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04 Feb 2025 -- 6 min read

The History and Significance of Rose Windows in Gothic Architecture

Rose windows are large, circular stained-glass windows found in Gothic architecture, symbolizing divine light and eternity. They often depict biblical scenes and saints, acting as a "Bible in glass" for the illiterate. The circular shape represents infinity and divine perfection, while the intricate designs helped distribute the structural weight of cathedrals. Notable examples include those in Sainte-Chapelle and York Minster. These windows continue to inspire both traditional and modern religious architecture.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Iconography,Tracery,Tessellation,Gothic Revival,Creationism,Divinity,Exquisite,Glasswork Heritage,Spirituality,Cathedral,Medievalism,Craftsmen,Sacred,Illumination,SacramentVirtue,Harmony,Perfection,Religious art,Rose window,Gothic,Stained glass,Architecture,Symbolism,Beatitudes,Cathedrals,Tracery,Flying buttress,Sainte-Chapelle,Creation,Revival,Gothic,Revival,Circle,Marthandam,Design,Craftsmanship,Medieval,Narratives,Peacemakers

13 Feb 2025 -- 5 min read

The Munnar Muthuvans: A Resilient Tribe Preserving Tradition Amidst Change

The Muthuvans are an indigenous tribal community of Kerala, primarily residing in the High Ranges of Idukki district. Known for their deep connection to the land and forest, the Muthuvans have preserved their unique cultural heritage, including traditional farming methods like shifting cultivation, and religious practices centered around Lord Murugan. Despite modern challenges, they continue to maintain a simple, self-sustained lifestyle, while adapting to changes through government support in areas like education, healthcare, and economic development. The Muthuvans' resilience and commitment to preserving their culture amid progress make them a symbol of endurance and cultural preservation.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Muthuvans tribe, Muthuvan culture, Kerala tribes, Indigenous communities Kerala, High Ranges Muthuvans, history, Shifting cultivation Kerala, Tribal welfare Kerala, Saami Ootu festival, traditional lifestyle, Kerala tribal identity, government support, religion and practices, hills tribes kerala, munnar and muthuvans, hill people, native peoples, high range peoples, idduki tribes

14 Feb 2025 -- 4 min read

Munnar: Nilgiri tahr, Eravikulam National Park and Journey through western Ghats

The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered wild goat native to the Western Ghats of India, particularly in the Nilgiri Hills. Adapted to high-altitude, rocky terrains, this herbivore faces threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts, including protected areas like Eravikulam National Park, have helped increase their population. This article explores their physical characteristics, habitat, threats, and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve this unique species and its environment.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Nilgiri Tahr, Endangered Species, Eravikulam National Park, Western Ghats, Conservation, Wildlife Protection, Habitat Loss, Nilgiritragus hylocrius, Poaching, Mountain Goat, Herbivores, Indian Wildlife, South India Wildlife, Nilgiri Hills, Wildlife Census, Poaching Prevention, Threatened Species, Genetic Diversity, Himalayan Tahr, Conservation Efforts, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Invasive Species, Livestock Grazing, Sustainable Conservation, Wildlife Habitats, Nilgiri Goat, Biodiversity of Western Ghats, Endangered Animals India, High-altitude Ecosystems, Biodiversity Conservation, Mountain Ecosystems, Nilgiri Wildlife, Western Ghats Biodiversity, Wild Goat Species, India's Endangered Wildlife, Biodiversity of South India, Eravikulam National Park Tahr, Nilgiri Wildlife Protection, Endangered Mountain Goats, Nilgiri Tahr Habitat, Indian Mountain Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation India, Tahr Conservation, Protected Areas in India, Wildlife Census Data, Conservation of Nilgiri Tahr, South Indian Wildlife Sanctuaries, Highland Fauna India, Eravikulam Tahr Population, Indian Wildlife Conservation Strategies, Genetic Separation in Wildlife, Western Ghats Conservation, Wildlife Endangerment Causes, Mountain Herbivores of India, Nilgiri Hills Wildlife, Herbivore Species India, Nilgiri Tahr Range, Himalayan Tahr Relation, Nilgiri Tahr Facts, Western Ghats Habitat Protection

