My five year tenure as Secretary ( Health &Family Welfare) and then as Principal Secretary during 2001-2005 was varied , interesting and most challenging. It was an assignment that gave me immense satisfaction and enabled me to learn alot about health related issues and make rich contributions for the health sector of the state.
From the beginning of my stint, I started taking regular review meetings with Heads of Departments, Programme officers and my staff in the Department. In certain cases, I used join the Heads of Departments when they were taking monthly review meetings.It enabled me to have first hand knowledge as to what was happening in the field and what remained to be taken up on a priority basis. It enabled me to initiate advance action against monsoon - related and seasonal out -breaks of communicable diseases, ensure preparedness of the Departments concerned for any major casualty. It also enabled me to identify the missing crucial links in the system.
Dengue Outbreak & Control
In August 2005, the state was realing under a Dengue outbreak and deaths were mounting. Every death, even ordinary death was attributed to Dengue. We immediately called a meeting of the the Head of the Department of Community Medicine of the Trivandrum Medical College to understand the gravity of the situation and worked out a strategy to address the problem squarely. We launched an awareness campaign by giving talks over the television, Radio, Press and launched door to door campaign. We used the school choldren to carry home the messages relating to " Dos" and "Donts". All the hospitals were asked stack test kits and emergency medicines. The Medical Colleges were asked to adopt the most affected villages by this out- break. We requested all the local bodies to focus on cleaning up their clogged drains,waste dumps, backwaters- the source of dengue larvae breeding. These efforts and the commitment shown by the doctors and paramedics enabled us to bring the outbreak under control.
Facility Survey
In order to fill up the critical gaps in any instituion, a "Facility Study" ( of infrastructure,man power, equipment, drugs,beds & furniture,water,drainage etc) is essential. With this in mind, facility surveys were conducted on a war footing against a blue print prepared by experts.This was published as a book titled "Instituion Analysis".
Essential Drug Lists & Drug Procurement Policy
When I joined the Department, almost all Malayalam dailies flashed news repeatedly that there were no essential drugs and even dressing materials. I went into the issue and realised that the Directorate of Health Services had not settled biils for the supply of drugs supplied during the last two years and that amount had mounted to Rs.35 crore. On top of it , the DHS required allocation to the extent of Rs.65 crores for every year. I took it up as a priority item and moved the Finance Department, which released funds in 3 instalments. Once, we got over the pending bills, we thought of ensuring availabilty of Essential Drugs in all the hospitals, for which we had to come out with Essential Drug Lists for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals. An expert committee was constituted and Essential Drug lists were prepared and after getting Cabinet approval circulated to all the instituions.
PHOTO OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS
In order to ensure transparency and quality in the procurement of drugs, a Procurement Policy was prepared and Cabinet approval was obtained. This became handy for the DHS officials concerned with procurement of drugs and supplies to ward off complaints.
Rural Service & abolition of Liquidity Damages
Kerala is known for 100% literacy but was poor in public health facilities for want of adequate resources and lack of technical manpower. Most of the doctors and paramedics, who gained their degrees/diplomas at the cost of exchequer flew out of India for better pasture and as a result there were many vacancies across the state. There was a ban on recruitment as well. It affected health delivery. There were only two options before us - one, to deny leave for taking up jobs outside the state and two, to make rural service compulsory for those,who pass out of the Colleges with an MBBS degree. This move resulted in a lot of furore amongst the staff; but we put our foot down and said no. Moreover, the question of "Liquidity Damages" was done away with.
Private participation in Medical Education
At the time of assuming office as Secretary ,Health, there were only 5 Govt Medical Colleges, two Dental Colleges and few Nursing Colleges in the State. The number of MBBS seats totalled upto 900 and there was heavy competiton amongst students to get into anyone of the Medical Colleges in the state. Kerala parents would not mind selling their properties to educate their children. When their wards could not make it into the local Medical Colleges , they admitted them in the colleges in the neighbouring states paying hefty capitation fee. During one of my trips to the Ministry of Health , I discussed with Mr.Rao, Director in charge of Mediccal Education and asked him the way to go about to set up Medical Colleges in the private sector in Kerala. Of course, Kerala politicians would detest anything that is private . Of course, there have been lot private management run colleges of Arts & Sciences. On return from Delhi, I initiated a put up a note to the Chief Minister for orders. The initial response was "No". However, my logic was appreciated when I circulated the second note. We, therefore, issued a press release calling for applications for setting up Medical Colleges in the state.We got about 42 applications and on scrutiny with reference to the Medical Council Regulations, it was found that only 7 of them had the where withall to start a medical college the same year ie 2002.
When the issue came up before the Cabinet for consideratuion, I was called in to explain the logic and I did to the satisfaction of the Cabinet. It gave its not for consideration of all the 42 applications and issue Essentially certificate. I though it was a wrong move. Only subsequently, I realised that the Cabinet, in its collective wisdom took a practical decision. They knew pretty well that if only few were given and the others were denied, the decision of Govt. would be stalled by filing Writ Petitions. The same year, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences,Kochi opened the first ever Medical Ciollege in the private sector. Now, few batches MBBS students have come out of this institution and it has also started offering P.G Courses. In the next few years , another 8 colleges sprang up making available 800 seats.This has provided lot of relief to the parents of chidren,who are intelligent but could not go out of the state for education .Of course, commercialisation by all these instituitions belied our hope and instructions. The plus points of this opening up of Medical ducation for private participation are that specialty care is available to all those who could afford, lot of infrastructure came up besides commercial establishments . It also provided for lot of employment opportunities for both skilled and semi skilled labour.
