Delhi Calling!!!

The post commonwealth games seem to have jump started Delhi’s business environment, with a new wave of enthusiasm seen in all segments of business. New projects are being initiated and the existing ones are being completed. Delhi is getting ready for the next phase of the Metro which will link the airport and the railway station. The domestic airport and the Disney world in Noida and the automatic cabs in Gurgaon are the other major projects getting initiated.

CSS Delhi with its mixed clientele of direct shippers, freight forwarders and custom house agents has grown leaps and bounds. With volumes reaching to 500 teus during the months of June & July, the last 12 months for CSS Delhi was really rewarding in all the trade lanes of Export, FCL, and Console & Air Freight. They became the number one lifter during June and July with MSC from North India which was an appreciable achievement.

CSS Delhi with a team of efficient and committed staff is working presently at increasing the LCL volumes and increasing business in the special equipment sector. The major products being handled in Delhi include paper, tiles, cattle feed, machine and hand tools. Its arms are reaching the outskirts of the main town touching areas like Moradabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur & Agra.  A promising 2011 is calling Delhi and the Team CSS charts out some innovative approaches in tackling this new environment.

News At A Glance

Peters & May chooses CSS for its UAE operations

CSS join hands with Spatial Group

CSS at Breakbulk Asia Singapore Booth C17

CSS Saudi’s own CFS at Dammam and Jeddah

New facility for CSS at Bahrain Logistics Zone

CSS Air Freight’s face lift at Mega terminal – Dubai Cargo Village

CSS attended Breakbulk

Americas

CSS Group

showcased itself at the ADIPEC with GPLN

Sales Strategy

Meet of CSS Group was held in Dubai in November

15th Anniversary of CSS Group was celebrated in Dubai April 2010

CSS GROUP

Acompany established in the year 1995, Consolidated Shipping Group is today a well known name in the Shipping and Logistics fraternity. This has been achieved by the unyielding efforts taken by the present and the previous employees in the company. Obviously the focused approach by the Management made things very easy. Time was ripe when CSS entered the industry of cargo movement and the wise thinkers who had lined up alongside T.S.Kaladharan, the Group Chairman, never wasted even a second to harvest the opportunities. Today, CSS Group has to its credit an enviable list of Global Network Partners. CSS has a dedicated and highly skilled team of over 750 professionals around the globe offering integrated freight forwarding & logistic solutions to varied clientele. The Group Company has a well established operational office presence in the Middle East & the Indian Sub-Continent.

CORE ACTIVITIES

  • NVOCC
  • Ocean Freight
  • Air Freight & Air Charter Services
  • Land Transportation
  • Industrial Packing & Lashing
  • Multimodal Operations (Sea-Air, Sea-Land)
  • CFS
  • 3PL & 4PL
  • Projects, Oil & Energy
  • Relocations
  • Yacht & Marine Logistics

Ocean Freight & CFS

The Ocean Freight Management team of Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. handles movement of cargo from any global origin/destination, be it LCL or FCL. With its own CFS and Supply Chain facilities, CSS’s Ocean Freight Management capabilities have been rated among the best in the region. As a leading NVOCC, CSS has been maintaining an excellent relationship with leading carriers, thereby ensuring competitive rates and services. It has got an impressive 1650 destinations on a weekly basis

Built within a sprawling area of 200,000 sq.ft. with 80,000 sq.ft. insured and located within the heart of the Jebel Ali Free Zone, CFS Centre today has become a landmark success for the CSS Group.

It is equipped with 4535 pallet positions and storage capacity of 10,000 CBM.

Projects Oil & Energy

Team CSS at Projects, Oil & Energy division, is a proven success in the Middle East. Providing  end to end solutions in projects management, the company is seen as an expert in the global energy business.

By successfully handling some of the key accounts in the Middle East the Projects, Oil and Energy team has proven themselves as being the undisputed leader in the area of specialization they have. Our HSE policy provides a safe place for our employees and business associates, to avoid hazards and ensure zero incidents.


  • Manage every aspect of logistics during the projects’ life span
  • Management strictly defined by complexity of cargoes
  • Dedicated hands on projects / contract co-ordination
  • Optimal combination of liner services and part / full charters to meet project /contract needs
  • Detailed and accurate documentation with updated status report

CSS Homeward Bound

When it comes to moving one’s home or office, the enormity of the task is sure to set in. The hassle attached with packing precious belongings safely and moving them without damage to the new location is best to be left to the professionals. CSS Homeward bound steps in and clears away the fears and gracefully carries out the task in hand.

