gopio convention

gopio london chapter

Under the patronage of Mr. Veerendra Sharma M.P. the London Chapter of GOPIO will be inaugurated on 16^th Oct. 2012 in the London Parliament.This was decided by a meeting by Mr. Sunny Kulathakal, Executive Vice President of GOPIO with Mr.Sharma yesterday at Southal. Mr.Sharma will be attending the GOPIO Cochin Convention on 6^th Jan 2013. Those who wish to attend the GOPIO  London Chapter inauguration  on 16^th Oct 16^th in London Parliament may contact Mr.Kulathakal on (M) +44-78-12539464

BOOK RELEASE IN LONDON

“An Introduction to Kerala Studies” – The first reference cum Text book on Kerala

kerala studies
www.bookonkerala.com/pho :9495664963/9736992550/

Book Description

This Book on Kerala offers students up to date information on a state of exceptional
importance and interest located on the southernmost part of India. 100 professors and
authors drawing from their experience have contributed 85 chapters in varied subjects.
The chapters are clear, thought provoking and serve as a thorough introduction
to history, culture, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, politics, language and
literature, religions, economics, developmental studies, international studies, tourism,
environment, biodiversity and ecology of Kerala, a scenic region in India, worth for
exploration, study, research and root tourism.

Target Readers

The International Institute for Scientific and academic Collaboration has been working
with professors and experts from all over the globe to put together a book on Kerala
called “ An Introduction to Kerala Studies”, this book will serve three purposes:

The first is to educate second generation Keralites living outside Kerala about their home
culture and society. There are an estimated two million non-resident Keralites living
outside Kerala. For their high school and college age children, this book will introduce
the rich legacy and complex culture of their ancestral land.

Secondly the book is intended to inform foreign students who are interested in South
Indian culture, which could be especially helpful if they plan on traveling to Kerala
during study abroad tour. This will serve as a valuable reference book on a region where
no such suitable book currently exists. It can also be used as a text book in institution of
higher education for courses such as Indology, South Asian Studies etc.

Thirdly, the book will serve as the basis for introducing course on Kerala studies in
identified US/Foreign universities during summer months for the benefit of Malayalee
Diaspora. Already universities in NewYork, New Jersey and Chicago agreed in principle
to introduce such courses with the support of Malayalee communities in US. Our institute
has already established faculty-led Kerala studies programs with Kerala since 2009.
Please visit our web site www.iisac.org for course content and syllabus.

Authors and subjects

The book is comprised of a series of articles covering a vast array of topics that serve
to give an overview of the entire region of Kerala. A team of experts constituted
the Editorial team headed by Prof. Dr. J.V Vilanilam, former vice chancellor of
Kerala University. A team of experts constituted the editorial team headed by Prof.
Dr. J.V Vilanilam, former vice-chancellor of Kerala University. The contributors
are internationally known experts, professors and researchers in Kerala studies. The
topics covered include: History, Society, Culture and Religions; Biodiversity and
Agriculture; Politics and Economy; Education and Health Practices; Print and Visual
Media, Language, Literature and Personalities; Diaspora studies, Kerala’s International
contributions; and Tourism studies. Each section is additionally broken down into
individual topics that are key elements of what makes Kerala so different from other
Indian states. The book carries 85 chapters in two volumes of 1200 pages.

The world renowned writer, speaker, diplomat and an authority on India studies Dr.
Sashi Tharoor is giving the introduction chapter while Dr. Rajasekharan Pillai (Advisor
to Kerala govt. on higher education and VC of Indira Gandhi University) is giving the
foreword for this unique book on Kerala. Dr. Babu Paul is giving “Afterward” for the
book. Please visit the web site of the book www.bookonkerala.com.

Pre-publication release
The pre-publication release of the book was done by the hon. Chief minister of Kerala
at Thiruvanathapuram on December 30, 2011. The first edition will reach over 5000
families, businesses and academic institutions all over the world. Also we plan to
distribute 1000 copies to libraries world wide. The second edition of the book will follow
shortly after getting the public/academic responses of the book and our ultimate aim to
make the book available for every Malayali Pravasis family all over the world.

