THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 24 December 2006 — India will open a university for the children of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in a special economic zone where government control will be minimal, according to Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi. “NRIs in the service sector cannot afford the huge fee which they are expected to pay under the NRI quota. The government will provide quality education in medical, technical and engineering courses and I will announce it in January (at the Pravsi Bharatiya Divas or conference of Indian Diaspora),” the Hindustan Times quoted him as saying. He said Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee had agreed to the proposal “in principle” and the Finance Ministry had given the go-ahead to open more consulates. “There are so many complaints about the poor service of consulates and India’s image depends on the efficiency of these consulates. It is not possible for people to spend days running around for visas. The finance minister told me he has no objection to new offices in different countries provided they were self-sufficient. The external affairs minister agreed that we must do something immediately,” he added.
Malabar Shopping Fest
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac kicked off the first Malabar Shopping Festival at a glittering function in Kozhikode on Friday. Although the month-long festival began Wednesday, the official inauguration was deferred due to the two-day visit of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the state. Fifty prominent personalities from various walks of life lighted the inaugural torch, marking the 50th anniversary of the state. Traders have put up 400 stalls displaying their high-end products.
Yachts Arrive with Tourists
Yachts from foreign shores have begun to arrive in the port city of Kochi, heralding the tourist season in Kerala. Jaibee Kollarmalil, manager of state-run Bolghatty Palace Hotel, said the hotel receives at least 30 to 35 yachts at any given time during the tourist season. The government has announced its plan to build a marina here and once it comes up, the number is expected to double.
Mohammed Abdurrahman
A memorial meeting was held in Kochi on Thursday for Mohammed Abdurahman, freedom fighter, Congress leader and humanist who is known as the “Lion of Malabar.” Congress legislator Aryadan Mohammed said Abdurrahman was capable of exceptional courage and sacrifice.