CSS personal effects division was set up to meet the ever growing demand for relocation among the expatriate community. The wide rage of service offered include, Worldwide packing and moving of personal effects.

CSS Homeward bound is a member of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), International Association of Movers (IAM) and Asian Relocation Association (ARA).



  • Worldwide packing and moving of personal effects
  • Local and International removals (Homes and Offices)
  • Customs clearance and door to door services
  • Warehousing
  • Transportation
  • Comprehensive insurance

Yacht & Marine logistics

Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C, work hand in hand in Middle East with Peters & May, leaders of Yacht & Marine Logistics. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Southampton, UK, Peters & May has over 30 years experience in the provision of marine logistics and offers global boat transportation and freight forwarding via air, road, rail and sea from a global network of offices and exclusive agencies. The company ships 8000 vessels through more than 150 ports in over 60 countries and is the preferred shipper for many of the world’s leading boat builders, including Correct Craft Inc, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts, Sunseeker and Viking Yacht Company.

CSS Group wishes you and your families a joyous Christmas and prosperous New Year 2011!

Origin
Self-made cards with goodwill verses have been sent by hand or by post, for centuries. The first that’s recognizable as what we now think of as a Christmas card, i.e. a printed card sent by post, was sent at Christmas 1843.

Sir Henry Cole, the founder of the London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, had sent many handwritten cards previously but that year he commissioned John Calcott Horsley to paint a card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor.

“A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You” was printed on the first Christmas card.

Since then the billions of cards that have been sent almost all contain a printed verse. Many of these are culled from religious or sentimental texts, notably from Victorian authors such as Charles Dickens.

Here’s a selection of the numerous verses and rhymes that have been used as source material by Christmas card writers – from the touching and profound to the comic and cynical:

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; 
It makes no noise at all, 
But softly gives itself away; 
While quite unselfish, it grows small. – Eva K. Logue

A Christmas gambol oft could cheer 
The poor man’s heart through half the year. – Walter Scott

Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas. – Henry Van Dyke

As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.

At Christmas play and make good cheer, 
For Christmas comes but once a year – Thomas Tusser

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.

Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; 
Teach us to be patient and always to be kind. – Helen Steiner Rice

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! – Hamilton Wright Mabie

Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.  – Augusta E. Rundel


Christmas … is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. – Freya Stark

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart… filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever. – Bess Streeter Aldrich

Christmas is a race to see which gives out first – your money or your feet.

Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered. What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day. – Phyllis Diller

Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. – Richard Lamm

Christmas is a time when you get homesick – even when you’re home. – Carol Nelson

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. – Lenora Mattingly Weber

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. – Calvin Coolidge

SOORYAKIREEDAM

On 22nd October 2010 Friends Association organized a Mega Musical Event ‘Sooryakireedom’ at Al-Nasr Leisureland Ice-Rink, Dubai and CSS Group was proud to be part of this event as one of the main sponsors.  This event was dedicated to the legendary lyricist of the Malayalam film industry, Late Girish Puthenchery by organizing a Gala Musical Concert led by Padmashree K.S. Chitra, Madhu Balakrishnan, present day sensations viz., Vidhu Pratap & Jyotsna. This programme was anchored by none other than Jayaraj Warier.

Friends Association was formed in Sept 2004 and is a non-profitable and non political organization.  The association presently consists of over 60 families without any distinction to cast or creed, with a representation from all districts of Kerala.  Today this group has grown into an association providing a wide range of services to its members and society. The members are mainly engaged with charitable actions towards less fortunate expatriate community. They are the active ambassadors of Indian art and culture for the global community.

CSS Group along with other sponsors were felicitated by the Association at the function and we consider it as a privilege to be part of this event .

NoSStalgia 2010

NSS College of Engineering Palakkad Alumni UAE chapter, an informal group of over 700 Engineers who are working with reputed organizations, hosted their 15th annual family get together on 3rd December 2010 at Indian Social Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Alumni UAE chapter has been active since 1996 promoting goodwill and mutual assistance among members, encouraging the current students in their educational endeavors. The colorful event had scintillating performances from the talented alumni and their family members such as Film songs, ‘Kol-Kali’, ‘Thiruvathira’ and dance performances.

CSS Abu Dhabi sponsored the event once again showcasing CSS Groups’ ongoing CSR initiatives supporting organizations which play a pivotal role in the South Asian education sector.