Book review

“The makers of this book have done a commendable job in bringing together the
expertise, scholarship and experience on Kerala from all over the globe that the book
truly becomes a global and universal one. The logical and progressive organization of the
book in to various thematic sections and selection of chapters at the introductory, middle
and advanced levels make the book appealing and existing of all categories of readers-
the layman and the learned alike. Each page of the book, with enthralling pictures and
figures very well capture the enchanting beauty and unravel paradoxical magic of Kerala
that every Malayalee can treasure”.
/9736992550/

Gopio Kochi Chapter

 

 

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Cochin Chapter was initiated at a dinner meeting held atPresidency Hotel at 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 13th August, 2012. Mr. Sunny Kulathakal, Executive Vice President ofGOPIO presided over the meeting. The following former NRIs and prominent people attended:-
1) Jose Thomas
2) Kurian Abraham
3) M. K. Harikumar
4) Babu Varghese
5) Jose P. L.
6) Jose Pudukaden
7) K. V. Prakash
8) Alex S. M.
9) Paul Vadassery
10) T. P. M. Ibrahim Khan
11) Nibu Mathew
12) James Kurian
13) Mohan Thomas
14) V. B. Cherian
15) T. B. Venugopal

Dr. Philip Augustine, Mr. Sivadasa Menon and Eng. Roy Abraham expressed their inability to attend but extend allsupport for GOPIO activities.
Mr.Kulathakal explained the salient features and purpose of GOPIO. He mentioned that Cochin Chapter willtake the lead in conducting GOPIO convention 2013 on 5th and 6th January, 2013 in conjuction with the PravasiMeeting.Mr. Ibrahim Khan was elected as the convener of Cochin GOPIO convention 2013. Mr. Sivadasa Menon’s
name was suggested as the President of GOPIO Cochin Chapter. Since he was engaged in other activities, Mr. Menonwanted to work as a member to start with. Lakeshore Hospital M. D. Dr. Philip Augustin has agreed to be the President
and Dharam Publication Editor Mr. Kurian Abraham as Vice President. Former Chamber of Commerce President, Mr.Jose Thomas was elected as the General Secretary, Advocate K. V. Prakash as Joint Secretary and CEO of Presidency
Hotel Mr. Nibu Mathew as Treasurer.Advocate Babu Varghese, Advocate James Kurian, CEO of HiFx IT and Media Services Mr. MohanThomas, former NRI and MD of East Fort Medical Centre Mr. Jose Puthukadan, Senior Special Councel (Govt. of
India) Mr. T. P. M. Ibrahim Khan and Director of Blossoms Training Institute Mr. P. L. Jose will be in the Executive
Committee.

Jose Thomas,
General Secretary.

K. V. Prakash,
Jt. Secretary.

It was an emotional journey back in time for the proud inheritor of a
legacy of grit, sweat and tears. Hon.Kamla Persad Bissessar, Prime
Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who is on a 10-day official visit to
India, chose to spend a day tracing her roots. After an eventful trip
to her ancestral Buxar village in Bihar she paid a historic visit to
Kolkata Memorial symbolizing the emotional and cultural bond among
the descendants of millions of indentured labourers who had left the
Indian shores from 1834-1920. The memorial was erected through the
initiative of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
at the spot from where the multitude of labourers set sail to far off
lands including Trinidad.


On January 11, the banks of Hooghly river reverberated with echoes
from the past as the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of Trinidad
and Tobago paid glowing tributes to her ancestors’ courage to brave
adversities to ensure a better life for their progeny. Draped in a red
sari, she walked around the memorial offering flowers in full media
blaze. She also planted a sapling at the harbor. She remarked, ‘’I
wish my grandfather and father were here holding my hand,’’ while
struggling to hold back tears.


Earlier the visiting Prime Minister attended a dinner hosted in her
honour by GOPIO. Addressing the gathering she lauded the efforts of
GOPIO in bringing the global Indian diaspora closer. She shared the
global perception that PIOs have become highly successful in their
chosen fields as business men or professionals. She said the people of
Indian Origin who constitute 42 per cent of the population of her
country have managed to keep alive the values, traditions and
festivals of their forefathers. While thanking the GOPIO for the
gracious hospitality, she assured the organization of her government’s
help in all its efforts towards a better world and a better Trinidad
and Tobago.


Mr.Sunny Kulathakal,Executive Vice President, GOPIO, in his address
explained the historical and cultural significance of Kolkata
Memorial. ‘’The Kolkata Memorial is of meaningful significance with



shared sentiments among millions of descendants of those who left
India as indentured labourers from 1834-1920. The memorial has been
well received by the global Indian diaspora. Cogratulating the Prime
Minister on her being conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya
Samman award, he termed her visit to the memorial as a great honour to
the memory of indentured labourers.

