The Punny Artist

Sabari Venu’s @meancurry is a hit, with its pun-filled humour and political comics

Sabari Venu, a design graduate and staunch believer in the power of puns, says his Instagram account @meancurry is where he breeds his love for chalu (lame jokes) and puns! His Instagram handle speaks volumes about his love for wordplay— a ‘mean curry’ that translates to ‘fish curry’ in Malayalam or curry (in this case, himself) that is mean. Sabari, in a funny slant, calls himself a ‘sadist’ as he says he “enjoys the thought of people suffering his humour.” However, what can be inferred is that his 16,300 followers on Instagram are ‘suffering’ happily. His first-ever comic strip depicts an investigation scene where a man dies as a coconut falls on his head and the investigator describes it as a Thenga Kola, a play on the word ‘kola’ which means both bunch as well as murder. There’s another one in which a dog dons a dummy painting of Claude Monet’s Water Lily Pond around its neck and Sabari eloquently calls this frame, ‘Naayinte Monet’, which translates to ‘Dog Monet’. He is blatant in creating comics that debate the raging political news of the times. It was a game-changer for him when a parody of Shashi Tharoor requesting for votes during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections picked up comments from the man himself on social media. “For those who enjoy bilingual Malayalam/English puns, there’s no better place than @behance “mean curry” comics!” Tharoor commented. The comic says Vote Tharoo(R) which reads as ‘give me a vote’ in Malayalam.

Originally from Thiruvananthapuram, Sabari’s love for puns started in his childhood and is inspired by a family that loves to crack jokes.“My family and I have been cracking punny jokes for a long time now and to add to that, I was surrounded by a lot of friends with a similar passion towards wordplay. So puns come to me almost instinctively now,” he says. Over time, Sabari has grown confident about his comics and his audience. “Initially, I could never imagine myself being considered an artist. Neither could I believe I could match the skills of established artists. But eventually, I’ve come to realise that all that matters is to enjoy the process of doing what you do without comparing and fear of judgment,” says Sabari. 

In a defense of his political comics, he voices his right to expression as an artist and more so, a citizen. Sabari has never stopped himself from posting funny stuff about political leaders and situations in the country. However, he does address the issues he has to face as an artist. “More than challenges, it’s the fear of the repercussions. We should not be living in a society where an artist is threatened and lives in fear, for criticising people in power. The trolls are ruthless and can be emotionally exhausting to deal with. The simple solution which I have found to be very effective is to avoid engaging and to block liberally. The second anyone resorts to personal insults, derogatory remarks, or anything crass I do not think twice before blocking them,” says Sabari.

Besides comics, Sabari has his finger in a few pies as he makes it clear that he does not want to restrict himself to his comic page, @meancurry. Animation, illustration, photography and playing around with clay are some of the other things he does. “The comics format has worked out well for visualising my puns and certain ideas for Mean Curry. Even here, I have made use of animations to execute certain ideas,” he says. He stresses that illustrations and comics are a way for him to address the issues that concern him. “It is a responsibility I have felt as an artist to speak up about the current political scenario, especially at a time when speaking up is considered to be seditious and our freedom of expression is under threat.”

The inspirations for his comics are many, including the independent artists he was introduced to during college and an animation film called Whose Reality by Vaibhav Kumaresh. He particularly credits a series of comic books he used to read as a child, Asterix and Obelix in which there is an unbeatable wordplay that eventually drove him towards the habit of punning. Considering the social underpinnings in his comics, characters and representation, Sabari defines them as the important elements in his process of creation, which, he adds, is something he respects in the works of other artists. With no more than 38 posts uploaded on his page since 2017, it’s definitely ‘quality over quantity’ for Sabari, who is a freelancer now at Bengaluru. He credits social media for his growth as an artist and says he still has so much to learn and a long way to go.

Trivia

When not creating art, I

Trek, play football or blob around

If not an artist, I would have become

A wildlife biologist/photographer

Comic pages I follow on Instagram

Green Humour, Extra Fabulous comics, Goodbad Comics, Sanitary Panels, N Ponnappa, BPB, tilly.krishna 

A non-artist personality I love

Atishi Marlena

I am the most productive

After midnight

Poacher: An Almost Binge Watch

Directed by Richie Mehta, “Poacher” is a Hindi-Malayalam-language crime drama miniseries that recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The series boasts a talented cast, including Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Kani Kusruti, who deliver powerful performances despite the script’s occasional missteps.

The show takes inspiration from the real-life case of the biggest elephant ivory poaching ring ever busted in India. The screenplay, while not a complete recreation of the events, weaves a compelling narrative around a team of dedicated forest officials, NGO workers, and concerned citizens who risk their lives to bring the perpetrators to justice.

One of the show’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the complexities involved in tackling such a deeply entrenched issue. The script delves into the motivations of both the poachers and those fighting against them, avoiding simplistic portrayals of good versus evil. This nuanced approach resonates deeply with viewers, prompting introspection on the factors driving environmental crimes.

However, the series sometimes falters in its pacing. Certain episodes meander through investigative procedures and bureaucratic hurdles, which can test an audience’s patience. Thankfully, the narrative picks up steam later on, culminating in a thrilling chase and a suspenseful final confrontation.

The acting performances across the board are commendable, with a special nod to Nimisha Sajayan and Roshan Mathew. Both actors portray their characters’ dedication and moral dilemmas with remarkable restraint. While the dialogue could have delved deeper into the emotional toll the investigation takes on them, the nonchalant delivery avoids melodrama and lends an air of authenticity to their portrayals.

While the core narrative of “Poacher” is captivating, there are instances where the characters and their motivations feel somewhat forced. Certain plot developments could have benefited from a more organic and less contrived progression.

Despite these minor shortcomings, “Poacher” remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking miniseries. The cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of the Indian landscape while also starkly portraying the devastating impact of poaching on the ecosystem. The story ultimately delivers a powerful message about the importance of environmental protection and the crucial role individuals can play in enacting positive change.

Overall, “Poacher” is a compelling and informative addition to the realm of crime dramas. Although held back by some pacing issues and forced character development, the series boasts exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and a powerful message, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in environmental issues and intricate crime narratives.

Trapped Artists

In the olden days, all that mattered was a good job that would set up a good life. In the last few years, we have become part of a new world that has a different set of ideologies about life and career paths. However, there is still a struggle for young people when it comes to acceptance, even from their parents. Priorities and choices have changed for many and yet, they still struggle for acceptance. The older generation is still looking for clones while young people are spending their time trying to create and develop new lifestyles. Their potential abilities and energy are not appreciated and they are forced to live a life their parents want them to, even if it is filled with outdated concepts. 

Parents will give more importance to education and they will make sure that their kids get the best of all. But the sad part is when they do not care about the things that are said in the name of education, the ideas that are being followed, with their childrens’ own ideas not taken seriously. 

They are forced to work their regular 9-5 with only one idea, which is that of their older ones and they are trained in the same mould. If you take a walk through a flea market, you can see the most creative inventions of many young people who are not even 23 and still manage to have a strong base and come up with their own business ideas and who also have great potential skills. Girls and boys nowadays come up with new ideas at a very young age and they work for it and become entrepreneurs really early. 

One of the things that children learn is they go in search of more interesting things to make their product unique, with concepts and ideas that they come up with. This is not a typical adult job! Understanding these new ideas is something very difficult, but parents treat their kid’s ideas and business as a hobby. Travelling, food blogging and even sitting at home and reviewing a movie is now a valid job title. But they are not taken seriously. Many people are trapped by common concerns of marriage and other life events expected by society. Many of them are changing the city just to keep them away. There might be a lot of them sitting inside a box, despite having immense potential, because of their families. It is not all the work that goes into the fruits of all; A saviour from all evils! So if there is no home and no help, how many ideas and skills will come to the fore? Who can rise above all those who have no talent? What is the difference between those who are broke and those who are in the middle of a 9 to 5 job? It’s all about giving a chance to yourself and your talents. 

 

Prajwal Xavier is a calligraphy artist who intertwines old lettering styles and modern day evolved designs. 



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20 years of Kochi

sIf time travelling was possible, would you want to go back in time or travel to the future? If you’re here in Kochi, what would you prefer—travelling to its past or to its future that losks as enticing as its past? Whenever we hear the phrase ‘Kochi pazhaya Kochiyalla,’ it makes us wonder for a moment about the weaves and looms of change that have come about in Kochi. An ambitious city flourishing in leaps and bounds, Kochi has seen a lot more changes than what meets the eye compared to other cities and towns in the state. Sometimes we are obliged to believe it’s a great and appreciable change and yet sometimes we bow down shamefully to what the city looks like in comparison to our golden olden days. Where are the greens? Where are the playgrounds? High-rise buildings, longer trails of vehicles on the road and improved connectivity in Kochi are some of the obvious signs of urbanisation. Buildings and businesses, transportation, fashion and shopping, food habits, automobiles, printing houses—they have all changed. Digging deep into Kochi’s new-found ways of travelling, eating, clothing, speech and reacting to situations, let’s look into the extent of change that has come about in the last 20 years. 