The CSR event was attenended by Deepu, Marketing Coordinator, CSS Dubai, Rajneesh, Sales Executive, CSS Abu Dhabi and Suku Sudhakaran, AGM, CSS Abu Dhabi.

CSS Pool Tournament 2010

CSS proudly concluded its first ever Pool tournament recently held at Consolidated Shipping Services Logistics Centre – 1, Jebel Ali. As part of its team building initiatives, the tournament was conducted over 4 rounds with 21 participants from various divisions of CSS Group, of which only 3 were in the final round, T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group, Suku Sudhakaran, Asst. General Manager, CSS Abu Dhabi and Kingsly Ravi, Asst. Operation Manager, CSS Logistics. The final round was between T.S. Kaladharan and Suku Sudhakaran with Suku emerging victorious after winning 5-4 of the 9 game match.

The Runner-up and Second Runner-up received Emirates Air Craft Models, while the winner, Suku Sudhakaran walked away with an Emirates ticket to any of its destinations. The event was organized and coordinated by CSS Marketing Department and they extended their gratitude to all the participants for the spirit and enthusiasm shown and special thanks to Sai Prakash Nair, Cargo Sales Manager Emirates Group for sponsoring this event.

Going Green Is not a Choice Any More, It is a Responsibility

Do you think Going Green is an additional expense? Well its not. Wal-Mart, the global leaders in the retail industry, have over 200 million customer transactions per week which have increased its sales to $ 401 billion despite having adopted a go green approach in its business practice last year.

A recent 3PL study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology shows that 36% of the respondents from the Asia Pacific agree that a green supply chain is very important today and 72% of them believe it will be very important in the future Interestingly almost in all regions across the world, 75% of the respondents agree that a sustainable supply chain becomes a future supply chain initiative among companies. Another study conducted by Supply Chain Management Review says that more than 50 percent of the respondents said they have a documented corporate sustainability plan, and about the same number said their company has a senior executive, often a vice president, dedicated to sustainability in action level. Although the results were encouraging, if we look at the implementation level and return on investment view, many companies are just starting to get involved in sustainability.

In today’s global supply chain network, organizations are looking at moving closer to market particularly towards emerging markets so as to increase the profit. Thus, they try to relocate either their manufacturing facility or their distribution centers. In a globally integrated supply chain environment, manufacturing and logistics account for major emissions. In particular, industrial manufacturing, which accounts for about 80% of the industrial energy consumption, contributes about 80% of the industrial energy-related carbon emissions. Of these, the petroleum, chemicals, and iron and steel industries produce nearly 60% of the total energy-related carbon emissions from manufacturing. The logistics sector accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in which the majority of the emissions are from road transport (76%) and aviation (12%).

For years the logistics industry had showcased enormous growth which also caused rising green gas emission which is seen as the prime cause for global warming. Companies should start focusing ecological responsibility by using energy as efficiently as possible. Going green is not a choice any more it is our responsibility hence it is very important that we do little things in our daily life like reduce, reuse and recycle. While in business we should be looking for more optimized methods which helps in more cost efficient while being a eco friendly organization. Existing business models are now being modified to incorporate green with carbon emission reduction at its core.

Tomorrow Is Yours

The words committed, insightful and talented are but a few descriptors that fit her personality and mind…..Chandrakala, is following her father’s foot steps of shipping business with a determination. After finishing her graduation in business management, Chandrakala went to Singapore to work with Shipco transport before joining the CSS Group. She says that she is following not her father, but her own heart which brought her to the turbulent tides of Shipping business. Like the motto of the recently concluded strategy meet, “Tomorrow is yours”, Chandrakala believes that a young blood revolution is happening in all the segments of business, which is truly encouraging. Presently she is working with the projects department of the CSS Group, whilst pursuing a Post graduation in Logistics in Dubai.

CSS Group Presence

  • Airfreight operations office & Warehouse (Dubai Cargo Village)

  • CSS Logistics L.L.C. (Dubai Airport Freezone)

  • Supply Chain Management Facility- (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

  • Container Freight Station  Facility- (Jebel Ali Free Zone)

  • CSS Homeward Bound (Dubai Creek Customs)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C.  – (Abu Dhabi)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services W.L.L. – (Bahrain)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services W.L.L. – (Kuwait)

  • Consolidated Shipping Services (Saudi Arabia)

  • Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd.

  • Console Shipping Services Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.

  • Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd.(Kochi)

  • Devas Holidays & Travel Services India Pvt. Ltd. (Kochi)

  • Hindustan Shipping & Clearing House – (Kochi)

TO TWEET OR NOT TO TWEET ?

