WHAT JANAPAKSHAM HAS DONE FOR VIZHINJAM PROJECT

The Beginning

It all started on 2nd October 2004, with a brilliant presentation by Elias John on Vizhinjam port in City School,PMG, Trivandrum.At the end,no one had any doubts whether there was a need for Vizhinjam International Transhipment Hub. Janapaksham members realised that this project will be implemented only with a mass movement, for which we planned Janapaksham Birthright Declaration programme on October 31st.

Following committes were formed for smooth execution of the program
Area committee under Mr.Nedumon Jayakumar to garner the support of the locals in Vizhinjam area, Fund committee headed by Mr.Anil Ganesh to mobilise and manage funds.The most crucial task of motivating college youth was headed by Venkatesh for Campus committee.A technical committee was also formed with Mr.Ramkumar as convener to study the scientific and technical aspects of the project .

Seminars were organised in the following areas.

School/College Campaign1. Class for 150 staff members in Cotton Hill Girls Higher Secondary School.2. Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. – Nearly 500 students.3. Class for nearly 6000 students in Cotton Hill GHSS.4. Institute of Management in Kerala (IMK),Trivandrum.5. University College of Engineering, Kariyavattom.6. M.G. College7. Govt. Arts College8. Govt. Model Higher Secondary School9. Govt. Women's College, Vazhuthacad.10. St. Xavier's College, Thumba – NSS team11. City Higher Secondary School, PMG12. St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, Vizhinjam
Project area
Discussion meeting at Mukkola – organized by Mr. NedumonJayakumar. The people gathered there declared full hearted supportfor all activities for the implementation of Vizhinjam Project.
Adimalathura Beach – organized by Fr. Lucian Thomas, ParishPriest, Adimalathura, the area which had witnessed widespread protest against VITH construction due misapprehensions created by lack of proper communication to the natives about the project details. Hundreds of fishermen, ladies, youths gathered there were very confused about the Project. Main area of concern was the evacuation of poor people residing near Project Area,because Pattayam was not issued to many of the families who have nopolitical influence. Janapaksham declared that it will always be with the peoplein Project area and decided to take up the pattayam issue.Accordingly pattayam applications are being collected.Most families fear that they will be displaced to Pannimala,a remote area if the project comes up.
Parish Council, Vizhinjam Church: The parish priest Fr.Ignesious and council members have assured support for the project.They have requested janapaksham to take up the drinking water issue.
Siraj Nagar, Thekkumbhakom Muslim Jam'aat – organized by Sri.Jebbar Saahib, Secretary, Thekkumbhakom Jamaat. Hundreds of peoplegathered in the sandy yard near the wharf. Representatives of nearly13 organizations connected with Vizhinjam fishing harbor attended themeeting.Chappath, Vizhinjam: - the entrance of proposed VizhinjamPort. Organised by Mr. Shuja, the Chappath Area Convenor.

OTHERS
KCYM - Animation centre, TVM – for representatives of nearly100 KCYM units (Kerala Catholic Youth Movement)

Teacher's GUILD - Nearly 400 teachers working in attended themeeting.
Industrial Estate, Monvila – Seminar for the idealindustrialists gathered at Monvila.
ARENA Multimedia, Karimpanal Arcade, Statue – for Multimediastudents.
Rural Development Society, Thenniyoorkonam - Organized byMr. Joyson. People there,especially ladies were so thrilled about the project that they were willing even to circle the secretariat if needed.
FRAT, Trivandrum - General body meeting of nearly 400residential associations.

Letter writing and e-mail campaigns

A letter writing campaign was organized in the schools and Colleges of Thiruvananthapuram City. Nearly 25000 post cards were posted to the Honourable President of India, Prime Minister ,Chief minister of Kerala and Opposition Leader of Kerala.
An e-mail campaign was also simultaneously launched thorough the Yahoo groups site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vizhinjamproject/

Janapaksham “Vizhinjam - My Birth Right” Declaration Rally (Janmavakashaprakhapanam)

On October 31st 2004 , a motor vehicle rally was organized from Kaudiar palace to Vizhinjam which concluded in a public meeting where a “Birth right declaration” was taken in presence Sri.M.V.Raghavan , Minister of Ports .This was the first Public meeting held by Janpaksham in connection with Vizhinjam Port Project.