Setting up of Paramedical Council
The services of Paramedical Staff is inevitable for health care delivery. But, unfortunately, the instituions that impart paramedical courses are not regulated and the personnel who come out of sizeable number of instituions are poorly trained and they play havoc with the lives of patients. Kerala was the first state to set up the Paramedical Council in India. I provided leadership in setting up this council to regulate paramedical instituion.
Telemedicine & CArdiac Emergency Hospital at Pmapa
Sabarimala is a pilgrim centre in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Located amidst forests, it has no medical facility worth mentioning for the lakhs of pilgrims, who throng the hills for darshan of Lord Ayyappa. I had the fortune of serving as Special Officer,Pmpa during my Adoor Sub Collector days. As Secretary, Dept.of Health & Family Welfare, I arranged for first aid posts, a Govt. run Hospital at Pampa and presssed into service lot of doctors and paramedics. In addition, I approached the Director of ISRO Dr.Madhavan Nair and appealed to him to station a telemedicine unit at Pampa so as to get tele consultation with specialists from Super Specialty hospitals in other parts of the state. He readily obliged. I also approached Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences,Kochi and also the Apollo Group of Hospitals, Chennai for their support. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences responded the same year by establishing a 10 bedded cardiac emergency hospital and Apollo Group followed their steps next year. Since then, bith these institutions run cardiac emergency hospitals at Pampa, which are beneficial for the devotees.
Tsunami and the relief Operations
ON 25 December,2004 Tsunami struck the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu Kerala. The coastal belt from Trivandrum to Alleppy was the worst hit. We set up a round the clock Control Room and monitored the situation. I had instructed the DHS And the DME to press into service their doctors and paramedics and render relief on a war footing. The Medical Colleges were asked to send teams of specialists and paramedical staff to the affected areas well within their district. District Medical Officers and the Principals of Medical College were asked to draw medicine from their stores and buy from the open market in case of need. The local private hospitals were requested to offer medical services to those who were affected and Govt. undertook to settle the bills. Ambulances carrying doctors, paramedics and emergency medicines and equipment were asked to patrol the area and render services. The Secretary of the State Mental Health Authoriyu was asked to send Psychiatrists to the relief camps and asked to offer counselling. As suggested by me the Cabinet despatched senior Secretaries, who had workedd in those disricts to oversee relief operations and take on the spot decisions and help the District Collectors in carrying out effective relief operations.
A Fight Against Stigma
The Govt in general and the Health department in particular was shocked, when the news broke out that Benson and Bency , HIV-infected siblings of Chathannoor Village had been thrown out of the local Kaithakuzhy Lower Primary School and were forced to confine themselves to their home because of their HIV status . The efforts of the state machinary consisting of the Secretary , School Education, Director, Kerala AIDS Control Society and the District Collector,Quilon to allay the fears of the parents of the children studying in the school and the local panchayat did not yield results. These two children were virtually ostracized by the entire village community which also trampled upon their fundamental right to education.
Parents did not to want their children to share the classroom with Benson And Bency and the Parent Teachers Association voiced exaggerated fears of a risk of HIV transmission from these siblings. Exposing the deep-seated stigma that hounds HIV-infected victims, belligerent parents threatened to withdraw their children from the school if Benson and Bency were in.Eventually, the school gates slamed shut on the children.
Deprived of their fundamental right to education, the orphans, who are under the care of their grandparents, were forced to remain at home. Having found that my colleagues could not succeed in their attempt,I entered into the frey even though AIDS Control was the subject handled by Secretary ( Family Welfare). I made it a point to spend weekends with the children, invariably taking them for a stroll on the streets. My efforts to erase the stigma that surrounded them paid dividends. The following unpublished article written " Walking With +Vesby me would throw some light on my efforts to fight the stigma.
WALKING WITH +ves
POSTER ( FILM TO BE POSTED)
Zonal Cultural Centres(8nos) in the country was the brain child of the late Prime Minister RAjiv GAndhi.Accordingly, the South Zone Cultural Centre(SZCC) was set up in Thiruvaiyaru.Subsequently, it was shifted to Thanjavur. As the Department of Culture,Govt. of India provided for infrastructure and adequate funds for their functioning with meagre amount of funding from the Dept. of Culture and constituent states. Some of the centres were given liberal funds or buildings to set up thier office by the state Governments, where the centres were located. Unfortunately, Govt. of Tamil Nadu chose to give 25 acres of land on lease beyond Thanjavur Mediccal College. The officers posted as Directors for convenience sake set up an office in Chennai and operated from there at the cost of efficient functioning of the centre. In the absence of Rules governing staff, financial control, running of programmes etc., As a result, the staff recruited on adhoc basis were regularised and they were allowed to handle huge funds for which vouchers/settlements were delayed beyond limits and in many cases members of staff started temporary defaulcation of funds and in certain cases submitted false vouchers. The Auditor appointed by the centre was also hand in glove with these corrupt members of staff.