“To tweet or not to tweet?” – This is the question. Is it better to tweet and risk inadvertently undermining your companies potential and prospects or better not to tweet and lose an easy opportunity to build up social relationships with an ever expanding network of friends, clients and potential opportunities? This dilemma, especially in the workplace, is exercising the minds of many executives.

“Tweeting” is the faster example of Internet social networks but other favourites from amongst many; include “Face book”, “MySpace”, “BlogSpot” “LinkedIn” and “YouTube”. Their growth has developed so quickly that it has taken many businesses by surprise. The “X” generation (born between 1960 – 1980) are statistically not as Internet active as the “Y” generation (born between 1980 – 2000) but both are somewhat put into the social networking shade by the “ADD” generation (born since 2000). In this younger group “ADD” is used to associate them, rather unkindly, with “attention deficit disorder”. However this comparison highlights a view that they are use to instant updates, responses and interaction. It also means that if stuck for information they readily use the Internet as a workplace tool to find resources for information.

A progressive company therefore needs to assess the potential risks and advantages of social networking because it is with us now and growing exponentially. On the downside, there is a real risk that access to the web might enable malware, spyware and other virus style programmes to enter a company’s network as well as postings inadvertently disclosing information of value to competitors. These threats cannot be ignored. Another downside, if you add up the potential hours an employee might spend checking their “facebook”, “myspace” or “LinkedIn” postings and profiles etc., is the time spent on such activities rather than actually working.

Equally though the upside is that workplace social networking, when used responsibly, provides an inexpensive way of keeping in touch and developing business relationships and spotting new opportunities. However many choose to be members of social networks by choosing a name which expresses their personalities. Whilst “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” might be good for normal “twitter” chat it will not be appropriate to use it within the workplace as it may well detract from the required corporate image. “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” must be careful not to forget that their bosses may also be reading their postings!

Whilst my personal view is that workplace social networking provides a challenging opportunity, it is fairly easy to find experts queuing up to disagree.  More recent research is beginning to support the view that employees who are allowed to use the Internet, to contact family and friends especially during breaks, usually return to their workspaces more refreshed. Furthermore current information indicates that companies who deploy the best and most effective means of communication succeed better. Indeed there are now numerous Human Resources departments who use social networking to keep employees up to date. Information, contact, meetings and other activities within a company are communicated through social networking. Companies may effectively save on training by utilising the fact that so many “X”, “Y” and “ADD” generation employees know how to use social networking.

However an acceptance of such an approach means that there has to be clear policies as to how workplace social networking may or may not be used. Naturally there have been problems, as with any new technology, but there is no question in my mind that where companies have embraced the newest Internet opportunities they have benefited over those who have not. The challenge for a company is to find a way to defend against adverse intrusions whilst at the same time fostering employee responsibility and productivity. So whilst “Crazy Jane” and “Raving Robbo” should not be used, given appropriate names and a responsible approach then you may reach the same conclusion as I do and “tweet”. Ultimately, success in this challenge rests with YOU.

Chairman’s Message

Confusing ideas often prevail when one discusses the merits of being a team leader and his/her leadership qualities. Unlike a generalized overview of a leadership role, a team leader requires specific qualities because, within a company they have a well defined role. Energy, enthusiasm, willingness to shoulder responsibility, supporting the team and lead from the front ensures a strong team. To be more succinct a good team leader should have an ability to make the team come together to achieve more than a group of individuals. Sometimes team leaders lose their focus when there are changes happening due to the newly implemented strategies. This is because they forget the fact that changes are inevitable in the progress of an organization where the team leader also have the responsibility to contribute. According to Peter Drucker, the most popular management consultant “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things”.

At CSS we have succeeded in creating an effective pool of team leaders who critically follow the strategies and lead their teams to success. By keeping this achievement uppermost in our minds we will ensure our future plans attain their full potential.

Seeking Success ? Then Understand The Importance Of Sales

With over 8 years in the organization, Siby C. Kurian has been a key player of CSS Group’s aggressive sales strategy.

Sales is a vital component to the success of an industry, regardless of the type of industry (i.e. service, manufacturing etc.) or location. In economics, sales are the activities involved in selling products or services in return for money or other compensation. However as economies have grown and become far more competitive this definition is not as simple as it was a few years ago. Sales in the shipping industry, like any other competitive global industry, relies on specific personality traits and complete business know how to be successful. Nowadays it is not enough to be knowledgeable about the business, to a prospective client one must be honest, must hold a deep regard for the needs of the client and most importantly must deliver the service at the end of the transaction in the most efficient and effective way as possible.

