The Hindu : Reporter's Diary

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 09, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Reporter's Diary

EVEN AS the mega musical show of Asianet and AMMA got underway at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, on Sunday evening, yet another film team was celebrating at DD Retreat, Thammanam. The celebration was that of `4 The People', the latest film by Jayaraj.

Almost the entire cast were there at the show. The director, the producer, the cameraman and even the tea boy who worked for the film had their moments of satisfaction. But the centre of attraction was the new singer and music composer, Jassi Gift. He sang `Lajjavatiye' a couple of times, sending the young crowd into raptures.

There were mementoes galore and almost everyone got one. The trite words of gratitude like, `but for you, sir, I wouldn't have been this and that', were heard almost every time a new star came on stage.

Irrespective of the quality of the show, the small crowd appeared to have enjoyed the evening. "It was a cool evening," said Penny George, who runs a boutique in the city. Yes, it was cool indeed. Certainly as long as Mr. Gift and `Lajjavatiye' continue to conquer the young hearts.

* * *

THE CITY administration is taking out all the weapons in its armoury to fight the winged menace. And now, one division in the Kochi Corporation has formed a `Mosquito Annihilation Team' or MAT, as all other initiatives fizzled out.

The team, comprising residents in the 39th division of the Corporation, has been formed to implement the concept "drive out mosquito, safe guard Kochi" through public participation. At the end of all the talk and deliberations, it appears that it is a case of old wine in new bottle.

For the action plan chalked out by the MAT members is much the same - ensuring free flow of water through canals, cleaning up the canals by pumping in sea water, no garbage dumping in neighbourhood, keeping the premises clean and providing static water for mosquito to lay eggs so that the larvae could be destroyed before attaining maturity.

It has also been decided to hold rallies and cultural shows involving children on April 6 to create awareness and follow it up with a mass pledge. For the time being a full set of office-bearers have been elected and how good they are in "annihilating" the mosquito is yet to be seen.

By Abdul Latheef Naha and Anand Haridas

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Reporter's Diary