In August 1995, I was posted as Director, South Zone Cultural Centre,Thanjavur-an autonomous body under the Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism & Culture. The Governor of Tamil Nadu is the Chairperson of this Centre. My years (1995-2000) with South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur was one of the memorable periods in my career. Even though, I was fairly good at writing and speaking, I never thought I would fit nicely into the role of a Cultural Administrator. The job involved promotion of South Indian art and Culture with special focus on dying art forms. The SZCC covered all the 4 states of South India and the 3 Union Territories Lakshadweep Islands
After calling on the Chairperson, H.E the Governor of Tamil Nadu at Rajbhavan Chennai, I visited my headquarters at Thanjavur. I was shocked to see the asbestos roofed and thatched buildings that housed the office of the Director of SZCC , the staff and store rooms etc. They are located in 25 acres of land 7 km away from Thanjavur town. It was little beyond the Medical College
I felt relieved when the Chairman of SZCC His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu Dr. Chenna Reddy permitted me to operate from a portion of the “White House” - a small Bungalow in the Raj Bhawan complex. With a skeleton provisional staff , I also operated from Chennai; but planned and executed relatively good number of and well - conceived and well -attended cultural events . At the same time, I worked on construction of an office and cultural complex at Thanjavur even though we did not have funds for construction of a building nor did we get any financial support either from Govt.of India or from the constituent states. I went around with a begging bowl; finally succeeded in getting the land in Thanjavur assigned and financial support of Rs 2 crore. The SZCC woes its permanent building to the Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr.KAlaignar for his financial support once the issue was taken to his notice.It happened by mid 1998.
PHOTO WITH DR. CHENNA REDDY at the All India
Arts & Crafts Festival,1995
In addition to scheduled programmes, South Zone Cultural Centre,Thanjavur contributed to the cultural pageantry of the 7th SOUTH ASIAN FEDERATION GAMES SAF Games,1995) held in Chennai ,where 2400 artistes drawn from various parts of India Dubai
PHOTOS OF REHEARSALS
1. 1996 Dubai India Fair 1996
2. Children particiapte in RD parade 1997
3.1997- Pon Purakkl
4.1998- VAnnathu Poochigal
5. In 1998, a folk troupe was sent to MAURITIUS AND REUNION ISLAND in addition to
specialists in making traditional food items, make up and decoration.
\
4.(Everyone of us who are fortunate to enjoy the fruits of freedom born out of the sweat and blood of the freedom fighters- is duty bound not only to pay tributes to them but also work for the attainment of the goals and ideals that were dearer to them. With this in mind, I organised PON PURAKKAL (Golden Doves- the symbol of freedom and peace) – on 15 August,1997 to mark the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee year celebrations on the sands of Marina.
PHOTO OF RED FORT
The days programmes started with a massive Freedom Run, in which 50000 school and
college students, personnel from the armed forces, Olympians and others participated.
Thiru M.K Stalin,then M.L.A and Mayor of Chennai flanked by Olympian Shiny Wilson and
K.Raamamoorthy led the Freedom Runners from War Memorial to the Marina Beach.
PHOTO
(Thiru M.K Stalin lit the Freedom Flame at the Seerani Arangam)
PHOTO
(H.E the Governor of Tamil Nadu Justice Ms. Fatima Beevi and the Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu inaugurated PON PURAKKAL by beating the drum)
PHOTO
(Others seen in the picture- flanked by Mr.V.Mullai Vendan and Dr.M.Thamizh Kudimagan
on the left, by Prof.K.Anbazhagan and Mr.K.Raamamoorthy on the right)
1100 children drawn from 22 schools in Chennai sang in chorus (from the centre stage) 9
patriotic songs- 5 of Mahakavi Bharathi, 3 of Namakkal Kavingar and 1 of Deika Vinayagam
Pillai set to music by the veteran music director M.S Viswanathan.
PHOTO OF CHILDREN SINGING
2400 school children presented colorful dances to the tune of these patriotic songs.
PHOTOS OF PERFORMANCES
In August,1998 a 3 day GRAND FINALE OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE of Indian
Independence – by name “VANNTHU POOCHIGAL”. As advised by the Hon'ble Chief
Minister Kalaignar, at the time of my brief presentation of the programmes to be staged, the
title 'Pattam Poochigal' was changed to 'Vannathu Poochigal', meaning thereby that we ,the
buttrflies of varied hue and colour,enjoy the fruits of freedom and merrily fly around.The
motly coloured butterflies represent Indians of various castes,creed and community.
In order to recall with reverence the supreme sacrifices made by the freedom fighters,who
were incarcinated in the notorious Cellular Jail of Andaman 1200 kms away from the main
land, a replica of Cellular JAil measuring 300'x56' was erected on the sands of marina.It
formed the imposing 3 dimensional backdrop fro the 3 day cultural programmes.240
workers and artistes worked round the clock for 16 days to put up this three storeyed
mammoth replica with 7' pile foundation in the beach.