The rally was flagged off by Prince Avittom Thirunal Aditya Varma in front of the Kaudiar Palace at around 2.45 pm . Around 200 vehicles participated – most of them cars . Since it was raining heavily till 2pm very few bikes were there. The students of Medical College ,Thiruvananthapuram came in a bus .
The cars were all decorated with ribbons and balloons to attract public attention . A pilot vehicle announced the arrival of the rally . It was drizzling throughout the rally. Yet many people thronged on either side of the roads to see the rally.
The rally reached near Vizhinjam Jama-at at 4.pm .The people received rally with hot tea .The venue of the Public meeting was Chappat . Minister Sri.M.V.Raghavan came very punctually at 5pm.
Sri.Benny Joseph ,State Convener of Janpaksham did the welcome speech. He told the audience how he has personally witnessed the tremendous impact of Ports around the World.He has just came back from a tour of Shanghai,Singapore and Dubai Ports.He urged the minister to speed up the project,since the significance of Deep water ports maydiminish if the World trend of building wider ships gain upper hand in the next decade . So we will have to finish building VITH by 2010 .Still Vizhinjam has the advantage of proximity to International shipping route .Sri.C.R.Soman , Patron of Janpaksham presided . Dr.C.R.Soman in his address stressed need for looking at development from a Nationalist view point .Development occusrig anywhere in the country will benefit the entire nation .So there is no meaning insome people trying to be factional to a particular region
Sri.M.V.Raghavan ,Honourable Minister of Ports , inaugurated the meeting by lighting the lamp.

In his speech The Honourable Minister Sri.M.V.Raghavan Declared that the “Work of Port will be started before the present Government completes its term .Once started ,nobody can stop it from being implemented”.

He elaborated on the history of the project .He said he began working on Vizhinjam project from 1991.A company from Hyderabad managed to sign and MOU with the LDF government then. It was a dual project with a oil based Thermal power plant along with Port. Actually no body had done any study to assess feasibility of the project or thecapability of the party to undertake such a project. The company had no know how in Port development or Power!!They wanted to sell the MOU to a third party and make profits. When the present Government came into power , the initial task was to undo all the legal wrangles and then to nullify the agreement. After that new global tenders were floated inviting _Expression of Interest. Initially there were 11 companies .Now 7 are remaining. Of these 4 are foreign and 3 Indian. He was not very enthusiastic aboutIndian companies. The Government has declared its intention to take 24% equity in theproject to convince the interested companies that it is viable project . Sri.MVR also narrated his experience previuosly when he went to visit the originally proposed site at adimalthura. A group of fishermen came running carrying the oars and shouting slogansagainst him. They were lucky to escape unhurt. The site has since been shifted to the area between Vizhinjam and adimalthura. MVR sat throughout the entire meeting and it showed his sincerity to the project .Actually it appeared he was also eager to havesupporters outside the government to move with this project. Now he was convinced that there is total support from the local people We have to mobilise further support from the entire state .
The ministers speech was followed by that of MLA Dr.Neelalohithadasan Nadar ,and the local leaders both political and religious.Everybody was unanimous in declaring support to the port .Actually it was the speech of the local leaders which were more passionate .They were eager to dispel any notion of resistance from the local people with respect to this port.This was one BIG assurance the minister as well we people outside Vizhinjam wanted to hear.In turn Janapaksham gave the assurance that we will see that adequate compensation and rehabilitation of whoever may be displaced due to the project.
The Birth Right Declaration was read by Ms.Sanitha.P.S a management student and Mr.Abdul Latheef , a medical student .
The Janapaksham “Vizhinjam Port -My Birthright” Declaration :

“ Vizhinjam Port is my Birthright. We demand that the Port project to be implemented as soon as possible. The Government should start it on its own or entrust it with Private entrepreneurs . If both alternatives are not happening , Keralites are ready to built and operate the Port”

All the participants , both the speakers including the Minister as well the audience stood up to pronounce the declaration .It was loudly pronounced three times .


INDIAMAX YATRA -23.1.2005 TO 31.1.2005

India Max concept was developed by Sri.Elias John – To build the model of the Largest Container Ship existing in the World and give it the name India Max , since only Vizhinjam can give berth to such large ships. It was approved by the Janapaksham executive committee on 8 th Jan 2005 .and various committees were constituted.

Mr.K.C.S.Nair and Mr.Davidson were entrusted to find out the model of the largest container ship .
The float was constructed by Artist Jinan who has won National awards for designing the Kerala Pavilion in IITF ,at Pragati Maidan ,New Delhi .