27 Feb 2025 -- 3 min read

Munnar to the Peaks: A Decade of Adventure

From Munnar to the Peaks: A Decade of Adventure" chronicles a transformative era for adventure tourism in Kerala’s Idukki district. During a pivotal ten-year period (1987-1997) as Secretary of the Idukki District Mountaineering Association, I helped pioneer trekking, rock climbing, and mountaineering training programs that popularized outdoor sports locally and among tourists. The association forged vital partnerships with government agencies and adventure organizations, improved safety awareness, and enhanced infrastructure for climbers. These efforts established Idukki as a renowned mountaineering destination, spurring local tourism and economic growth, while preserving the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes for future generations. A lasting legacy endures.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Idukki District Mountaineering Association, Mountaineering Kerala, trekking and climbing, Munnar adventure tourism, Kerala Mountaineering Association 1987,Idukki adventure sports, mountaineering activities, Rock climbing Munnar, Adventure tourism Kerala, Mountaineering training Kerala, trekking expeditions, Outdoor activities Munnar, District tourism development, Mountaineering associations Kerala, Adventure tourism impact ,District tourism growth, Kerala adventure sports events, natural beauty tourism, Mountaineering leadership Kerala, economy through tourism, history, District adventure clubs, Munnar tours, trekking trails, events Kerala, Adventure tourism development Kerala, infrastructure, Kerala rock climbing destinations, Kerala adventure tourism industry, trekking association, Mountaineering community Kerala, Adventure sports associations Kerala trekking guides, mountaineering camps, Mountaineering safety Kerala, trekking routes, adventure tourism initiatives, Kerala mountaineering training programs, tourism impact on economy, Munnar climbing expeditions, adventure tourism legacy, Adventure tourism in district, landscape tourism, Kerala mountaineering tourism growth, Outdoor sports Kerala, mountaineering expedition history, Kerala adventure tourism leadership, trekking tourism growth, mountaineering equipment resources, Kerala adventure tourism training camps

27 Feb 2025 -- 7 min read

From cataracts to conservation; A Doctor’s decade in Munnar

Dr. Suresh Paul’s journey epitomizes a harmonious blend of medical excellence and deep-rooted love for Munnar’s natural splendor. Graduating from Thanjavur Medical College in 1984, his illustrious career saw him serve at renowned institutions like Sankara Nethralaya and Tata Tea. Specializing in eye care, he dedicated himself to cataract and squint surgeries while nurturing a family legacy in Munnar. His work extended across remote estate hospitals and local community care. Beyond medicine, Dr. Paul embraced conservation, engaging with Munnar’s lush landscapes, tea heritage, and cultural landmarks like Eravikulam National Park and CSI Christ Church.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Munnar, eravikulam national park, Cataracts, Eye Surgery, Munnar, Healthcare, Conservation, Thanjavur Medical College, Sankara Nethralaya, Tata Tea, Dr. Suresh Paul, Family Legacy, Nyamakad Hospital, Rajamallay Hospital, Pettimudi Landslide, Rajamallay Gap, Kannimallay Hospital , General Hospital, Estate Hospitals, Tea Plantations, Dr. Suresh Eye Hospital, Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, Kannimala Factory, High Range Club, CSI Church

27 Feb 2025 -- 7 min read

Munnar : Transforming Plantation Healthcare from Malaria to Modern Medicine

This narrative explores the evolution of healthcare in rural plantation settings on the Kanan Devan Hills, where early malaria, termed “hill fever,” devastated workers until intervention by experts from the Ross Institute of Tropical Medicine. Pioneering studies by Dr. Ramsay identified key mosquito species such as Anophilus minimus and Anophilus fluviatilis, leading to targeted preventive measures. The narrative recounts the establishment of apothecary services, the transition of care under Dr. Kerr, Dr. Nicholson, and subsequent CMOs like Dr. Mahadevan, and modern developments during the Tata Tea era. It highlights antenatal clinics, health education initiatives, and formation of plantation self-help groups.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Hospitals in munnar , doctors in munnar, emergency care in munnar, Kanan Devan Concession Land , Plantation healthcare , Hill fever / Malaria in plantations , Ross Institute of Tropical Medicine, Dr. Ramsay mosquito study, Anophilus minimus, Anophilus fluviatilis, Dr. Mischam , Plantation apothecary, Dr. Kerr, Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Finlayson , Dr. Thankavelu , Dr. R. Madadevan ("Mahadevan Time") , Munnar General Hospital , Tata Tea plantation healthcare, Estate hospitals and dispensaries, Antenatal clinics and health education , Self-help groups in plantation communities , Plantation healthcare evolution, Kanan Devan Hills healthcare history , Munnar estate hospitals , Tata Tea healthcare contributions , Management wives delivery policy, Lady Wellingdon Hospital legacy, Wood Brook Bungalow healthcare, 16 mm projector health education , Plantation apothecary practices , Plantation self-help groups , Dr. Todd healthcare transition , Dr. Duncan Hugh Finlayson visit , Mahadevan Time healthcare reforms , Estate dispensaries in plantations , Maternal and antenatal clinics plantation , Health audit on plantations