PHOTO OF THE INAUGURAL FUNCTION HIGHLIGHTING THE JAIL
Rehearsals were held in the beach for two days to ensure perfect presentation and finish.
PHOTOS FO REHEARSALS OF CHILDREN AND ARTISTES
National awardees like Jesudas, Mandolin Srinivas, Dr. Sheik Chinna Moulana, Kunnakudi
Vaidyanathan, Dr. Padma Subramaniam, Chitra Visweswaran, Sudha Rani Ragupathy, A. R.
Rahman, Pushpavanam Kuppusamy, sudha Raghunathan, Dr. Navaneetha Krishnan, S.P.
Balasubramaniam, Malaysia Vasudevan, M.s. Viswanathan, T.K. Kala and others presented
colourful and fascinating programmes.
PHOTOS
short plays on eminent freedom fighters of South India like Bharathi Dasan, Kittur
Rani Chinnamma, Velu Thampi Dhalava,Alluri Seetharana Raju and Viswanatha Dass and
others were staged.
PHOTOS
5 nos. of naval ships were anchored off the Coromandal Coast
the Grand finale.Air crafts of the Indian Coast and Indian Air Force participated in
the fly past. Indian coast guard helicopters showered petals o the function.
PHOTOS
Freedom Rallies were taken out from 7 important places in the region such as Punditry
where Bharathiar spent some years in exile, Panchalam Kurichi, where
Veerapandya Katta Bomman was hanged, Mannady, where Velu thambi Dhalava
sacrificed his life, Kavaratti and Cellular Jail, Port Blair. These rallies reached Chennai and
took part in the final rally on 11 Aug 1998 .
9 Sky DEVILS – Parachute jumpers dived from the helicopter at an altitude of 8000 ft. and
landed exactly at the venue of the function.
PHOTOS)
6. SALANGAI NATHAM – an annual event of dance, drama and music was started in 1999 in
the Palace Ground of Thanjavur.
PHOTOS
This festival was simultaneously held in Kumbakonam and Pattukottai. In Feb. 2000, this
popular festival was held for 3 days in Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Manora.
PHOTOS of MANORA FESTIVAL
It attracted lot of people from the rural and urban areas in thanjavur dist. In fact, there are
demands for the conduct of this festival in various other towns of thanjauvr, Nagapptinam,
and Thiruvarur districts.
7. INVOLVEMENT OF NGOs, NHRU YUVAK KENDRAS, N.S.S. VOLUNTEERS
We realized that by running programmes all by ourselves in different parts of the zone, we could not attract more number of people. We were also constrained by shortage of staff. It was, therefore, felt fit to involve N.G.Os and volunteers of Nehru Yuvak Kendras (of the Ministry of Youth and sports) and local NSS, who are keen in the promotion of, aft and culture. By this, we could run successful programmes even in remote areas. They not only helped us in running the programmes even in remote areas. They not only helped us in running the programmes but also helped us to make us and our porgrammes known to the people.
8. FORUM OF FRIENDS OF SZCC
When I joined the Centre in July 1995, I suggested that SZCC could constitute a non-formal Club of Connoisseurs of Art & Culture, consisting of local intellectuals, industrialists, lovers of art and culture, philanthropists and the like. We could draw upon their resources and expertise and with their active cooperation achieve our avowed aim of promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of our country. Initially, officials of the Dept. of Culture laughed at this idea.
That was why “Frum of Friends of SZCC” was constituted at Thanjavur initially with 30 people. Even though the locals had initial reservation, they started realizing the importance of such a non Governmental set up and came forward in large numbers to become members of the forum. Many of them attend our meetings and involve themselves in our programmes held at the Head quarters. In order make ourselves well known amongst not only among the locals but also among the public men of Thanjavur district and the neighbouring districts invitations were sent out to more than 500 people. To our surprise, large number of intellectuals, artistes, lovers of art and culture, representatives of non-governmental organizations. Govt. officials, Professors and Principals of colleges and schools turned up at the meeting held in our campus recently.
PHOTS OF FORUM OF FRIENDS
In fact sizable number of them turned up when Her Excellency the Governor and Chairperson of the Centre visited the complex which is nearing completion.
PHOTOS
9.CULTURAL COMPLEX- THE 2ND LAND MARK NEXT TO BIG TEMPLE,THANJAVUR
When I took over, we were in occupation of 25 acres of land in Nilagiri Therku Thottam village, Thanjavur on a 99 year lease. Special steps were taken to get the above extent of land free of cost. The land was assigned to us free of cost in 1996. As we have been in occupation of asbestos roofed building (earlier used as dormitories for life-convicts of open-air jail, Thanjavur). In the mean time, we were under tremendous pressure from the Constituent states to shift the headquarters of SZCC to Cochin Mysore Host
PHOTOS
We commenced the construction on 3 February 2000 and we completed the complex by 7 December, 2000 .
PHOTOS
We had about 500 paintings collected since the inception of the Centre including 39 number of paintings gifted by artistes of South India (in response to my special appeal ). As advised by the Luminaire Engineers of Philips India Ltd., we arranged for sealing of all the windows and ventilators in the Art Gallery & Exhibition Hall. They went in for special tract – lighting which not only has enhance the beauty of the paintings but also cause less damage when compared to the existing ordinary lights.