Mr. K.C.S.Nair was designated General Captain of India Max

Inauguration

23.1.2005 Sunday 10 am Gandhi Park , East Fort ,Thiruvananthapuram

Welcome speech :Sri.Benny Joseph

Remarks on Vizhinjam Port Movement Sri.Elias John

Inauguration :Sri.V.M.Sudheeran

Flag off : Kumari Sarika ( A +2 student ,her research work was selected from India for an international competition for budding talents by Intel Corporation ,USA)
Vote of Thanks: Dr.manoj.K.S.
Day captain : Mr.Ramkumar
Assisted by : Mr.Shiju ,Mr.Arun ,Mr.Sanjeev
Daily Collection : Mr.Cahndrankutty ,Mrs.Baby Girija, Mr.Sanjeev,Mr.Sujith .R.S.
People who participated : Vijayan Vallikavu, K.C.S.Nair , Baby Girija ,Mr.Swaminathan ,Dr.Manoj, Mr.Benny Joseph, Mr.Dominic

Route : Gandhipark,Mancaud,Ambalathara,Thiruvallom ,Poonthura,Beemapally ,Valiyathura , Airport , Shankhumukham ,Kannanthura, Vettucaud

Corner Speech at Manacaud ,Ambalathara ,Thiruvallom ,Poonthura lock ,Poontura ,Beemapally
Meeting at Shankhumukham – Sri.Elias John made an excellent speech lasting nearly 1 ½ hours .

Day 2 24.1.2005

Day Captains : Mr.Chandrankutty ,Mr.Venkitesh
Assisted by : Mr.Arun , Mr.Sanjeev ,Mr. Althaf
Fund raising : Mr.Chandrankutty ,Mr. Davidson(thumba)
Pilot “ Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu ,Baby Girija
Other members : Mr. Vijayakrishnan ,Mr. Davidson ,Mr. Mohanan,Mr. Anoop
Camera : Arunkumar
Route : Vettucaud,Veli, Station kadavu, Thumba,St.Xaviers, Marian Engineering college, Meenamkulam,Nalumukku, Suja Hospital ,Kazhakkoottam
Days final at Kazhakkoottam : Mr.Elias John, Mr.Davidson,Mr. Swaminathan,Mrs.baby Girija, Ms.Nehala

Day 3 25.1.2005

Day Captain :Mr.Swaminathan
Assisted by : Mr.Shiju , Mr. Jayaraj, Mr. Davidson
Fund : Mr. Chandra kutty
Pilot : Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu , K.C.S.Nair
Other : Mr. Arun,Mr. Althaf, Mr. Venkitesh, Mr. Sivakumar , Mr. Sanjeev
Route : Kazhakkoottam , Karyavattom ,Campus , Sreekaryam ,Pongummoodu , Ulloor, Kesavadasapuram , Pattom, Muscat Hotel

Day 4 26.1.2005

Day Captain : Mr. Mohanan
Assisted by : Mr. Shiju, Mr. Arun , Mr. Sanjeev, Mr. venkitesh, Mr. Anoop ,Mr. Sivakumar
Fund raising : Mr. Chandran kutty , Mr. Sanjeev ,Baby Girija
Pilot : Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu , K.C.S.Nair
Route : Muscat Hotel, Vellayambalam,Kaudiar , Ambalamukku ,Peroorkada , Sasthamangalam, Edapazhinji , Pangode , Thirumala, Poojapura , Vazhuthacaud,Thycaud, Thmpanoor , TVS Neeramankara
Days final : Huge gathering at Thampanoor to hear Mr.Elias John

Day 5 27.1.2005

Day Captain : Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu

Assisted by : Mr.Shouja ,Mr.Chandrankutty
Fund raising : Mr. Chandrankutty , Mrs.Baby Girija, Mr. Mohanan,Jacob Samuel
Route : Neeramankara,Pappanamcode,Nemom ,Pallichal ,Peringamala , Venganoor, Poonkulam ,Kovalam,Vizhinjam
Days final : Vizhinjam – Mr. Elias John

Day 6 28.1.2005

Day captain : Mr.Shiju
Assisted by : Mr.Sivarajan,Mr.Binu
Pilot : Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu

Fund raising : Mr.Shiju ,Mr. Chandrankutty
Route : Vizhinjam ,Mukkola,Chappath ,Pulluvila,Kanjiramkulam , Nellimoodu , Vazhimukku, Balaramapuram ,Neyyattinkara ,Alummoodu
Days final : Balaramapuram – Mr. Elias John

Day 7 29.1.2005

Day captain : Mr. Shiju
Assisted by : Mr. Chandrankutty
Pilot : Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu , Baby Girija
Fund raising : Mr. Anoop, Mr. Venkitesh ,Mr. Sanjeev
Route : Neyyattinkara , Arumanoor , Kanjiramkulam , Poovar