Things that remain

Being a port city that sees a perennial deluge of tourists, it has been Kochi’s sweet obligation to preserve some of the oldest buildings in Kerala including the Jewish Synagogues at Fort Kochi and Ernakulam, the Dutch Palace and the Hill Palace. These are some of the oldest architectures which remain untouched by Kochi’s swells of urbanisation. But moving further towards the interiors of the city, we get to see high-rise buildings, malls, and flyovers that did not exist until a few decades back. As this happened, some buildings had to be demolished while some have lost its distinction to the other towering constructions that came afterward. However, some buildings and places have not lost all their former glory and continue to contribute to Kochi’s old-world charm. For instance, a walk down to the Ernakulam market today during the peak hours of a day would probably make us wonder if anything has ever changed at all. Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and the Shanmugham road that stretches from High court to Park Avenue Road are some of the other few places that have resisted change. One thing out of all the adorable quirks about Kochi is its interesting names of places. Menaka, Padma, Pulleppady, Kappalandimukku, Kacheripady, Jos Junction and more on a long trailing list of names might give you the nudge to question its origins. These names once belonged to a person, a business or an institution related to the area. Started in the 60s, Jos Brothers, situated on MG Road, is famously known for pioneering premium services in fabric care in Kerala. The shop later became Kochi’s most reliable fashion hub. To this day, the place where it stands is locally known as Jos Junction. Once a popular theatre, Menaka is now a stand-alone bazaar called Penta Menaka that sells and repairs electronic gadgets. In the present-day Kochi, identifying a place has become as easy as finding the number on the nearest metro pillar or switching on Google maps on your phone. But to defend our old ways of roaming around the city, we ought to be grateful to have such strange place names that easily help you reach your destinations.

Besides these long-lasting names and flashy features of Kochi, there are countless places and attributes that have been forgotten like a midnight’s dream. The Old Railway Station near the High Court that links to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, the Indian Coffee houses that serves special piping hot cutlets with red filling, Hotel Sealord which used to be one of the few star hotels in the city are some of the memorable yet almost-forgotten places in Kochi. Moreover, go for a short ride from Edappally to Marine Drive on your motorcycle. We wouldn’t need a time traveller from the past to be telling us that Kochi is no more the same. With lesser parking spaces and congested roads, you will see the glaring signs of how we are running out of space. Ever wondered why MG Road isn’t the celebrated shopping destination for Kochiites anymore? In late 2019, the business community of MG Road and Banerji Road expressed their concern to the Kochi Corporation over the loss of business due to lesser motorists stopping by to do shopping. The fact that MG road and its surroundings may never regain its old glory has inspired numerous suggestions from urban planning strategists which include transforming the region into a residential complex. Assuming that most business establishments in the city have shifted to the bypass, MG road has become a forgotten shopper’s stop today.

Kochi’s highlights

Everyone loves to brag about their own city. And as for the people of Kochi, she “is a feeling,” and one may find countless adjectives to describe her beauty and charm. However, rummaging through Kochi’s most extroverted traits of all time, we may find it’s a blend of good, bad and ugly. We find ourselves irrevocably tangled in this pretty mess of a city and take pride in being called a Kochiite. Be it the most enigmatic Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi or the heaps of waste that are washed beneath them, the city is a confluence of oxymoronic sights. Think of the mosquitoes—Kochiites’ most malicious co-habitants. The wastes on the street are no less different to be honest. As opposed to these obnoxious images, it is often the quality attributes of Kochi that win the attention of the people across the globe. The picturesque, green-edged backwaters that appear on the brochures and websites for Kerala Tourism, the fishing harbours at Chellanam and Munambam and the most humble souls that make a living out of the place, the colourful streets of Fort Kochi that simultaneously remind of a bygone colonial era and the Kochi Muziris Biennale, the malls and shopping complexes, the lights, the Kochi Metro and a lot more images of the present-day Kochi rush to our minds as we think of Kochi. For the tourists especially, a brief introduction about Kochi should definitely include these major attractions. Let’s not forget Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, which have always been the welcoming spots for tourists. Being separated from the mainland, these islands render a wholly different experience for the tourists. The involvement of Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) in Kochi’s current progress is laudable.  V Salim, Chairman, GCDA, observes that people in Kochi, compared to the past, have been more involved and dedicated towards realising Kochi’s dreams of becoming metropolitan city. It stands true to an extent as we see more motorists on the roads wearing helmets, more people choosing eco-friendly means and lesser wastes on roadsides compared to the previous decade. “Considering Kochi’s importance as an economic centre on the map of Kerala, and its greater importance in the tourism sector, the city has seen an unparalleled growth. Lately, the city has also been seeing a sharp growth in the number of people migrating to Kochi, from near and far. These are good signs of its growth as a city,” he observes. Salim recalls an Old Kochi where there were not many places one could go to spend some quality time with their loved ones. “Be it to catch a movie, to eat out at a good restaurant or to do shopping, we all had to travel miles to reach the city which was smaller back then. Today it has expanded and new businesses have come up at every nook and corner of Ernakulam,” he adds. The founders of Anaswara points out that the quality of life in Kochi has improved immensely and so has the convenience. Sure, there have been drawbacks too, in terms of pollution, natural calamities and climate. These are things we have to survive and overcome,” they say. Moreover, the Kochi metro has been the greatest and most welcoming change in the last decade,” they say. Kochi’s SmartCity project deserves an honourable mention as one of Kochi’s most futuristic projects besides the Metro project.

Transportation

Not so long ago, Kochi had lesser options for commuting. We used buses, rickshaws, and boats to reach our destinations. And it was typical that one had to start hours ahead of time from home to avoid being late to places. However, today we have more options including the metro which is on a mission to improve the overall connectivity in Kochi. A significant change that promoted Kerala, let alone Kochi as a looming presence on the World Tourism Map was the construction of Cochin International Airport Limited in 1995. This was the first ever international airport that allowed people to travel to various parts of the world and invited tourists from different parts of the world. The traffic that we see today in Kochi owes much to this new international terminal. However, the local connectivity in Kochi can be narrowed down to water and land transportation. From the ferry boats to the Metro trains, we shall look into the timeline of how Kochi’s modes of transportation have transformed over the years. Sujith P M, Superintendent, Kerala Water Transport Department comments on the public transportation system in Kochi. “I believe the introduction of Kochi Metro has been an appropriate step towards solving Kochi’s menacing road traffic conditions. A majority of commuters in the city are commoners who work at small scale industries and they include the non-native Kochiites too. And as we dream, the integrated transportation system ideated by KMRL will hopefully make transportation in Kochi easier and cheaper for the public,” he says. The centralised ‘command and control’ system will introduce a common ticketing and timetable, uniting the transport systems in the city.  

The Boats

One of the oldest and cheapest modes of transportation in Kochi is the boats that ply over the romantic backwaters. The State Water Transportation Department has been seminal in bridging the gap between the tiny islands and the mainland. However, the importance of ferry services has waned since the Goshree bridges were constructed. Today, the Kochi Water Metro project under the Kochi Metro Rail Limited has an estimated plan of introducing 78 boats that will traverse 16 lines and 38 stations. Sujith remarks that despite the introduction of metro trains, people in Kochi are still on the roads on their cars and motorcycles, adding to the traffic congestions. “This is where the relevance of ferry services kicks in. People can always choose the boat services to avoid the traffic and pollution. Nevertheless, I personally feel Kochi has been consciously making the best use of the existing ferry services,” he says.

Auto-rickshaws

Although the cost-effectiveness of auto-rickshaws is often questioned, it has many takers in the city. Whether you’re running late to the office or tired of waiting long hours at the bus station, auto-rickshaws have been a great help since the 60s. Today, however, with the advent of taxi apps such as Uber and Ola, the auto-rickshaws are being side-tracked. Besides the yellow/black tuk-tuk Ferraris or Lambretta, which was once the only kind of auto-rickshaws plying across Kochi, now there are auto–taxis, auto rickshaws that run on CNG and LNG and even online auto rickshaws.

Buses

Regardless of numerous options we have today, buses remain one of the most affordable and reliable modes of transportation in Kochi. The bus transport system has a long history that trails back to the time before the formation of Kerala, which was established in 1938 by Maharaja Shree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. With over 50 glorious years of existence, the bus transport system has been the backbone of public transport in Kochi. The public road transport service in Kochi is dominated by the private buses (the red buses).

Kochi Metro Rail

On June 17, 2017, it was indeed a moment of pride for Kochi, when the first metro train majestically rolled out to the public. It has been one of Kochi’s most ambitious projects and as we enter the 3rd year of its services, there is no question as to how it has phenomenally changed Kochi—not just in terms of infrastructure but also in how it has been creating awareness among people towards sustainable goals.  