The paintings in our possession have been categorized by our Consultant Sirpi M.jayaraman (who is a renowned painter and sculptor from Pondicherry ) into 7 displays (DISPLAY I to DISPLAY VII). Each Display consists of roughly 65 paintings.
ART GALLERY-PHOTO
Felicitation of Sirpi Jayaraman
In consultation with the Sirpi M. Jayaraman, the bigger sculptures that we have got as gifts and the ones that we were in possession of were erected in the complex.
4.(DAZZLING CLIMAX ON THE MARINA
To mark the end of the year long Golden Jubilee celebrations, we organised a 3 day festival on the sands of marina.Why did we choose Cellur Jail for back drop?-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The inaugural function-the photos
the cultural performances began with a melodious vocal recital by K. J Yesndoss, whose four lilting songs had the audience in thrall. No sooner had the audience recovered, they were surprised by an agile and energetic Bengali dance drama.
The evening highlight came in the form of a play on the cellular jail by the song and drama Division of Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The multi hued lights which alternatively mellowed and dazzled gave an eerie, but stunning effect to show how the prison came to be known as “Kaala Paani”; it detailed the unspeakable cruelties freedom fighters like veer Savarkar underwent at the hands of British rulers.
Another play was on viswanatha Dass, a veteran actor, who used the staged for the freedom movement, through patriotic plays and songs.
Yet another pleasant performance came from bands of school children, who sang patriotic sons in different languages, standing atop the five stages. In between the audience was treated to a poetry recital in Tamil, Telgu and Malayalam. A stimulating presentation of percussion instruments and accompanying dances of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, kerala and Andhra Pradesh by colourfully dressed performers, swept the audience off their feet.
Just when the crowds started to relax, came another explosive martial art display by Manipuri performers, who used real swords in a dance replicating duels. The ferocity and alacrity shown by the artists, left one wondering whether they were mocking a duel or really trying to hurt each other.
A folk song recital by the popular singer Mr. Pushpavanam Kuppuswamy and violin performace by maestro Karnkkudi Vaidyanathan, arrested the crowd from melting away into the night. This was followed by the tendering of a few more patriotic songs turned by M. S. Viswanathan. The show ended just after midnight with spectacular display of fireworks.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi in recalling the supreme sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and exhorted the younger generation to strive to realize the dream of the martyrs to see a strong and vibrant India
A SENSATION ON THE SANDS OF MARINA a 3 dimensional jail at Seerani Arangam, Cheannai as the back-drop. Measured 304’x40’ and weathered lashing rains and breezy winds for 40 days.
Why did you choose Cellular Jail for the backdrop of your programme to celebrate the Golden Jubliee? Was the question that few individuals raised. The answer is very simple while we rejoice on this occasion, we should recall with reverence the invaluable services rendered by those who laid their lives and those who lost their near and dear ones at the altar of freedom. Particularly, the younger generation secure freedom the clutches of the British and what were the sacrifices made to bequeath them a free India
In her inaugural address the Governor said “no society can survive without poetry. It lends vigour and energy.” Stating that the freedom struggle was fired by the works of some of the poets, she recalled the commending south Zone Cultural Centre for organizing the ‘Poets Meet’, she said the centre has contributed largely to the promotion of national integration through emotional integration.
Presiding over the function dr. M. Thamizh Kudimagan, Minister for Tamil Development, Culture and Religious Endowment called for the preservation of the spirit of freedom movement. Many a freedom fighter still remains unnoticed and unsung, he pointed out.
More than 330 freedom fighters-three from South India he recalled, were lodged at cellular jain in Andaman Island
The Red Fort is symbol of India
The days programmes started with a massive FREEDOM RUN in which 50,000 school and college students, personnel from the three Services, Olympians and theathers participated. This run was flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister for Education Prof. K. Anbazhahagan from the war Memorial. Shri M. K. Stalin MLA & Mayor of chennai Leading the Run flanked by Olympian smt. Shiny Wilson
About 1100 school children drawn from 22 schools of Chennai sang in Chorus (from the centre stage) 9 selected patriotic songs 5 of evolutionary poet Mahakavi Bharathi, 3 of Namakkal Kavignar and 1 of Desika Vinayangam Pilai set to music by the veteran music director M.S. Viswanathan. Mr. Viswanathan said that he had set simple but melodious music so as to fit the students who might not have stood before a mike earlier. The performance of the students was excellent and beyond expectations, he said.
Three thousand school children presented various folk and classical dance forms to the tune of the songs sung in chorus.
After the children’s programmes, the National Theatre of the veteran actor and dramatist Shri R. S. Manohar presented 7 skits on the most crucial events in the lives of freedom fighters like Sundaralinganar, Marudu Pandiar, Veera Pandya Kattabomman, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Vanchinathan, Thiruppur Kumaran and Sardar Vedarathinam Pilai because present generation does not know much about their scarifies at the altar of freedom movement. About 30 artistes took part in the skits. Penned by K.P. Arivaanandam and directed by r. S. Manohar.