Mr.Malay Mishra, India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago,
urged GOPIO to broaden its activities in Trinidad to make it more
effective. Mr.Chanderdatt Singh, High Commissioner of Trinidad and
Tobago in India, West Bengal minister Mr.Sudarshan Ghosh, Mr.P.Roy,
Director, Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Minister
for Foreign Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr.Rambachan, spoke. While
Mr.Aravind Sood welcomed the gathering Mr.Mridul Pathak, GOPIO
co-ordinator, proposed a vote of thanks.
(EOM)

interview

read

the interview with MR. SUNNY KULATHAKAL at http://www.malayalasameeksha.com/2012/01/blog-post_7123.html

A Man on a Quest

Interview with Sunny Kulathakal

“Seeing people

get the right

information

is my dream.”

Sunny Kulathakal,

Managing Editor,

SUNLIZ Publications

Sunny Kulathakal is a man on a mission, a quest that can be traced back to his maiden

publication of Gulf Who's Who Directory that featured profiles and portraits of leading decision

makers of all nationalities settled in the Middle East since 1978. A chance tour of the Gulf region

on an assignment about Indians settled in the region changed his world. The journalist turned

publisher recollects: “I was amazed to find a lot of Indians holding key management positions in

the Gulf defying the notion that most of the Indians who land up there can only take up menial

occupations.” Since then, he has been publishing a 600 odd page directory on Bahrain covering

rules and regulations on how to start business ventures and providing an assessment of the

present economic situation in the kingdom.

The directory published by SUNLIZ Publications provides details of the Economic Development Board. Ministries, embassies, Civil Service Bureau, Shura Council, members of parliament, Chamber of Commerce find prominent space.

The latest edition of the Gulf Who's Who Directory 2011- 2012 focuses on Bahrain's Economic

Vision 2030, with a third of its pages dedicated to it. It features 160 interviews and a full listing

of airlines, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, manufacturers, jewellers, associations and

schools, in addition to details of media and advertising agencies. Garden City College occupies

pride of place in the publication. The articulate and debonair persona was at Garden City College

recently where he presented the latest edition of the book to His Excellency Dr Joseph VG,

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Maldives in Bangalore and Chairman Garden

City Group of Institutions.

In a freewheeling interview with budding journalists at GCC,

the SUNLIZ Publications Managing Editor shares some insights on the directory and explains how the book has grown from a simple business listing to a useful, information-packed guidebook for both residents and non residents of Bahrain. Excerpts from the chat:

Ms. Ankita Ray: How difficult is it to bring out a publication like ‘Who’s who’ single

handedly?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I had started working for the first edition of ‘Gulf Who’s Who’ in

1977. I wanted to dispel the notion that Indians in the Gulf were only there to take up menial

jobs. Though initially I had faced problems in regards to acceptance of the book, it gradually

gained worldwide popularity. This book is considered a bible by those who are into business

and other occupations all around the globe. Since I handle the entire publication alone, I do face

problems like providing the place of choice for the personalities I feature in the book. However,

I have managed to handle the same maintaining cordial relations with all of them.

Networking isanother very important thing that I have always kept in mind because until one is in good terms with others, the business or exchange of information cannot be done successfully.

Ms. Nameeta Renchi: Bringing out “Gulf Who is Who directory” is not an easy task, what are

the major problems that you faced in compiling the book?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: The designing of the directory cover itself was a trifle difficult. The

cover has the pictures of people introduced inside the book. Every one of them wanted their

pictures to be printed on the front page of the directory which was practically impossible. So this

book is an exercise on human relationships. Maintaining good human relationship is the most

satisfying but a difficult task to achieve.

Ms. Ankita Ray: What is the criterion for choosing the profiles featured in your book?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Gulf’s Who’s Who is a directory that provides information that one

would require for engaging into business with Bahrain in all its sectors. Therefore, I see to it

that all the necessary and required information that one would look forward to for proposing

a business deal in Bahrain is readily available in my book. In the latest edition, I have also

included details about Bahrain’s vision 2030 where an overall perspective on development of

the country is featured. To be precise, I choose managerial business proprietors, ministers,

diplomats and personalities who have made a mark or excelled in their respective fields to be

featured in my book.