Businesses, shopping and fashion

Kochi’s cosmopolitan status in the state owes much to the sheer elegance with which it has been keeping pace with the global trends. Kochi has been a fertile ground for the growth of businesses. And as this happened over the past few decades, there has been an obvious change in the city’s quality of life too. Thanks to the numerous malls and shopping centres in Kochi, the population is now more brand-conscious than ever. A little less than two decades ago, the second mall in Kochi (after Bay Pride Mall at Marine Drive), Oberon Mall, was opened to the public and shopping has never meant the same for Kochiites. The most-welcomed event of the last decade, however, was the construction of Lulu Mall at Edappally. Shibu Philips, Business Head, Lulu Malls tells how the construction of the international airport at Nedumbassery, has made Kochi a premier location for businesses and tourism. “In the last two decades, the city has seen tremendous growth in all aspects and it has now become the commercial hub of Kerala. People have picked up new interests and lifestyles, of which shopping and fashion are being marketed the most. Lulu, which opened its first mall in Kerala at Kochi a decade ago, has made the people more sensitive to the changing trends in the world of fashion and shopping. It is one place in Kochi where you get everything you need. For instance, shopping has never been easier for Kochiites since Lulu was opened,” he says. The dawn of mall culture in the city has however led to the dwindling businesses in other parts of the city. Sheela Kochouseph Chittilapilly, Managing Director of V-Star, who started her Innerwear garment business in 1995, is a rightful representative of the business community in Kochi. She says that Kochi’s rapid growth as a city has influenced many businesses in the area, sometimes even to the point of failure. “Behind the entire buzz about Kochi’s progress in the past few years, there are many ignored facts about the city that eerily predicts a premature end to the city’s pride and happiness. This largely includes the congested roads and unkempt infrastructure,” she says. Sheela is one of the many traders in Kochi whose business is being challenged by its unruly traffic. “The shops closer to the busy roads in Kochi suffer the most these days mainly due to inefficient parking spaces. To quote an example, one of my stores near the Palarivattom flyover has been struggling due to the decline in the number of customers. The government should take responsibility in such cases and help the failing businesses to get back on track,” she adds. 

Anaswara Offset Private Limited situated at Edappally is one of the oldest printing presses in Kochi. Founded in 1986, the company has been able to keep pace with the changing trends in printing. “Kochi has changed a lot over the last 20 years. We believe, if the policies in Kochi are made to improve the ease of doing business, we will definitely see another rapid growth in the coming years. Our advice to the aspiring entrepreneurs is that nothing is impossible as long as you’ve made a system strictly based on ethics and determination to go that extra mile. At Anaswara, our motto has been to change along with the market trends and technology. We have somehow managed to incorporate that in our lives as well,” they say.

And yes, that might be a crucial clue to live a prosperous life as a well-meaning Kochiite—to keep ourselves updated on what’s new and be resilient to change.  

Food behaviour 

What’s cooking in your Kitchen? Is it naadan, Chinese or North Indian food? One of the easiest ways to understand how a person or a community has changed during a course of time would be to observe how and what they eat. Over the last few decades, Kochi has been slowly absorbing a cosmopolitan culture, which means more people are dining out regularly. Unlike in the heyday, today we can find hotels and restaurants at every nook and corner of the city. And clearly, it’s not just the youngsters and travellers who frequent the eateries in the city today. Restaurants are now places that see just as many families and older people as other categories of people who dine out regularly. Another game changer in our food habits has been the internet. It’s not always naadan food for Kochiites now, is it? We either sign into Youtube to find new recipes and dishes or the food delivery apps that have been constantly prying on our gastronomic urges. With all these glaring facts laid out on the table, there is no question about Kochi’s changing food preferences. Gopal Mohan, co-owner of Gokul Oottupura belongs to the 3rd generation of restaurateurs from his family. He points out that Kochi’s food interests have changed immensely. “Today, there is no dearth of international food brands in Kochi. However, for an average consumer, the flavours and comfort of local food is hard to replace. I believe there is a greater demand and shift towards authentic taste and flavours. It is very encouraging to see innovation and exploration happening in the industry in terms of bringing in new concepts, cuisines and also in providing an overall experience to the diners. For instance, vegetarian restaurants are not generally associated with a lot of innovation. But I feel there is opportunity to tap into the diverse food and lifestyle changes people have adopted,” he says. Gopal also comments on the advent of food delivery apps in the city. “Food delivery apps present a greater scope to reach a wider range of people and they have become an added business vertical for restaurateurs like me,” he says.

Fitness Is Not A Fad Word

It’s everyone’s New Year resolution but getting fit, and staying fit, is no 

cakewalk (pun intended). Here are some real-life fitness success stories to get you up and off that couch. Let’s find out what gets Kochi moving.

Another new year is here! And so are the trolls and memes about people going crazy about their New Year resolutions. A time-honoured tradition, New Year resolutions are meant to give us the hope of a fresh start. But sadly, not too far from January 1, the weak-willed among us may find ourselves wallowing in a pool of regrets and excuses for breaking the promises we made to ourselves. Among the flimsy New Year resolutions are ones like healthy eating, being more organised and tricky ones such as to quit smoking or to talk less. But according to the panoptic Google, the most shortlived new year resolution among all the humans in this big wide world is following a fitness routine. 

Today in Kochi, choices are plenty for a person who wishes to take a step towards fitness and health. From the gyms in every corner in the city and open gym parks at Fort Kochi and Queen’s Walkway near Pachalam to Kochi Metro’s ‘rent a bicycle’ project, Kochi is improvising on how to motivate its population to lead a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, there are people from the city who have proved to be a pro at the fitness game. Whether it’s Mr Universe or the girl-next-door who just lost 5kg, they’re the proud ambassadors of fitness for Kochiites.   

Fitness stories

Chitharesh Natesan, who recently won the Mr Universe title, has an inspiring story to tell. He has been into sports and fitness since his school days. “I was a hockey player in school and later, I channelled my interests into bodybuilding. It has been a long journey but the results have been great,” he says. He comments on how people today are confused between bodybuilding and fitness. “Bodybuilding is a totally different ballgame compared to staying fit and healthy. But today, most people go to the gym because they either have an obsession with muscles or wish to shed some extra weight.”  

If a doctor validates your lifestyle, then that’s all the word you’ll ever need. Dr Rejeesh Selvaganesan, a gastro-surgeon and fitness enthusiast, says the key to fitness is to find a routine that best suits one’s work timings, and also stamina.”There is no need to go hard on yourself. If you do, you will slowly dread the thought of working out,” he observes. Dr Rejeesh is one of those who have completed India’s first Ironman triathlon— an endurance sport with three sequential and continuous races including swimming, cycling and running over various distances. He remembers a time when he was overweight and used to feel unhealthy. Recalling the incident that jostled him to begin a fitness routine, he says that it has changed his life. “A few years ago, two road accident victims were brought to the hospital— a young boy of eight or seven years of age and a man. We could not save the boy’s life. After the incident, I was depressed for days. I wanted to come out of it as quickly as possible. So one day, I woke up early and went for a short walk. It felt refreshing and when I made it a daily habit, it gradually helped me regain my old self,” says Dr Rejeesh. Diya John, founder of Salt Studio boutique at Panampilly Nagar, is yet another ardent fitness fan. She pinpoints why people these days can be complacent about health and fitness. “I think most of the people in my generation have an aversion towards the idea of following a routine. We want each of our days to be so different that we cannot afford to include a fitness routine. But I think we all need to try a routine at least once to know how it feels,” she says. Diya is now a regular participant of marathons both in the city as well as outside. 

In our battle to stay fit and healthy, gyms and fitness centers are our greatest allies. Shweta Rangnekar, CEO of Gold’s Gym, Vyttila, observes that the people in Kochi have a greater concern towards staying fit and healthy. “There is a rise in the number of people coming to the gym lately. And it’s striking to see many middle-aged people keeping track of their health and fitness,” she notes. 

Speaking about the trend of increased gym traffic during the beginning of a new year and other holiday seasons, Shweta says that the gym gives exciting offers for its new customers on such occasions. Proper training and guidance while working out is crucial if you’re new to a gym. 

At Gold’s Gym, situated at Vyttila, there are floor trainers to assist all clients. Clients with specific requirements can also engage personal trainers. Besides, there are group classes like functional training, Zumba and yoga. Mohamed Sherif, owner of Lens and Frames, is in his sixties now and is a regular customer at Gold’s Gym. “In my 40s, I realised that the pressures and troubles of running a business were taking a toll on my health. And that’s when I decided to start a fitness routine. I started jogging every morning but shifted to a gym facility as I faced difficulties adjusting to the climatic changes,” says Sherif. A happy customer at Gold’s Gym, he opines that the trainers here are the best in the city and that they have helped him maintain his fitness without causing any injuries so far.  

Writer Anubha George is another regular customer at Gold’s Gym. She mentions a list of people who inspire her to be fit, starting with Malaika Arora and Hrithik Roshan. 

“Fitness is a way of life for me rather than just a fad. What I love about myself is that I try and fit something into pretty much every day—be it a walk, cycling, playing squash or going to the gym,” she says. Voicing her appreciation for Gold’s Gym, she says that she is grateful to Arun Kumar, one of the trainers at the gym. “I had a torn ligament in my knee last year. I found that working out was the best thing I could for my knee. Of course, that was based on what my doctor’s instructions. But most importantly, it was my brilliant trainer who understood what I needed and worked with me,” she says. 