At the end of the function, there was a spectacular fire works from the mid sea )
10. Governor inaugurages sculpture garden
Thanjavur Feb. 11 :
Half a dozen sculptures – a 12 foot metal figure depicting the folk aret karagattam designed by Vidya Shankar Sthapathi, a 15 foot wood carving by Kanniyappan Sthapathi of Chennai, a Krishna statue by Jayaraman of Pondicherry a mridangam artiste by Gopal, Principal, Kumbakonam Arts College, musical instruments by Karunamurthy of Chennai and a giant tree symbolizing growth and prosperity – have been installed in the sculpture garden. ‘A Rajiv Idea: Zonal cultural centers, the brain child of late prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, were established at Thankjavur, Udaipur Allahabad Nagpur Calcutta
The new cultural Complex has four entrances. Each entrance has a set of carved teakwood doors reflecting the cultural heritage of the member states of South Zone Cultural Centre. Renowned woodcraftsmen from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala were invited to Thanjavur to get the doors carved.
The Copper Garden Copper Garden
The Central Mandapam , the unique facility on the campus for promotion of activities, serves as a stage for the invited artistes to perform. The Mandapam can accommodate 500 invitees to be seated at a time in the corridor.
Musical Steps
The steps at the main entrance to the complex have been provided with light sensors which stimulate an electronic equipment to emit the sound of the seven swaras Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni. The system is designed and executed by the Shanmuga Arts Science Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) Thirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur.
Copper Panels
The designing and production of the Copper Panels, depicting dance, music, theatre etc. of South India and fixing them on the pillars located inside the new building was carried out by Sirpi Kanniappan.
The Sculpture Garden
Statues of animals birds, dancers, village gods etc. adorn the terracotta garden. The retention of the finer features despite the size of the sculpture is indicative of the prowess of the traditional craftsmen.
Evolution Theory
The modern day version of the evolution theory is translated in to cment sculpture by Sirpi. Lakshmana Chitra from Pappanadu, Thanjavur. The life like images of the ancestors of the modern man brings before us the confluence of two ages.
Chin Mudras
The Chin Mudras made out of brass by Sirpi Rajan, Swami Malai, demonstrate the Abinaya of the dance movement of Bharathanatyam. The brass work is also an example of the fine workmanship of the Thanjavur artisans which has been carefully preserved and nurtured over generations.
During 1991-94, I was on inter-cadre deputation to Govt. of Tamil. To my surprise, I was posted as Joint Secretary in the Public Department, where I was reporting to Sh. Bhaskar Das, Secretary (Public Dept.) and to the Chief Secretary Sh. T.V. Venkataraman. This was the most challenging assignment that I had in my carreer spanning over 35 years.
During this period, I was handling, interalia, Relief and Rehabilitatin. I was closely monitoring the facilities provided to 1.4 lakh Sri Lankan Tamil refugees sheltered in various camps across the state of Tamil Nadu. A brief look at India’s experience in Refugee Administration and the reason why the Tamils fled Sri Lanka and sought refuge in Tamil Nadu would enable us to appreciate the issues in a better perspective.
India, even before attaining freedom from the clutches of Britishers, had to grapple with refugee situations. 9.5 million non-Muslim refugees filed East and West Pakistan fearing persecution and sought refuge in India just before and after her independence. 8.5 million fled former East Pakistan (now Bangaldesh) and took shelter in India. 66,120 Tibetan refugees came to India since 1959. About 78,000 Chagma refugees from Bangaldesh are in our Camps in Tripura. Thus, we find that more than 18.3 million refugees (including the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees) had been provided with shelter in India since independence. Our experience in handling them is unique and unprecedented.
It was for the first time in 1983, that Tamil Nadu had to handle 0.13 million refugees of Tamil origin from Sri Lanka. Again in 1989, she had to offer asylum to 0.12 million Sri Lankan in handling refugees single handedly is remarkable and praise worthy. She can now boast of a well-oiled and well- experienced machinery in refugee administration.
INFLUX OF REFUGEES – PHASE I
The frightened and persecuted Tamils in thousands started fleeing the country and landing on the shores of Tamil Nadu in July, 1983. Thus, began the first influx of Sri Lankan refugees and continued till August, 1987.
PHOTOS
During the above period, 134,053 took refuge in Tamil Nadu. 40,000 of them were destitutes and hence they were accommodated in 172 camps spread over the State of Tamil Nadu. The remaining number of refugees opted to stay with their relatives and friends or on their own in rented houses. Since the influx was sudden and very heavy, a reception centre was opened at Rameshwaram. On arrival, the refugees were given food and medical attention.
PHOTOS
After completing Customs and Immigration formalities, they were shifted to the Transit Camp at Mandapam which can provide shelter for 10,000 refugees. The District Collectors were instructed to set up temporary camps to accommodate refugees who were piling on.
Public and Private buildings, Regulated Market buildings, cyclone shelters, school buildings, Housing board and Slum Clearance Board building etc. were taken over and converted into temporary camps. The refugees were transported from the transit caps at Mandapam and Kottapattu to various other camps in the state by engaging Govt. Transport Corporation buses. They were all inoculated against epidemic diseases and issued with Family Identity Cards with photos of the family affixed on them.