Day 8 30.1.2005

Day captain : Mr. Shiju
Assisted by : Mr.Sanjeev ,Mr.Chandrankutty ,Mr. Binu
Pilot : Mrs.Baby Girija, Mr. Vijayan Vallikavu
Route : Poovar ,Pulluvila , Karimkulam ,Kochupalli , Adimalathura
Presenters : Jacob Samuel, Vijayan Vallikavu ,Elias John , Benny Joseph
Others : Mr.Arun (Palaghat) ,Mr.Davis Wilson , Mrs.Rebecca Davis , Mr. Santhosh, Mr. Davidson , Mr. Anil Ganesh , Mr. Swaminathan ,Mr. K.C.S. Nair

Final Day 31.1.2005

Day captain : Mr. Shiju

Assisted by : Mr. Rajkumar ,Mr. Binu

Evening programme : Vizhinjam

Inauguration : Sri. Dominic Presentation – Minister of Fisheries

Chief Guest : Sri .Suresh Gopi – cine star

Others speakers : Mr. Neelalohithadasan Nadar , Mr. Elias John , Mr. Benny Joseph , Mr. Vijayan Vallikkavu , Mr. Shouja , Ms .Sarika

Sidelights
Vehicle sanctions ,Mike order : Mr. K.C.S.Nair , Mr. Swaminathan
Sounds : Mr. Sreekumar , Sreekumar Sounds
Driver of vehicle : Mr. Suresh ,Balaramapuram
Man of the Yatra : Mr. Shiju
Team leader : Mr. Davidson
Camera : Mr. Arun


VIZHINJAM CALLING

Vizhinjam Calling was a mega event planned to catch the attention of the World into the infinite possibilities of Vizhinjam Port .
The main event planned was a Boat Chain made of nearly 2000 boats off the Trivandrum coast This will break the current Guinness World record of 944 boats


The inauguration of activities of "Vizhinjam Calling" was on 11th April 2005 at Gandhi Park Maidan . The sudden heavy rains swamped the function .However lot of people turned up braving the weather. Rev.Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram Dr.Susai Pakiam was to be the Chief Guest .We decided at last not to call in Bishop since there was not sign of let up of rain . Sri Dinesh Panikar ,noted film producer and convener programme committee , welcomed the guests Sri.Elias John made the Topic presentation and detailed the necessity of Vizhinjam and its immnense potential .He mentioned the article by Dr.Jose paul which came in The Hindu Business line on 11th itself .

Sri.James.K.Joseph ,former Chief Financial adviser ,Cochin Port Trust and now General Convener of "Vizhinjam Calling" Organising committee did the inauguration with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp. He also mentioned about the article by Dr.Jose Paul .he said that Dr.Jose Paul actually called him in the afternoon and had a gooddiscussion.Dr.Jose Paul had worked with James sir in CPT as Transport Manager. He is one of the few persons having doctorate in Port Management in India .Dr.Jose Paul points out that in the emerging scenario Vizhinjam is the hope of India. His turn around has come due to the introduction of 10000 TEU container ships which inturn resulted from a technological revolution in engine and shipdesign in past 2 years .Others who made felicitations were Sri.N.Venugopal TRIDA chairman ,Sri.Chandrasenan , Sri.K.T.Roy ,Sri.Jabbar , Sri.Raghu etcBenny Joseph made vote of thanks

Inauguration

On 26th April a formal inauguration of Vizhinjam Calling was done by Chief Minister Sri.Oommen Chandy .
He declared that the Vizhinjam Project will be implemented by the Government .The bidding process is going on and Government was hopeful that suitable partners would be coming. The Government will take 24% share in the project.
Minister for Ports Sri.M.V.Raghavan , Sri.Neelalohithadasan Nadar MLA were also present apart from the District ,Panchayat ,Local leaders

Public Meetings

Janapaksham organized nearly 20 public meetings in the build up campaign for the Boat Chain. Large public meetings were held in Poovar,Poonthura,Beemapally ,Veli,kochuveli ,Kovalam, etc
On April 29 th Public meeting at Pulluvila was addressed by opposition leader Sri.V.S.Achuthanandan



Seminar on Vizhinjam Project

“Perspectives in Container Trade and Potential of the Vizhinjam Project”