“It is also the first-ever gym in Kerala that allows mothers to bring their children to the gym,” says Shweta. “Most women feel pulled down by the changes in their routines after pregnancy and childbirth. Amidst the rumble-tumble of taking care of children, some women simply give up on their fitness during this period and adopt unhealthy lifestyles. At Gold’s Gym, we have recently introduced a play area for kids so that the mothers can drop them off here and then work out at the gym.” 

Fitness enthusiasts are always eager to share their inspiring stories of transformation such as updating from a clumsy couch potato to a fit human being. Lakshmi Ramachandran, Mentor at Global Public School, Kochi, admits that she did not start her fitness journey until a few years ago. “I had taken my health for granted until I was pushing my fifties. My husband had a minor heart attack and I realised that I had to be healthy first before I could take care of others in the family. So, I began a lifestyle modification of healthy eating and exercise,” says Lakshmi, who will turn 68 in a couple of months. “If I, the original couch potato, can do a 10-kilometre run, I think everyone can,” she adds. 

To be fair, it’s not just the gyms that can help you achieve your fitness goals. There are many other alternative workout routines one can choose from such as yoga, Zumba, sports and games. As Chitharesh says, “It is always better to find out what works best for a person before one joins a gym with sky-high expectations.”

Sudakshna Thampi, a prominent yoga trainer in the city, comments that fitness is a lifestyle that comes as a byproduct of healthy living. “Yoga helps you to discover what’s within you. Unlike the workout sessions at gyms, your fitness journey through yoga always starts from within, That is, if you’re healthy from within, you’re healthy on the outside; your whole life naturally reassembles itself when you’re fit. Whether it’s sleeping early, eating the right food or exercising daily, it all starts from within—this is the core idea of yoga,” she says.  

Rajeev P Nair, founder of SlimYoga and yoga therapist at General Hospital, Ernakulam, complements this opinion as he says yoga has a holistic approach to fitness. A former Mr Kerala, Rajeev says he now feels more complete as a person through his regular practice of yoga. “Your mind is as important as your body. When I used to compete in bodybuilding championships, there were a few co-competitors of mine, who were mentally burnt out because they were under pressure. I observed that they were all physically fit but mentally very weak. Today, as a yoga practitioner, I feel stronger and healthier than before,” he avers.

Keeping at it

If you’re an unfit person reading through these inspiring accounts of sheer dedication towards health and fitness, chances are that you’re now in a fool’s paradise, probably imagining how good you’ll look in the dress you bought last week once you get fit. But the truth is, in this case, imagination won’t get you far. However, you don’t have to be a sage to find the ultimate solution to realising your fitness dreams. All the fitness enthusiasts in our story have one thing in common: determination and patience. Chitharesh explains how people are quite ignorant about staying fit. “It takes months and sometimes, years for a person to become overweight. Typically, when people realise that they have extra fat on their body, they wish to get rid of it in the shortest time possible. From what I’ve observed, if you put on weight over three or four months, then it takes at least five or six months to lose the same. Since people lack patience, they easily fall off a routine,” he says.

There’s no denying that the struggles are real in the fitness game. For instance, Lakshmi admits that it is indeed a challenge to stay on course. “Every morning, when the alarm rings, the temptation to switch it off and go right back to bed is immense. But then, my better self that does not want to lose the first battle of the day prevails. So, I lace up and get moving,” she says. “Staying motivated and having friends who will egg you on, of course, helps.”

Anubha’s hard-earned opinion about fitness and people is accurate to the T. “I think people fall off the fitness routine because of many reasons. Health issues, lack of time, injuries, say a torn knee ligament or a shoulder injury, lack of motivation…Lack of motivation is the top reason, I think. There are days when I feel ‘oh let’s just leave it for today’. And that one day turns into a week. I’ve learnt to recognise that pattern now. Also, we look to other people to motivate us, to make things happen for us. But really, if you have your goals—even something as simple as I will do something for myself every day—you’ll start to see results. Not just physical, but also mental,” she says. 

Another big-time challenge to staying fit is to resist your cravings. Hungry or not, it is a constant trouble saying ‘no’ to those packets of chips and chocolates. However, your diet shouldn’t be as dreadful as you think. 

Diya does not hide the fact that occasional cheat days are still a part of her life although she is smart about eating healthy. “In situations where I’m attending a function or travelling, it is difficult to stick to a balanced diet. But I can easily make up for it by working out a little bit more than usual,” she says. 

On the other hand, if you’re someone who wishes to compete in a bodybuilding competition, a strict diet is one thing you cannot compromise on, no matter what. Imagine eating 40 egg whites and a kilo of chicken or fish a day for several months! This was Chitharesh’s diet before he won the Mr Universe title. While it may sound like a herculean task to the uninitiated, Chitharesh says that his passion for bodybuilding went beyond all his reasons to call it quits. “It was my dream to win the title and I am grateful that I have unwavering patience,” he says.

The fitness revolution in Kochi is not just another fad. A crucial impetus for this is also the various fitness events that happen in the city. It was in the last decade that Kochi witnessed the vibrant advent of marathon, cyclothons and more. People of all age groups and genders take part in these events for different causes. For some, it’s a charity run while others run for themselves, as a step towards fitness. Lakshmi revisits her experience of running a marathon a few years back and is glad that life has not been the same for her since. “I did a five-kilometre Susan Komen walk for cancer awareness about seven years ago and I was so inspired by the huge turn out of veterans and people with determination. It then hit me that I had no excuse to avoid exercise,” she says. 

Getting fit is a sure-fire means to love and understand yourself better. To be hale and hearty as you enjoy your life to the hilt sounds like a great plan for life, doesn’t it? And today, Kochi is surely a place to be if you’re planning to count yourself in for the next marathon. 

KNOW WHAT WORKS

Here’s a quick guide to finding the fitness plan that works for you.

1Do you wish to lose weight or become fit?

Although it’s a fine line between understanding weight loss and fitness, let’s be clear on the fact that both are two different outcomes of working out regularly. For instance, An obese person can lose 10kg and still be unfit. So before we decide on a fitness routine, ask yourself if you just want to lose weight or become fit.

2When can you work out? 

It could be true that you’re the busiest person you know. But don’t let that stand in the way of working out regularly. Admit it! Nobody’s busy 24×7. After all, would it hurt to spare 30 minutes a day for working out? 

3What is your workout plan? 

If you’ve found a shortcut to fitness, then you’re probably dreaming. But what if you choose a plan which is fun and enjoyable? You wouldn’t need shortcuts then, right? And that’s the next step to planning a fitness routine–choosing a routine that caters to your goals, which also makes you forget that you’re working out. 

4Is there a diet plan you would like to follow?

If there’s anything more you can do to increase your metabolism other than working out, it’s to watch what you eat. You can find plenty of diet plans on the internet today. If you choose the right plan, it’s guaranteed that there would be zero cravings. Choose one wisely.  

5How do you plan to stay motivated?

Imagine it’s been two days since you started working out and avoided eating junk food. And as the days go by, you start feeling pulled towards your temptations. “But it’s only a phase that won’t last long,” say the fitness fanatics. You just have to keep yourself motivated and that’s difficult. However, you can rely on a friend, a mobile app, a YouTube channel or your gym instructor.

Fashion, Content Creation and Loads of Caffeine

It was in class 7 that my report card read ‘Stylist’ in the ambition column, an upgrade from the earlier ‘Pet Shopkeeper,’ which in itself had been decided upon after a lot of thinking. I got into NIFT, completed 4 years and now, I am a graduate with a degree in fashion communication. 

Fashion communication was like going shoe shopping. Sometimes, you love a pair but the more you wear them, you realise they’re not very comfortable. And you have to try on a pair to know if they fit just right.

I liked styling. I liked fashion journalism. And I thought I’d make it to Vogue. But the fashion industry had something else in store for me. Yes, the industry is glamorous but it’s also filled with deadlines and skipping meals, less dressing up and more leggings “for the win” and caffeine is the sole ingredient that gets you through it.

It took me a while to understand this. I was in denial—I was sure I could make it big; my laptop password was “dream big.” Then COVID-19 showed up at our doorsteps and survival was what was important. In a way though, it opened doors to greater opportunities (at least for me).

I had started content creation on social media last September but I wasn’t consistent. I did it out of interest and even though I wanted to take it up professionally, I was scared. So, I used this time to be productive and started working hard on my content. 

I started out by creating styling videos that talked about styling a certain piece or how to dress for an event. Then, I realised that this was an exhausted area to tap into. It made no sense for the audience to watch repeat content. It is important to stand out. Make sure it’s different. Always bring something new to the table, and always stay true to your style and aesthetic.

As a student of fashion communication, I saw the industry paving way for new trends. It was not the fashion magazines or luxury brands that invested in a narrative for their products. Small brands had realised the importance of weaving a story and introducing a concept to sell a product. Customers want exclusivity and they want to invest in brands that have values similar to theirs. This is where content creation comes into play.