Out of my compassion for the deprived and the destitutes, I used to visit the major camps to get first hand information on the facilities provided and what more to be done. These visits, borne out of compassion proded me to work on a documentary for which I started collecting photos of exodus of refugees since 1983, paper clippings and also film footages from the archives of Tamil Nadu and Govt. of India Films Divisions. I also collected these materials with an intention of writing a book and doing a P.hd in Refugee Administration. Of course, my first aim of producing a documentary, with my experience in mass media before getting into the Indian Administrative Service, materialized with the production of a documentary entitled “ Back To The Nest”. But the second one is yet to materialize for want of time and resources.
During the year 1992-‘94, I organized the process of repatriation of 39,063 Tamil refugees, who had expressed their willingness to return to Sri Lanka. With Govt. of India’s support and Govt. of Sri Lanka’s willingness, we undertook the mammoth task of ascertaining the willingness of refugees to return by circulating an application form in Tamil. We had clearly instructed the officials down the line not to coerce anybody into offer willingness for repatriation. Once we got the willingness of little over 16000 people, we informed Govt. of India in the Rehabilitation Dept. Ministry of Home Affairs. They, in turn, got in touch with the Sri Lankan Govt. to initiate necessary steps to receive the returnees and arrange for their rehabilitation back home.
Once the Sri Lankan Govt. committed in writing the way they would receive the returnees and rehabilitate them in their original settings, Govt. of India arranged for ships M.V.Akbar, M.V. Nicobar, M.V. Ramanujam and Aircrafts of the Indian Airline.
Initially of course, the process of repatriation was net very smooth as international agencies like World Watch, BBC and others raised doubts about the voluntariness of repatriation. We had to not issue clarificatory statements/ interviews. I was particularly interviewed by World Watch and BBC on this issue. As we were sure of our intention and methodology, we requested the chief of UNHCR of Mission in India (representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to send his team of officials to interview the willing refugees at the transit camps at Chennai and Rameshwaram.
PHOTOS
This enabled the UNHCR to appreciate our efforts and methodology adopted and Mr. Fazlul Karim, Chief of Mission in India of New Delhi in a press statement dated 15.08.1992 captioned “Kudos for repatriation work”. Of course, UNHCR officials cross checked by interviewing returnees before they were put on bound the ship before every voyage.
PHOTO
Sh. C.N.Ramdas. Commissioner, for Revenue Administration and State Coordinator of Relief and Rehabilitation and the late Sh. Bhujanga Rao, Commissioner for Refugees, not only provided leadership but also visited the transit camps, interacted with the returnees and even accompanied them on a trip to Trincomalee.
The first trip from Chennai harbour to Trincomalee(on 11-13 August,1992) was little tense both for us, who accompanied the returnees on board M.V. Akbar, but also for the refugees themselves. The 36 hour long trip back home was the happiest moment for the returnees till late in the night of the second day. The captain of the vessel when we were hardly 12 nautical miles from Trincomalee harbour picked up repeated signals “Vikrama Calling” over his communication system. Having failed to figure out whether it was a signal from LTTE or the Sri Lankan Naval Veasel, he communicated his concern to Sh. C.N.Ramdas. Immediately, he convened a meeting with me, the captain and Sh. Mohan Kumar of the Ministry of External Affairs. After a detailed discussion, we presumed that the call was from an LTTE sea hawks, who had expressed reservation about the timing of repatriation prior to our departure for Trincomalee. We decided to contact New Delhi and asked the captain the way to go about. As suggested by him, we called up the Joint Secretary, Dept. of Rehabilitation Mr. Sandhu when got to him via telecommunication network through Doha. He advised us to inform the “War Room” of the Defence Ministry. When we informed the “War Room”, we are asked to stay calm and that appropriate steps would be taken. Keeping our fingers crossed we attempted to take a map during the hours of the second days of our sailing yet we could not get even a bit of sleep. As it dawned, we heaved a huge sigh of relief, when we sighted an Indian naval war ship escorting us and an Indian Air Force helicopter hovering over M.V.Akbar. The refugees, who had not slept that night out of fear on the one hand and excitement over the prospects of uniting with their dear and near ones. Once they spoted boats of Tamils gleefully waving their hands and welcoming them, they got excited. They quickly picked up their luggages and were waiting for the vessel to anchor at the Trincomalee Harbour. The Sri Lankan authorities including army officers came on boars the ship and met us in the conference hall.
PHOTOS
After exchanging pleasantries, Sh. C.N.Ramdas briefed the Sri Lankan Authorities of the number of returnees on board and the need for providing immediate relief to the returnees and quick rehabilitation.
PHOTOS
The list of returnees was handed over. He also added that few more thousand refugee families had opted for return and there was a need to plans for appropriate logistics.
The crew of the ship and the Tamil Nadu Policemen who accompanied us picked up the siblings of women returnees so that they could take down their bags and baggages. It was indeed “a helping hand till the end”. On disembarking, we were welcomed by the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation and Mrs. Samantha, Minister for Social Welfare.
PHOTOS
Then, we were moving towards China Bay, the air base of Sri Lanka to board a helicopter to go to Colombo on our way to Chennai. To our horror, we found mutilated bodies of soldiers and the injured being air lifted. We learn that there was a suicide balm attack at the Bay few hours before M.V.Akbar anchored at Trincomalee harbour.