A Seminar was organized by Janapaksham on 30th April 2005 on the eve of the Great Boat tie-up to espouse the cause of Vizhinjam International Sea Port at Hotel Muthoot Plaza Dr Jose Paul , former Acting Chairman, JN Port, Mumbai and former Chairman Mormugao Port Trust, Goa, and Visiting Professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education made the Keynote presentation .
He talked on the “Potential of Vizhinjam as a Mega Transshipment Container Terminal Port in South Asia “Dr.Jayakumar , CEO of Vizhinjam International Sea Port gave a overview of the Vizhinjam Project .Sri .James.K.Joseph Convener ,Vizhinjam Calling ,former Financial adviser Cochin Port Trust ,Sri.Scaria James Former Chief Engineer ,Murmagoa Port Trust also gave brief talks.Representatives from most of the media houses attended the meeting
The Vizhinjam Calling – Boat Tie up May 1st , 2005 an unique gathering of people from all walks of life – a gathering hitherto not witnessed in the history of this country was organized – a chain of boats (Boat tie-up) was formed off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram ,from Poovar to Veli .
Nearly 1800 boats lined up . However due to lack of adequate communication facilities the complete chain formation did not take place .However the large number of boats and people who turned up for the event was indicator of the peoples support .
Sri.M.V.Raghavan Minister of Ports inaugurated the event. Sri.Suresh Gopi film actor was present .

Concluding Ceremony

A big public meeting was held at Shankhumukham beach in the evening on May 1st .It was attended by Sri. M.V.Raghavan , Trivandrum archbishop Rev.Bishop Suai Packyam , Chamber of Commerce President Sri.M.R.Narayanan ,Film Actor Sri.Suresh Gopi etc ,
Sri.Elias John declared that Janapaksham will form a company to make the Vizhinjam port a reality if the Government efforts are not materializing .



Events after Vizhinjam Calling



After May 1st event , the Bidding process of Vizhinjam was under way . A Special purpose Vehicle company was already set up in January , called Vizhinjam International seaport Limited .The RFP s were issued on April 20th 2005 .The opening of tenders was delayed in exorbitantly and was finally done only on August 17th . The Government got two bids for the project

The two companies are Gammon India Ltd of Mumbai, and a consortiumof Mumbai-based Zoom Developers and two Chinese companies - KaidiElectric Power Company and China Harbour Engineering Company.
Now the Government again dragged its feet and the Consortium of Mumbai-based Zoom Developers and two Chinese companies was finally awarded the bid only in January 2006..
Since the Chinese companies were involved Clearance from Cabinet Committee on Security was essential before an agreement could be signed with the consortium .
We submitted memorandum to the Honorable Prime Minster Sri.Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Sri. P.Chidambaram during their visits .

We met Chief Minister Oomman Chandy several times to press the issue and get the clearance as soon as possible since elections were coming an Govt may not be able take any decision once the declaration comes and model code of conduct comes into effect . Memorandums were given on 20 .2.2006 and 26.2.2006 .

But Chief minister didn’t heed us and even went on to declare that Prime Minister Sri.Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone immediately (even though no necessary sanctions were obtained at that time ). A reception committee was even organized by Sri.M.V.Raghavan , Minister for Ports to Welcome Prime minister for the Foundation stone laying ceremony .

Janapaksham organized the first Anniversary of India Max Yatra at Vizhinjam on 31st January , 2006. Minister for Ports Sri.M.V.Raghavan , Former MP Sri.V.M.Sudheeran and Sri.Ellias John were felicitated in the programe. A vehicle rally was also organized in connection with the event which was flagged off from Kaudiar Square ,Trivandrum by Cine star Sri.Jagadeesh

Janapaksham organized a Peoples convention to welcome Prime minister on 11 Feb 2006 .at Statue , Trivandrum. A peoples committee was formed with retired Chief Secretary, Sri.Vijayan Unni IAS, as Patron .
A Fax message campaign to Prime Minister was organized on 14th February .
Janapaksham organized an All party meeting at Vizhinjam to form various committees which will help the Government at Local level.(on 19th Feb 2006). Here a committee with District ,Block and Panchayat level elected representatives and other important local personalities as well as representatives of all political parties were formed .
The elections to Kerala assembly was declared on March first week and the model code of conduct came into effect . So there was a sudden halt to all efforts related to the projects from Government side .
We gave submissions to all the candidates regarding the project . Janapaksham members actively participated in many TV programmes of which most notable event was one which was done by Amritha TV. In a debate which was organized at the Vizhinjam Church premises a group of opponents for the project were also invited. All their arguments were decisively defeated by the people .The local support for the project also came very much in evidence during the debate. There was 100% support for the project from the local people .Finally even a tense situation was created and the opponents had to be escorted to their vehicles under security .

The new Government promised that Vizhinjam will be their top priority but all hopes were dashed when central Government denied Security clearance to the project citing the presence of Chinese companies in port sector was threat to National security .