I realised that what brands want is someone who can create a story that is both personal and relatable. Hence, I started creating videos that had a theme; a story to tell and not just putting my wardrobe out there because honestly, how many times will you wear a white shirt? The fashion industry has come to a point where all brands have in-house photographers and stylists. There are companies that focus on creating a visual language for brands. Creating videos that help brands create a brand identity and reflect their collections’ aesthetics is what I want to focus on. 

If you are looking to enter this industry, learn as many skills as possible. When I started off, I knew nothing. I taught myself to edit videos and started using my camera even though photography was one of the subjects I hated in college. All of you out there needn’t be graphic designers or editors, and there is no need to hire someone to get the work done. All you need is YouTube, the best school to master any software. But remember: do not over edit. Too much editing leaves you with something that’s no longer yours.

The idea is to follow a design process. The first step is to brainstorm. If inspiration strikes, brainstorm using a word or theme that you have picked. Without this, your work is meaningless, even to yourself. Next comes the pre-production part- things you would need to narrate your story. For example, models for your project, a set for the project in hand, what props to use, extra additions you need for the perfect lighting, etc.

Before you get to your location, you must create a mood board and a theme board consisting of pictures of items you might need or props to bring about the feel or even reference images for the kind of poses you are going for. The boards are your guides to help you stay on track and not deviate too much from the original idea you had in mind. These boards can be created either using cut-out pictures or made digitally or even made using 3D elements if you need textures. 

Under execution, comes planning: list everything you might need and have them ready. Remember that you always need backup, be it a model or a substitute prop. You must be able to pull off the shoot even if a crisis occurs. Cancelling a shoot is definitely not an option in this field. Improvisation is what you need if something doesn’t work out.

After execution comes post production, which includes editing postures, adding text or layout if it’s an image. This is the last step and involves looking at details. This design process is a professional way of doing things. This process can be incorporated in any division of labour in the industry, be it photography, styling or even journalism and can be used to create any kind of content.

Kochi, unfortunately, is still in the phase of growing as a fashion industry. People haven’t really opened their minds in terms of what can be shown. It’s hard to get a project here wherein you’ll have the creative freedom to run the show. But it’s moving to a better place as magazines have started exploring other options rather than doing what they have been doing for ages now. 

Some clients are ready to take the risk to do something different and not mainstream. But yes, options are few and the biggest challenge here is that the fashion industry still sees such professions as glorified hobbies and hence, are not ready to pay for the service or want to get it done at very cheap rates.

But the real problem here isn’t the brands or clients. It’s us. Once we provide a service for free, it’s expected to be done for free the next time as well. That is where it becomes a huge problem for all the freelancers out there. When a fresher comes in and decides to work with a brand for free just because it might be a good start, what they are not thinking about is the fact that every year brings in a new batch of freshers. If they all continue to do this, brands would just keep hiring freshers who work for them happily for just ‘exposure’. Even if it’s a small amount, make sure you charge a professional fee. After all, it’s your work. Own it.

I still haven’t stopped dreaming. You should never! Hope takes you a long way. I have phases when I want to give up but then I tell myself, I have just started out on my journey to the moon. It is only time and consistency that will get you where you want and it is important to love what you do and still have passion. Chasing something that doesn’t bring you joy will give you no pride or happiness in the end. So make sure not to lose the reason you started out in the first place. Kochi too has a long way to go in this industry but that’s even better for us as we are also growing. There’s no better process of learning than growing together.

Pedalling Your Way To Good Health

Who says bicycles aren’t cool? The bikers’ community in Kochi is trendsetting their way to better tomorrows and a healthy lifestyle

Once upon a time in Kochi, bicycles were a more familiar sight than motorcycles and cars on the roads. Back then, mastering those risky bicycle tricks made you the coolest kid on the block. But soon enough, bicycles lost out on the cool quotient to fuel-powered cars and motorcycles. Except for a few school-going kids and a handful of old-world souls who love cycles, spotting a biker in the city had become a rarity. 

But that is set to change. Groups of dedicated bikers in the city are bringing back the trend of using bicycles to commute. With the market seeing the advent of bicycles with gears, many people have taken a liking towards biking. Some have travelled the length and breadth of the country, while some have made noble attempts to do the same, all for the sake of finding inner peace and happiness. 

Of course, the world slowed down to a stop and everything took a break, thanks to the pandemic. But the love for cycling has endured even during this time. Especially as gyms and other indoor exercise platforms became a strict no-no. Cycling turned out to be ideal for fitness during the pandemic. Even if one were cycling as part of a group, one could easily maintain social distancing and practise other safety measures. “Cycling is at a very nascent stage in Kochi, especially compared to nearby metro cities like Bengaluru and Chennai,” says C R Jose, who founded the cycling group, Cochin Randonneurs, in December 2019.

Randonneuring is a form of endurance biking. The word ‘randonneur’ means backpacker. The feel of randonneuring resonates with that, with people setting out for a long-distance cycling event with a predetermined time frame and route. Felix Augustine recently participated in Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1,200-km randonneuring event held in Paris, along with 7,000 riders from across the globe. “It is an experience to treasure for a lifetime,” he says. “Randonneuring goes much beyond exercise and fitness; it teaches you perseverance, and to go ahead even when your body wants to stop.” Jose, an HR professional who was bogged by many lifestyle diseases a year ago, agrees. “It was a couch-to-fitness scenario for me in a month’s time, once I took up randonneuring,” says Jose. “I also had a lot of motivation from the bike store I shopped at, The Bike Tales. I completed my first 100km within the first month of taking up cycling itself.”

Felix says that although the relevance of cycling as a mode of transportation has increased in the past few years, Kochi is still not a bike-friendly city. “Our roads do not have cycling tracks and a cyclist gets the least respect in traffic. There should be futuristic and concerted efforts from the cycling community as well as the government to inculcate a cycling culture in Kochi,” he says. 

Randonneur Shaji T George appreciates Cochin Bikers Club for actively encouraging the people in the city to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport. “I took up randonneuring in 2013 by participating in a 200km Brevet event organised by the Cochin Bikers Club. I used to be an avid downhill skier and I loved speed challenges. Cycling is equally challenging and I find similar elements in both these sports. The club has been organising rides to spread awareness about using cycling as a mode of transport for improving air quality, health and even reducing the time spent commuting in a city like Kochi,” he says. 

Besides committed randonneurs, some people go cycling to relieve themselves of the day’s stress. IT professional Priya Surendran says she started cycling during her school days. “As children, we’ve always been fond of bicycles. But as an adult, we abandon our cycles for a car or a motorcycle. However, I believe using a bicycle for the daily commute is a laudable effort. Because, you’re doing good both for yourself and the environment,” she observes. Priya has pointers for aspiring bikers in the city. “For beginners, to get comfortable with riding on roads, they can start with roads like Container Terminal Road which has less traffic. The roads are wide enough with shoulders marked,” she says. “Joining a local cycling community or club would provide them the motivation and support needed. Cochin Bikers Club and Soles on Wheels are two of the local communities here in Kochi.”

The Container Terminal Road is a favourite for marketing professional Shouku too; he rides with the Cochin Randonneurs and the club has completed most of the randonneuring milestones in a year’s time. “All the highways are good for cycling,” says Shouku. “We mostly cycle in the morning, at 5am, before rush hour. The lockdown had helped in terms of congestion-free roads. Now the situation is back to how it was earlier but Sundays are better.” The Cochin Randonneurs recently cycled all the way to Athirappilly and back, starting at dawn and returning by noon. 

One of the biggest inspirations for most cyclists is the camaraderie involved in these rides. Sibi Mukundan, a cyclist shares an experience of how he introduced a group of friends to cycling. “My friends now enjoy the fun of riding and have improved their overall health. I personally started cycling because I was getting bored of my gym routines. I am well-aware that it helps me improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and reduces stress levels as well,” he says. Jose calls the cycling community in the city a very friendly and giving space.

Maybe it is time to give those home workout routines a break, and try your hand at cycling. Especially if it means health, happiness, fun and social distancing. All, on two wheels.

TOP CYCLING CLUBS IN KOCHI

Cochin Bikers Club
Soles On Wheels

Cochin Randonneurs

TOP CYCLING APP

Strava

Who Loves Kochi?

Who are we when nobody’s watching? When we are done blaming the government, various departments and the migrant population for Kochi’s woes, it’s time to turn the mirror inward and take a close look at our civic sense

There’s no denying that Kochi is beautiful just the way it is. Could it be the climate, the people or the ubiquitous charm and calm of the city that makes us want to dream a little bit more? A true-blue Kochiite would probably nod a fervent yes to all of this. But what, in reality, does it take to love your city and be proud of it? Some of us might want to step down from our ivory towers for this. Because it all comes down to the question, ‘Who are we when nobody’s watching?’ 

