Simbhalan Panickar.

The word 'varma kalai', which originated from the word marmam (meaning 'secret' in Tamil) involves attacking the opponent at specific vital points of the body so as to cause maximum injury. These vital points are believed to be junction points of blood vessels, which when struck from a specific angle and with a particular speed can result in temporary paralysis, extreme pain, loss of consciousness or even immediate or delayed death. This can be executed efficiently only by an expert after decades of training.

Simbhalan Panickar has learnt two types of Kalaripayattu for 8 years and specialised in Varma Kalai, which he studied formally for 6 years. From then on he has been practicing and improvising in his own style for 42 years.

Like all martial art masters, Panickar Gurukkal, (as he is popularly known), is secretive about his skills and has taught very few students, all of them renowned martial art masters of the city. In 1983, he was featured as the most dangerous man in Chennai, in a book released by BBC called 'Way Of The Warrior' which chronicles the various martial art forms of the world. He appeared in the television programme of the same name, in 1982.

Panickar has many more dimentions than martial arts alone. He has worked as Manager at Dasprakash hotels, has learnt acting, acted in a few films and has also taught at the Film Institute, Chennai, for six years as visiting lecturer. Now Panickar is involved in popularising Kalaripayattu in Chennai.

M. S. SWAMINATHAN

Recipient of the first World Food Prize in 1987, the Tyler and Honda Prizes in 1991 and the UNEP Sasakawa award in 1994, Dr M. S. Swaminathan has worked for the past 45 years towards a more enlightened approach to development. His work in crop genetics and sustainable agricultural development in India and the Third World was acknowledged through the three international awards given him.

His tenure as the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operation saw India develop a strong food security system. He recognises the need for an "Evergreen Revolution" in India.

Founded by him in 1988, the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation is a non-profit and scientific trust. In 1990, The Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (CRSARD) was launched as a registered society to carry out MSSRF's research and training goals.

Dr. Swaminathan has served the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (1972-78) and the International Rice Research Institute (1982-88) in the capacity of Director General. He served as Independent Chairman of the FAO Council (1981-85). He was also the President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984-1990) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of India. He is also a member of various academies including the Royal Society of London, US National Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy, Italian, and Chinese Academies.

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