Ms. Ankita Ray: What is your take on media and its changing role in today’s world?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I have always believed that media and judiciary are the two most

important and obligatory part of every society. With the change of times, we have seen how

the media has altered its role as well, which has sometimes proved to be disastrous. But still

the significant job of bringing awareness and disseminating information to the masses that the

media does, cannot be neglected. Therefore, media always needs to be highlighted. I personally

believe that there are no limits to journalism when practiced for the good. Another thing that I

would like to mention is that India needs a lot of good newspapers that would cover local news

which are most of the time do not fine space in the pages of the main stream newspapers. Thus,

encouragement to community newspapers in my opinion is the need of the hour.

Ms. Nameeta: Gulf is not only a work place for many Keralites but their second home. But in

many Malayalam programmes like Pravaasi Malayalam depict adverse situations that a person

should go through in the Gulf. What is the reality?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Well, the reality is that people before migrating to Middle East believe

that residing in Gulf is a life time fortune. They will take up jobs with low pay or fly out there

to make money only to lose the little they had. The Indian embassy has in the past helped such

people to return home. I have a simple advice. Be careful with the visa you opt for and adhere to

the regulations in place.

Ms. Greeshma: It is not so often that we find couples working together successfully in their pursuits. What is that comfort zone you share with your wife, Elizabeth in the work place?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: She has stood with me as a pillar of support and a shade of comfort

behind all my successes. She also enjoys the kind of work I do and the benefits that come with it.

We often get to travel across the world to market the book.

Ms. Greeshma: Gulf Asian Magazine that you were associated with as the editor has not been published for quite some time now. Do you have any plans to revive it?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Indeed it is my wish to revive the publication. It did not happen earlier

because of the economic crisis in Bahrain. But now that we are out of the woods, things are

looking up. When I bring out a magazine or any other publication, I would not want to do so

just for the sake of it. Rather it should serve the people. So when the time comes I will do that

accordingly.

Ms. Nameeta Renchi: Students after completing their higher secondary education in Bahrain or any other parts of Middle East, come down to India to pursue their higher studies. It is the same in the case with NRI’s. Is it because of the quality of the education provided here?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Yes, India has good universities and colleges compared to the Middle

East and greater learning opportunities. Many students from Bahrain are studying here as well. I have been working on ways to help deserving students from the Gulf come to study in Bangalore and other Indian cities.

Ms. Ankita Ray: How different is life in Bahrain when compared to India?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: I have lived a non resident life but my mind has always been rooted

in my home soil. I am contact with my homeland at all times. Bangalore remains my favourite

city for its allure and charm. I am in love with its attractions, the greenery, climate, educational

institutions, and just about everything the city boasts of. Recently, the Prime Minister of Bahrain

asked me the best place to visit in India. I recommended Bangalore without any second thoughts.

It is India’s naturally air conditioned city.

Ms. Ankita Ray: What is your message to the students of Garden City College?

Mr. Sunny Kulathakal: Firstly, I would like to salute His Excellency Dr Joseph VG, Honorary

Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Maldives in Bangalore and Chairman Garden City Group

of Institutions for his astute leadership and guidance. The way he has gone about building ‘this

educational haven’ shows his devotion and the undivided attention he has been providing the

college for the welfare and all round development of the students. I would be happy if the

students utilize the facilities provided to them and be the agents of publicity for the college.

Graduates from this college have the potential to compete with the best from any part of the

world.

BOX ITEM along with his picture....

ABOUT SUNNY:

A native of Marammon, Kerala Sunny Kulathakal completed his journalistic training

in Malayala Manorama and later became a dynamic activist in YMCA. Widely

travelled in India and abroad, he served as Development Director of Bangalore United

Theological College for eight years. Settled in Bahrain at present, he is running an

own publication named SUNLIZ Publications along with his wife SK Elizabeth. Sunny

as he is affectionately known has made commendable marks in the fields of public

relations, media consultancy and advertising. He is the Managing Editor of Gulf’s,

Who’s Who Directory and Gulf Asian Magazine. Aside, he served as feature editor of

the Anglo-Arab Magazine, Nazreth Al Khaleej and worked as correspondent in different

newspapers being published from Dubai. His books, Story of a Martyr, The World of

Drugs and The World of Prostitutes have been well received. The Kulathakal’s are

blessed with three children, all of them settled in the US.