With our identities divided over so many realms today, starting from our own homes to the countless social media and other public spaces, our integrity as a responsible human being should be under the lens. Your Instagram posts may tell the world that you’re a minimalist or an eco-friendly person. But what about the heap of plastic waste you burned to ashes last weekend? Why not put that up on Instagram too? And just as much as we speak endlessly about the perks of living in this city, there are a few things about Kochi that make us cringe. From the rotting pile of waste on every other lane in the city to the canals breeding mosquitoes, Kochi has many cringeworthy sights that reflect our unruly behaviour. It’s an ugly blame-game today—between those in power and the citizens—about the pitiable circumstances in the city. It is time we all acknowledge that the welfare of the place we live in is a shared responsibility of the authorities and the people. However, with the pile-up of recent events—from the flash floodings to the building demolitions at Maradu and the bridge construction at Palarivattom that went haywire—it is becoming tougher for the Kochiite to love this city. But hey, it’s February, the month of love. Let’s hope to reignite our love for this magnificence of a city. 

The weird imbalance between our dreams about Kochi and its reality could be one of the reasons why we often fall into a dreary disillusionment about the city’s progress. Moreover, our moments of willingness to be a responsible citizen are overshadowed by the questions that come back to haunt us: “Is Kochi even close to what our parents told us it was?”, “Is it the same Kochi our teachers described to us?” and “Were the leaders bluffing when they promised change?” Frankly, it could be our lack of faith that is stopping us from working towards change. 

For District Collector S Suhas, Kochi is a cosmopolitan and sprightful place to be. “Kochi is progressing very fast and I think a positive growth is in order if the principles of scientific urban development and zonal regulations are followed,” he says, hinting at the recent plight of the flat owners at Maradu. The relentless inconvenience caused by the age-old problems in Kochi, such as improper drainage systems, waste pollution, and drinking water shortage, is still rampant within the city limits. Suhas reminds us that it is a lack of well-functioning systems that causes this rut. “A comprehensive urban development plan, which deals with these problems, should be set in place. There should also be a system to effectively coordinate various agencies and local bodies that can take up the responsibilities. Public audit, deadline monitoring and feedback mechanisms are some of the systems we should focus on,” he says.

With the advent of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Kochi Metro, Kochi has been propelled towards new heights of development. Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, believes that Kochi has all the qualities needed to develop into a city of global standards. “The city has a lot of positive qualities, but there are some things that need to be worked on, like bettering the civic infrastructure and waste management. There should be an improved sewage management system, and the canals have to be made cleaner and navigable. The roads have to be improved, especially the smaller roads that connect to the city’s main roads. The one thing I would strongly recommend is a wholesome family entertainment avenue in the city,” he says. For Jose Dominic, founder of CGH Earth Group, Kochi is an unparalleled city on the subcontinent, steeped in history. “Kochi represents Kerala’s aspirations for the future,” he says. He also compares it with Istanbul on the basis of its ancient cultural values and ability to adapt. However, he expresses his disappointment over the attitude of people and authorities in waste management. “Interestingly, Kochi’s performance in segregating the waste at source is the highest in the country. Sadly, after segregation, the waste is put back together. But on the bright side, the challenges of the present are only of our making and they await smart solutions,” he adds.   

K R Vijayan and Mohana Vijayan, the tea-stall owners famous for having travelled to more than 20 countries in the past 40 years, have seen the city change over the years. Vijayan believes that Kochi may not be on the right path to progress. “Compared to the olden days, life is harder now. Everything is polluted or corrupted in unimaginable ways. Tall buildings, metro rails and malls are not what define the progress of a city. Compared to the places we have visited, I feel Kochi is now at a standstill in terms of progress,” he says. Such disappointment over the way Kochi has changed is obvious in people like Vijayan, who belong to the older generation. On the contrary, the younger generations trust implicitly in the positive growth of the city. Swetha Ann Thomas, an MBA student, says she feels Kochi has evolved into an open, buoyant and all-embracing social butterfly, who is ready to face anything thrown at it. “I believe we can look at what Kochi is now and be proud of what is yet to come,” she says. S R Nair, an entrepreneur and member of the Better Kochi Response Group believes that Kochi, in all its glory, is here to stay. “But to maintain the proud title ‘Queen of The Arabian Sea’, Kochi and its people need to up the ante. We also lack an accountable governance system in Kochi which results in dwindling public services and more number of irresponsible citizens,” he says.

The staggering population in Kochi is indeed a hindrance to tackle our many problems, including housing, water availability, road traffic, waste management and pollution. It’s the sense of belonging which often makes us behave responsibly and do things with love, and Nair believes that the lack of love for the city in the migrant population is one of the reasons why they do not fulfil their responsibilities. “The NRIs from Kochi often behave like a varuthan and visit their homeland only during the holidays. What I believe in is that we ought to accept Kochi as a mother and treat her well,” he says. Of course, there are also a clutch of responsible NRIs, who still nurture their pride in being a Kochiite. Manohar Thomas, a TV personality from a Malayalam channel in the US, says Kochi’s business sector has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. “There is development right before our eyes. But red-tapism and corruption have certainly curtailed the development of the city. Also, I believe that the people of Kochi need to respect each other, their space and existence,” he says. Considering the above evaluations, Kochi avows a confusing status quo before the world. But, since it is in our nature to focus on the morose and wretched, today, Kochi is casually being tagged ‘dirty’ by its people. Waste management, following road traffic rules and spending our resources wisely may be some of the areas that we tend to err in. We like to blame the PWD, the Municipal Corporation and everyone but ourselves for the mess that we are in. Sometimes, we even find comfort in the mess and learn to live with it. From the mosquitoes that lull us to sleep every night to the stench from the backyard that wakes us from our slumber every morning, Kochiites have found their comfort in being messy. But, at the flip of a coin, we are also keen to support Greta Thunberg, the youngest climate change activist in the world. Such glaring irony! Now that we’ve discussed our reasons to look down on the city, we might as well count our blessings for being in Kochi and talk about what she deserves. In October 2018, Kochi was ranked 7th among the top 10 cities to visit in 2020 by the popular travel guide Lonely Planet. For many years, Kochi has been attracting multitudes of travellers, traders, and explorers to its tropical Malabar Coast. And we rightfully boast of a rich, cultural heritage and well-preserved history. While it could be true that our problems often stand in the way of feeling proud of our city, we should, however, not turn a blind eye to Kochi’s growth over the last few decades. Many a thousand dreams about Kochi’s bright future have been focused on the tourism sector of Kerala. ”Kochi is the gateway of Kerala.The state’s biggest success has been tourism and Kochi has a lot to do with this boom in the sector. What I’ve observed is that most NRIs from Kerala, after they return to India, wish to settle down in Kochi. It’s multi-cultural and offers an interesting modern lifestyle, for the most part. I believe the Kochi Metro project and the Kochi Muziris Biennale are all perfect examples of this,” says Dominic. He also points out that Kochi has everything that we could ask for, from its port to an international airport adding that the local government should be responsible enough to provide good governance consistently. 

Kochi is home to the world’s first solar-powered airport at Nedumbassery, which also became a UN-endorsed project that is now a model for the rest of the world. The idea of tapping green power is gathering steam across the state today as an effective alternative to tackle the shortage of electricity. People are moving to solar energy in their homes, which implies that people are aware of the climate emergency caused by the overuse or misuse of resources. The Smart City project coming up at Infopark, Kakkanad is, at heart, another futuristic project that has been one of the reasons for Kochi’s happiness. The Kochi Metro was a crucial addition to the city’s infrastructure promoting the use of public transportation. Today, with a daily ridership of 60,000, the Metro has increased the connectivity between places in Kochi. Also worth a mention is its eco-friendly measures such as solar-powered stations, e-autos, plastic recycling machines, etc. At present, Kochi Metro project is on the road to becoming the first in India to have an integrated transport system that combines the metro, buses, boats, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Alkesh Sharma, in a word of advice to the people in the city, says that only smart citizens can make the city smarter in all respects. “The people of Kochi are educated and skilled, and have a decent civic sense. I feel they need to be more responsible in a few areas, especially waste dumping, energy conservation, and using public transport. With options like the Kochi Metro available, people should rely less on their own vehicles and use public transport options. If you travel to any well-developed city, you will see that most of the people in the city rely on public transport. That should be the way forward for Kochi’s citizens as well. Another important aspect would be to look at avenues of non-motorised transport, like cycling. I would like to see more people cycling in Kochi, not just as a fitness activity but as a mode of transport,” he says.

As we’re in the process of bidding farewell to Kochi’s rickety means of transportations and other troubling issues, we also need a gentle reminder to patiently regrow our civic sense—to be thankful for what we have and to do our bit to sustain our resources. Suhas sheds light on how this can be organically imbibed among the people of Kochi. “Encouraging a culture of proper civic sense through education can bring changes. We may begin by tidying up all the offices and public places. In my opinion, a Singapore model of accountable civic life may be discussed,” he says. 

“Let the denizen consider Kochi as his mother city by ensuring responsible solid waste management (rather than dumping it on the roads), better driving sense (rather than the confrontational and lawless speeding from all sides), paying taxes on time (instead of trying to evade it and stash it elsewhere) and collectively demanding accountable level of services from our Corporation councillors and bureaucrats,” says Nair. As the fangs of a consumerist lifestyle have sunk its teeth deep into the psyche of the people in Kochi, the consequent damage done to the environment seems almost irreversible. The rising number of cars and motorcycles on the roads, unregulated felling of trees for furniture, the fast-food culture and uncontrolled pollution are indeed painful blows to the city. Vijayan, for instance, observes that Kochi could better itself by resorting to the old modes of transportation, such as using bicycles and state-run transportation. 