These were many more sorties from Chennai, Trincomalee, Rameshwaram and Talaimannar. The then Chief Secretary Sh. T.V.Venkataraman gave a “Letter of Appreciation” for the work done by me and the staff.
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
My research into the breaking out of the violence against Sri Lankan Tamils from June 83, the exodus of refugees into India in III phases, the way Govt. of India and Tamil Nadu Govt. provided them shelter and other essentials led into “Back To The Nest”- a documentary of 67 minutes duration.
PHOTO OF THE BROCHURE
“Back to the Nest” is a docudrama about the amazing concern of the human species for their fellow beings, who are in distress and difficulties irrespective of the man-made territorial barriers and offer them asylum. In this film an idealist painter- a Sri Lankan Tamil- visualizes the pathos of the Sri Lankan Tamils who took refuge in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu since 1983.
This documented reality is symbolized through birds that migrate from extreme and harsh climatic conditions. It focus on the 3 phases of exodus of Sri Lankan Tamils across the Palk Strait in 1983, ’87 and ’90 and also the voluntary return of 54,000 of them since 1992 duly certified by the Sensor Board. This video documentary was an entry into the 6th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary Short and Animation Films held in Mumbai on 3-9 February 2000.
PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE
I profusely acknowledge with thanks the contribution of Film Editor B.Lenin, who guided me in shooting the missing links,writing the story board and edited the documentary. He also help get the theme music scored by Premji. The script for this documentary was written by me. It is reproduced along with my other writings at the fog end of this book.
The concept of this video documentary was adopted by Sirpi Jayaraman, presently Principal of Bharathiar Palkalai Koodam,Puducherry for drama called “Kootaithedi”. The script of this drama is reproduced along with my writings.
My interaction with the refugees particularly with single women made me realize that women in refugee situations are the most exploited lot. That led me to pen a poem entitled “Flies, Flies all around”. (unpublished). It is reproduced below:
Deepa Kanya of Jafna she looked like,
So awe inspiring, graceful and majestic,
That every maiden in her prime,
Would invariably aspire to be.
For many was she a deity,
At her feet fell everyone out of piety.
Pleading for plenty and blissful life,
Devoid of stress and strife.
“Merciful Protector” of the faithful,
Heard many uttering utmost truthful,
For me a sculpture of benign beauty,
Mute, motionless and bereft of glory.
Stood at feet; amazed at the anatomy perfect,
And the deft hand that made reality imperfect,
Understood, the Purush were shameless creatures,
Giving expression to their lust in form of sculptures.
Few days had rolled by,
Away from home and the nearby,
Alone and Angry,
Amidst abused group of singles looking hungry.
Sitting under a Banyan in Mantapam,
Clothed in gloomy blouse and lengthy vasthram,
Camouflaging my shattered body and soul,
Waiting for doles, daily ration, a bowl.
Counseling and care,
That I found en route nowhere.
Hawkish and mischievous was his smile,
Probing look relished contours of my body frail,
Who is he? Paying special attention on a hapless soul,
Little realizing my imposing bosom unwittingly boastful.
Faintly remembered the trip to Jafna Sculpture garden,
At score plus two with books laden,
My childish admiration of the feminine grace,
And imposing bosom of Deepa Kanya fuelling the passion who gaze.
Sighed in hope that day would dawn,
For me to bloom into a bewitching blonde,
And a source of inspiration for many a sculptor,
Who would chisel me in volupture.
Never occurred to me this precious possession,
Would fuel even the sages’ passion,
Turn a dangerous liability at worst of time,
Particularly when one is at one’s prime.
That summer night, memories bitter and deep,
When the whole village was innocently asleep,
The Lankan Copters had our homes flatten,
And my stability totally shaken.
Splashed the blood of civilians innocent,
By reining bomb shells incessant,
Leaving scores dead and many more maimed,
Surely, they would not have better timed.
Among others my age-old parents fell a prey,
Before diving into the bunker nearby,
My precious possession turned bright,
Lusty devils in fatigue preyed me left and right.
Rushed out totally ruined and orphaned,
Begged them to sail me out to safer land,
“Five hundred rupees” – thundered the chief,
Making the relentless waves dumb and deaf.
‘No penny’ – tried to pull out the gold,
Sleeping amidst the cozy mass looking bold,
Felt the lecherous glance of the hound,
Albeit chiIl and distrust all around.
Set sail unmindful of nature’s furry,
Threat of Naval hawks and weary,
With she-goats and kids huddled together,
Beseaching the hand of Almighty Father.
Crossed the Strait at five past six in the morn,
Welcomed Surya Bagvan with his arms adorn,
What a change? – a home in alien land,
Natives offering food and shelter grand.
Moved to safer shelter for better care,
Braving the sharks amongst us stare,
At times sought the beds of shattered women,
Having enjoyed warm food and comfortable linen.
Fanning away the flies nonstop – though our hands are tired,
Lest they would settle down and we are hired,
Oh God! Why this janma? Ward off these flies,
Lecherous flies – hovering around us with a prize.
We are bereaved,
And very tired - wish we too had died,
Next janma, I prefer to be male,
Help me oh God! To be in vicious circle?
