of Bell Metal from Mannar

Pallavi Chinya
Joint Director (Media & Communication), PIB, Thiruvananthapuram
Silence is what envelopes you as you enter Mannar, a small town in Kerala. But as you take a stroll in the comforting natural surroundings of this town, breaking through the many layers of silence, the sound of clinking of metals, welding and grinding machines reaches your ears probably piquing your interest. And as you move towards the source of the sound you will be stupefied by the gleam and sheen of bell metal products in the many alas or forges that have existed here for centuries.
Mannar, a gram panchayat in Alappuzha district has the unique distinction of harbouring and nurturing a tradition and a craft which dates back to several centuries. Nearly 300 families in this town have carried on the tradition of bell metal products making in their alas. Bell metal is a harmonious blend of tin and copper. Typified by its sonorous quality when struck, bell metal provides a fine medium for the craftsmen to cast both religious artifacts especially magnificent lamps in various shapes and sizes as well as domestic utensils. Mannar has an assortment of traditional alas or forges as well as semi-modern factories which have come up in recent years engaged in the craft of bell metal products. The artisans of these alas produce an array of glistening bell metal products. These elegant artifices over the years have crossed the Arabian Sea to spread the fame of this small town and to capture a range of markets in different parts of the world.
One of the main tourist attractions in Kochi is the World’s biggest Varpu (traditional vessel usually used for preparing payasam or kheer), placed in an antique shop in Jew Town. But few people know that it was manufactured in Mannar over a period of one year during which 100 labourers toiled to bring it to perfection.
The 3250 kg Varpu with a diameter of 12 ft and a capacity of 10000 liters was created by the house of Rajan Alackal. Shri Rajan’s family has been in the business of bell metal products for five generations. Working with a team of 17 employees now his forge has supplied traditional bell metal products that include household utensils like Uruli (a wide mouthed vessel), Nilavilakku (a wick lamp), Kindi (a spouted pitcher) and idols of Hindu Gods, idols of Pope, Narayana Guru to temples, churches, museums across the country. Indira Gandhi Museum in New Delhi has showcased Al Vilakku (1001 lamps) created in his workshop.
Over the years the artisans in this small town have not only embraced the new technology in the making of these traditional products but have also forayed in to newer territories like Shri Ananth Krishna Achary who in his ala has specialized in the making of iron boxes. With Government’s support the family tradition of making bell metal products has acquired the status of a cottage industry. The inimitable stature that Mannar has acquired over the years has been etched for permanence in some extraordinary artifices. They include the world’s biggest temple lamp at Chettikulangara Devi temple; the world’s biggest temple bell at Mohan Nagar temple in Shimla; the world’s biggest church bell at the Cathedral Church in New Delhi, and the replica of the famous Tree of Life and Knowledge, now kept in a museum in Chennai. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gleam-of-bell-metal-from-mannar/