“In Kochi’s heyday, not everyone had the privilege to move around in a bike or car. But today, there are very few houses in Kochi that do not have a car or a motorcycle. I think this is affecting the environment badly,” he observes. Kochi’s attempts to overcome such hopelessness amongst citizens are backed by an optimistic younger crowd. Swetha, for instance, admits that she is absolutely in love with Kochi’s vibes. “No matter who you are or where you come from, Kochi always has a place for you,” she says. 

In a word of advice to her city-mates, Swetha adds that constructive conversations can initiate the changes we wish to see around us. “We should not wait for a disruption to start talking. Instead, these conversations about change should ensure that everyone is acquainted with what’s happening around us. After all, change starts with us. Once we take responsibility for our actions, it will be easier for our government to help us in return,” she says. 

This journey of ours to a better place needs both patience and effort and perhaps a little bit of kindness to ourselves. Does this sound like an idea stolen from a self-help book? To be fair, it should! With a little more self-awareness and patience, we’ll know how to stop stepping on the same rake—of polluting the land, breaking the rules and being intolerant to change. Recalling Bear Grylls’s motto from Man Vs Wild: it’s time that we “improvise, adapt and overcome” the obstacles of our times. And for all the days we’ve spent cursing the mosquitoes, the stench from the sewage canals and other demons on the loose in the city, may this be the day we get rid of our own demons. May this be the day that we fall in love with our beloved city, and perhaps strike a more heartfelt pose in front of the ‘I LOVE KOCHI’ sign. 

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A Helping Hand From The Outsider

Our team spoke to Liveable Urbanism, a group of researchers and masters’ students from the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University, which has been working on mission cities in India. Listed below are their contributions and observations about Kochi as an upcoming Smart City. 

Tell us a bit about Liveable Urbanism and its contributions to Kochi.

Liveable Urbanism is a group of researchers and masters’ students from the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University. We have been working on mission cities in India with the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi for the last two years. Last year we worked in Mangaluru, yet another Smart City funded city with support from the Welsh Government office in Bengaluru. This year, we are focusing on Kochi, with support from the Indian Institute of Architects. Our research is independent and has no commitments to any planning or funding agencies. However, we are keen to present our findings to the GCDA, Cochin Corporation and the Cochin Smart City Mission Limited, to assist them in creating a dynamic urban strategy for Kochi. We focus on understanding the city and reading it as a complex system that is constantly reacting to different actors, including the government, individuals, the community, investors and the environment. We aim to achieve a comprehensive approach to make Kochi more liveable by improving the quality of life for its citizens. For this, we need to address the root cause of the issue, rather than reacting to the problems that are visible from the surface.

What sustainable solutions can help Kochi? 

Kochi is surrounded by water, yet there is poor access to clean drinking water in many areas. This is mostly down to the badly polluted waterways, which is prominent in many Indian cities. Every person in Kochi produces half a kilo of waste per day and a large proportion of it is not properly managed. The lack of recycling of organic and plastic waste means it ends up in the waterways; many sewage lines run directly into the canals. This not only affects the flow of water, biodiversity and fish stock but it also means water needs to be harvested further away from the city which becomes costly. Many water courses are also covered in water hyacinth, which is a significant environmental problem

 If you can revalue waste as a resource at a local level, it could become instrumental in providing energy or other useful products to the city. Kerala used to produce most of its food locally; however, now it is mostly imported from elsewhere. Encouraging locally grown food in and around the city and limiting reliance on imports would keep profit within the city, improve the health of its citizens by eating locally, and create a circular economy that will ultimately allow for higher quality urban services. There are plenty of farmlands within Kochi and Kerala; however, encroachment by rapid urban development is diminishing these rich agricultural environments. These sensitive ecological areas are also essential in defending the city from floods; however, their change of use is adversely affecting the urban fabric and its inhabitants. Kochi will inevitably flood; but its resilience to climatic events can be improved by better infrastructure and dynamic response systems. Changing behaviour at a remote level can be achieved through research, information, knowledge and education, allowing Kochi’s invaluable natural resources to be revalued and utilised. Restoring respect for the environment is fundamental for Kochi’s sustainability and resilience. 

The people in Kochi need to be more aware of their civic responsibilities.How can we achieve this?

There needs to be more active participation from civic bodies and people within Kochi in relation to civic activities. Kochi should not be improved by people like us; we may only be able to contribute to the discussions on the challenges and solutions. The increasing alienation of communities needs to be addressed through appropriate methods for them to participate and establish their right to the city. Empowering citizens to make independent and informed decisions on city affairs is fundamental for developing a better connection between people, the city and the environment. As external spectators, our independent research may help in this debate but we feel that ultimately there needs to be a change in behaviour and spatial systems to facilitate and develop civic sense and engagement. Furthermore, there needs to be a better appreciation of the  different types of communities (religious, social, educational and spatial) that exist within the city, who have their own needs and perceptions. A diverse collection of citizens needs to be involved and not just those with power or wealth in the city.

Chellanam | Travails By The Sea

Swell waves—4m high at times—and the sea erosion caused by them, are not new to the people of Chellanam. The people of the area have been petitioning governments for years for protection. In a bid to protect the area from sea erosion, the government had promised to set up a groyne field (pulimuttu) made of geotube in Chellanam by December 2018. However, two years down the line, the project is yet to be completed and is mired in controversy.

Reports say that of the 50,000 people in the panchayat, 10,000 live along the 17.5km-long coastline. This year, water from the sea reached the main road, which is 600m away from the coast. Among the buildings that have been affected are a school and a clinic. The seawall only covers the northern stretches of the panchayat, and it is not expected to hold up for long.

Where is the political will? When IIT-M has proposed a viable and permanent solution like the pulimuttu, why is it not being taken up? I have met four District Collectors so far. The government knows that this is the solution. Instead, they are asking people to evacuate the houses they have lived in for generations, and to move elsewhere. How is that fair?

Rev. Samson Anjiliparambil, who has been working with the people of Chellanam for nine years

A COVID-19 hotspot under lockdown for the past two weeks, Chellanam is now being flooded by an angry sea. While walls break down and streets are flooded, the residents worry about opening their doors to neighbours for fear of infection

The Place Where No One Goes. An unverified Wikipedia entry claims that this is what the word Chellanam means. Today, Chellanam seems to be living up to this meaning. For the past two weeks, this small coastal village has been locked down because of the sharp spike in COVID-19 cases. And, for the past few days, the sea has been ravaging the village, breaking walls, flooding homes and streets, and playing havoc with a population already under siege by the coronavirus.

But Chellanam and its surrounding coastal areas were a picture-perfect postcard a few decades ago. “I remember there was a huge beach here when I was younger,” says fisherman Xavier Anand, 44, whose home has been inundated by the sea this year. “We would play football and cricket on the beach as kids. It was a beautiful place, with a pretty beach and coconut groves. Then the sea encroached on the land, and now there is no beach. It is not that we were determined to build our homes right where the tides hit. The fact is we built our homes when the sea was a beautiful glimmer in the distance; today it is almost at our door and we are being made to pay the price.”

No Prevention, No Cure

Swell waves—4m high at times—and the sea erosion caused by them, are not new to the people of Chellanam. The people of the area have been petitioning governments for years for protection. In a bid to protect the area from sea erosion, the government had promised to set up a groyne field (pulimuttu) made of geotube in Chellanam by December 2018. This project envisioned the setting up of geotube groynes along parts of the coastline; these breakwaters extend into the sea and if positioned in line with the sea currents, absorbs much of the impact of tidal waves, even during lunar cycles that cause swell tides. 

However, two years down the line, the project is yet to be completed and is mired in controversy. Dr V Sundar, professor at the department of ocean engineering, IIT-Madras—which worked on the coastline protection project for the state government, “The geotube will function as a shock absorber to reduce the power of the waves,” he said in an interview earlier this year. IIT-M was first commissioned to study Kerala’s coastline in 2007, after the tsunami. Following the institute’s recommendations, the groyne field technology has been implemented in over 20 coastlines in Kerala; 25 groynes were laid, using boulders and rocks. It was a scarcity of rock that led to the IIT-M reviewing its plans and making a change to using geotubes and geotextiles. Dr Sundar says the new system is eco-friendly and cost-effective, compared to sea walls made of rocks and boulders.

Meanwhile, the irrigation department—which is in charge of the project—has not found any takers for the short tenders it put out for the project earlier this year. On the other hand, Mohammed Niyas, the previous contractor of the project, has approached the court, citing wrongful termination of contract and non-payment of bills. While the irrigation department and Niyas exchange allegations of misconduct, Chellanam’s homes remain woefully open to the forces of nature.