05 Mar 2025 -- 2 min read

Indian independence, The Charge Sheet that Captured Mr. Paul Ratnam’s Struggle

The chargesheet against Paul Ratnam (March 1939) highlights his role in Travancore’s struggle for responsible government. As Vilavancode unit secretary, he organized protests, trained volunteers, and fought caste injustices. Despite repression, his efforts advanced democracy and human rights, leaving a lasting legacy of resistance against oppression.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Paul Ratnam, Charge sheet, Travancore, Revolutionary activities, Responsible government ,Travancore State Congress, Vilavancode unit, Mobilizing volunteers, Political rallies, Direct actions ,Paramilitary training, Caste-based injustice, Adult franchise, Minority rights, State repression, Social justice, Resistance, Democratic ideals

05 Mar 2025 -- 5 min read

Discover Munnar's Top Natural Attractions: Eravikulam Park, Lakkam Falls, Mattupetty Dam, and More

Munnar, nestled in Kerala's Western Ghats, offers nature enthusiasts diverse attractions. Eravikulam National Park protects the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Lakkam Waterfalls and Thoovanam Falls provide serene landscapes. Kundala Dam, Asia's first arch dam, offers boating amidst scenic views. The historic Mount Carmel Basilica showcases colonial architecture. Top Station offers panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats. The Lockhart Tea Museum delves into the region's tea heritage. Each destination enriches Munnar's appeal for nature lovers.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Eravikulam National Park, Nilgiri Tahr, Anamudi Peak, Neelakurinji flowers, Lakkam Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Indo-Swiss Farm, Kundala Club, Kundala Dam, Top Station, Lockhart Tea Museum, Western Ghats, Munnar, Tea plantations, Wildlife safaris, Boating, Trekking, Picnicking, Colonial architecture, Eco-tourism

10 Mar 2025 -- 7 min read

Kamalam Family Legacy: A Generational Journey

This article chronicles the Kamalam Family Legacy, tracing generations from Rev. Joseph Kamalam, an early evangelist who championed independent ministry, to his descendants who excelled in medicine and ministry. Their journey reflects unwavering dedication, leadership, and transformative impact, preserving a heritage of excellence and commitment across generations with lasting influence.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Kamalam Family Legacy, Rev. Joseph Kamalam, Dr. Job Kamalam , Generational Chronicle , Dedication and Excellence , Evangelical Ministry , Missionary Service , Family History ,Church Ministry ,Nagercoil Seminary ,Atinkal London Mission Hospital ,Marthandam Mission Hospital , Christian Heritage , Independent Ministry , Palliyadi

11 Mar 2025 -- 5 min read

Sam Jacob Lawrence: A Life of Integrity, Dedication, and Faith

Sam Jacob Lawrence, a former Kerala State football player, dedicated his life to sports, government service, and faith. His football career instilled discipline and teamwork, which he carried into his role overseeing Kerala’s guest houses and later at Cape Hotel, Kanyakumari. Known for his integrity, he stood by his principles despite challenges. His legacy includes his pivotal role in building the CSI Church in Kanyakumari, leaving behind a lasting impact on sports, service, and faith.

by Dr. Suresh Paul

Sam Jacob Lawrence, Kerala State Football Player, Sportsmanship, Government Service, Cape Hotel, Kanyakumari, Integrity, Ethical Leadership, CSI Church Construction, Faith and Community, Legacy of Service, Resilience, Dedication, Hospitality, Principles Over Power, Inspiration

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