Made Worse By The Pandemic

The pandemic has not been kind to the people of Chellanam either. Two weeks ago, an elderly man from the fishing community, who worked at the local harbour, tested positive for COVID-19. What followed was a healthcare nightmare; officials consider this COVID-19 hotspot as being one of the top ten clusters in the state. The lockdown protocols in place and the fear of the coronavirus have made it near-impossible for people to reach out and help each other like they did in earlier years when flooding happened. 

It was second nature for the people of Chellanam to open up their doors and welcome in family and neighbours when homes got flooded. But the fear of the virus and social distancing norms mean that those affected by the floods are mostly suffering alone. “Our home sits right on the seashore,” says Susy of Puthenthode. “We had two rooms towards the back of my plot. Both of those rooms have fallen in. The sea has flooded my kitchen, and filled it with sand and dirt. We fear stepping into the house now as it looks like it may fall down at any moment. And we didn’t know where to go because of the coronavirus problem. My relative had received a plot to build a house after the tsunami struck. We have moved into the house on that plot; the house is not yet fully constructed but it is safer than being at home.”

Reports say that of the 50,000 people in the panchayat, 10,000 live along the 17.5km-long coastline. This year, water from the sea reached the main road, which is 600m away from the coast. Among the buildings that have been affected are a school and a clinic. The seawall only covers the northern stretches of the panchayat, and it is not expected to hold up for long. Residents live in fear that the sea may breach the wall at any time. It is not uncommon for people to wake up from sleep to flooded kitchens and living rooms. 

The Political & Administrative Tango

The situation is adding to the political ammunition of the Opposition. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who belongs to the Congress party, deplored the condition of the people of Chellanam on social media. Though his initial post and tweet seemed to castigate the non-action by the LDF government, he soon changed his stance. He went on to write that this was not the time for a blame game, but the time to help the people of Chellanam. He also added that he has been distributing rice and food kits among the affected people, and exhorted people to contribute towards the seawall-building efforts.

Meanwhile, District Collector S Suhas said the district administration and the minor irrigation department has begun distributing geobags in Chellanam. The bags will be filled with sand, and placed along the coastline with the help of volunteers from the local community. He said that all precautions are being taken in the light of the COVID-19 situation even while proceeding with the work of shoring up the sea wall.

Much Ado About Nothing

Residents of the area, however, believe the state will quickly forget their woes. “All this hullabaloo will die down once the immediate danger is over,” says a resident of nearby Mundamveli, who preferred not to be named. “This has been the story of Chellanam for years now. Normally, the people help each other get through the crisis. This year, because of the pandemic and the fear of infection, that too is not happening.” 

Rev. Samson Anjiliparambil, who works with the Social Service Society of the Latin Catholic Church, lived and worked with the people of Chellanam for nine years. He is livid that the government is not taking action to help the people here. “Where is the political will?” He asks. “When IIT-M has proposed a viable and permanent solution like the pulimuttu, why is it not being taken up?” Rev. Samson has been part of the people’s agitation for a safer living space for all the years he has lived in Kochi. “I have met four District Collectors so far,” he says. “The government knows that this is the solution. Instead, they are asking people to evacuate the houses they have lived in for generations, and to move elsewhere. How is that fair?”

Both Rev. Samson and social activist Jayan Kunnel allege that there may be ulterior motives to getting people to vacate the land. Rumours of selling the land to commercial interests fly hard and fast. And the people are not backing down. “The government says we are to move our homes 50m away from the seashore. But how can we do that? Land is so expensive here,” says Xavier. “The government will pay us ₹10 lakh as compensation, it says. But will it be enough to buy land? To build a home? The government says this because it has not cared to know us or to understand us as a community, or as human beings. The only permanent solution for this problem is to build enough pulimuttu across the coastline. We have decided that we will vote only once the pulimuttu comes up.”

Jayan Gunnel says the repeated appeals by legislators for repatriation suggests something fishy. “The sea will not stop encroaching just because people move away,” he says. “The pulimuttu is the only permanent solution. So why wait for people to move out? Why not build the pulimuttu so that they can continue residing in their homes safely?”

The People’s Will

“When the floods hit Kerala in 2018, our community, including me, went out wholeheartedly to help flood-hit people in Paravoor and Aluva,” says Xavier. “At that point, the government lauded us, calling us its army. But those were just momentary words of praise. We—the coastal community—have been suffering for decades now, and everyone turns a deaf ear to our plight. We have been treated with indifference.” But they are not ready to simply sit back and suffer any more.

Frustrated by the lack of political will, the people are getting ready to take matters into their own hands. A social collective called Chellanam 20-20 will contest the upcoming civic body polls. The non-political organisation, fashioned on the lines of Kizhakkambalam 20-20 (the first non-political organisation to come to power in a panchayat in India), is now campaigning on social media, owing to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. 

Men and women in the age group of 20-50 years will contest for the 21 seats of Chellanam panchayat. The core team of Chellanam 20-20 consists of 10 people, says one of the leaders, Charles Biju. The group hopes to strike a voice of protest in the face of political and governmental apathy. 

We have reached out to the Chief Minister’s office, the Ernakulam District Collector’s office, the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department and the Principal Secretary of the Fisheries Department, with queries on the issues raised by the people of Chellanam. We are yet to receive a response from them.

The Fight to Retell History | Variyamkunnath Haji

Four Malayalam films were announced in a span of two days, centred around the life of prominent historical figure, Variyamkunnath Haji. Even before production has started, the films are courting controversy for their wildly divergent political perspectives. 

Filmmakers are clamouring to tell the story of Chakkiparamban Variyamkunnathu Kunjahammed Haji in time for the 100th anniversary of his biggest victory. The industry has already immortalised Haji on the big screen 32 years ago in 1921, starring Mammooty. T G Ravi played Haji in the film, which won the State Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value in 1988. However, the new set of films seems to have stirred up some unpopular public sentiment.

The Face of the Rebellion

The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Malabar Rebellion, a resistance movement against British colonial rule. The rebellion started as a reaction against pressure by the British on the Khilafat movement, which was allied to the nationalist movement, in Valluvanad and Eranad. The Mappillas in the area led the rebellion, taking over British government offices, treasuries, courts and police offices; asserting control of the area. However, the later parts of the rebellion saw communal violence and casualties between the Muslims and Hindus in southern Malabar.

Variyamkunnathu Haji joined the Khilafat movement in Kerala and rose in ranks to become a prominent figure in the Malabar Rebellion. C Gopalan Nair, in his book, The Moplah Rebellion, published in 1923, described Haji as one who styled himself as the Raja of the Hindus, Amir of the Mohammaddens and Colonel of the Khilafat army. He ran a parallel government with activist and cleric Ali Musliyar for over six months, seizing control of a large area from the British. His rule lasted from August 22, 1921 till his capture on January 6, 1922. After his capture, Haji was sentenced to death. Haji’s death has been regarded a mark of the collapse of the rebellion.

To the Big Screen

Renowned Malayalam filmmaker Aashiq Abu announced that his film, Vaariyamkunnan, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, would release alongside the century mark of the Malabar Rebellion. The announcement from the actor and the director described Haji as “The man who stood up against an empire that ruled a quarter of the world. The legend of a leader, a soldier, a patriot.” The statement sparked public outrage from several people who cited Haji as a Muslim radical leader who carried out genocide on thousands of Hindus.

The outrage led to a hate campaign against both Aashiq and Prithviraj. The Sangh Parivar stated that the movie was an attempt to glorify a Muslim leader who was a jihadi responsible for several deaths. The Hindu Aikya Vedi asked Prithviraj to leave the project as the organisation felt it glorified Haji. The Vedi claims the film is part of a conspiracy to whitewash the revolt of 1921. And, it further states, the film will reopen old wounds for the Hindu community.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that Kerala recognised Haji as a warrior who led a brave battle against the British. He went on to say that there was no need for a communal angle to be brought into it. However, the political sensibilities of the filmmakers have also made the news. A scriptwriter on Aashiq’s team, Ramees Mohamed, left the project post allegations about his old extremist and misogynistic social media posts.

Rebellions Galore for the Industry

The unexpected response to the film’s announcement has been the back-to-back announcements of three more films based on the same man and his place in history. Celebrated playwright Ibrahim Vengara announced his film, The Great Vaariyamkunnath, to be adapted from his own play on the subject. Director and ex-MLA P T Kunju Muhammed announced his film on the subject, titled Shahid Vaariyamkunnan. He said his project will be an honest retelling of history.

The film to be made by filmmaker and BJP leader Ali Akbar will “reveal the true facts” of Haji. In a public video published on his social media platform, Ali Akbar claimed that the announcement of the project had led to threatening phone calls and abuse against him. Further, he said that this would not deter him from making the film. He had already crowdsourced contributions over ₹16 lakh for the film. Besides, in the video, he also appealed to the chief minister to aid him in recovering the money that was remitted to fake accounts claiming to be him.

This is the first time in Malayalam film history that four films are being made separately around the same historical figure and event. The films are gearing up for production, but the political outrage is loud and determined to halt them in their tracks. The films are set to portray a fierce rebellion in Kerala history, but they are sure to see a fight of their own for reign over the box office.