Having been in the company for over 8 years, Siby has set the bar for sales achievement within the CSS Group. Talking about the importance of sales within the CSS Group “Sales is one of the most intergral part of any business. However there are many components to sales that are often ignored; for example the importance of sales forecasting in any business, which allows a business to identify future areas of profit for the company.”

Business sales skills are a little bit more advanced, as you will be dealing with large corporations where sales pitches are delivered in meetings to a group of potential investors or clients. In this instance, sales skills are not just important, but they are vital. Imagine walking into a board room full of people who are all there just to listen to you. How do you command the room? How do you initiate conversation and begin your presentation? What do you wear? How do you walk? Do you look people in the eye?

Siby recounts his first sales pitch in CSS Group, almost 8 years ago and gives newcomers a few helpful tips. “Its only natural to be worried before meeting your first client, everyone is! The trick is to act out the situation the prior day, and most importantly know the business, as you don’t want to seem surprised when asked a difficult question by the client. Once you gain the trust of the client it is also vital that you nurture and grow that trust as client recommendations are an important factor in meeting sales targets.”

Achieving sales in today’s harsh economic climate is not easy, but many people are selling. To help you out we listed out what some experts feel are the four most important tips to selling better.

Buyer-Seller relationship

The problem with many sellers are that they really don’t care about their clients and they are more concerned in making a sale. Good sellers understand the value of walking through the entire sale with their clients from start to finish. They don’t just push these people to make a purchase instead; they work together with these people to find solutions to their problems. As a result, they are able to earn the trust of these prospects and they easily convert them to buying customers.

Sales call planning

It is very important that you have specific action plans or an effective selling process. You need to know what to do when and what to do next. An effective sales process looks like this; initial contact, meeting with decision-makers, proposal meeting, sales presentation, and delivery.

Questioning skills

As a seller, it is very important that you know the right questions to ask to discover the needs and demands of potential client. This is very important when your prospects are unable to properly communicate what they are looking for. Keep in mind that poor questioning will not help you properly identify the needs of your potential client, therefore when you return with a proposal it will most probably not be converted to a sale.

Presentation skills

You need to have great presentation skills to influence the buying decision of your prospects. Don’t forget to communicate all the benefits that your products can offer. Also, make sure that your presentation is interesting and engaging so you will not bore your audience.
So on behalf of CSS Group. Happy Selling!

A Smooth Take Off CSS Join Hands With Spatial Group

It has been widely recognised that 10.10.10 was a lucky date in the calendar, but it also became a significant date for The Spatial Group and CSS as the start of their partnership for the movement of cargo between the UAE and the UK.  CSS Air freight division Senior V P,  Ahmed Al Rais and its General Manager, Jacob Isaac  strongly believe that the association of both aggressive agents and focused drive of Airfreight consolidation ex UK with the Spatial Group would bring in long term mutual benefits to the companies and clients.

Wendy Hain, Managing Director of The Spatial Group and T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman of CSS signed the agreement in the CSS Dubai office.The Spatial Group who are celebrating their 30th year in business is owned by John Harvey CBE and Chairman of Keswick Enterprise Ltd. are delighted to be associated with CSS who have just celebrated their 15th year in business.

Wendy Hain commented that Spatial has been associated with the Middle East for 25 years and  looked forward to working with Kala and his team to develop the trade lane between the Gulf and the UK.

Technology – Thinking Beyond

Technology holds the world in its palm, the more it grows the more it spreads.

Nowadays one of the major pillars of any growing organization is its technology wing. The growth, horizontal as well as vertical, entirely depends on its careful establishment. The question is ‘Are you thinking beyond?’ if your answer is ‘yes’ then you’re in a safe position.

There can be three approaches to technology thinking, ‘beyond’, ‘inline’ and ‘behind’. The first one is what the world demands rather require, the second one is also acceptable but the last one is dangerous and compromising. Technology in the 60’s cannot be compared with that of 2010, the same way forward it should be. The Mainframes and personal computers are replaced with palm tops and mobile phones or mobile computing. It never demands you to stop and request but it gives you information on the move through self service.

There are several factors which makes an organization’s IT wing powerful and the first being its effective planning. The infrastructure has to go “in-line” with business processes and serve its customers with rich information as much as possible. The effective execution of the planned technology must happen in a properly controlled and monitored environment.

In order for optimal utilization of technology, people need to properly understand the usage and constraints. For this reason, they need training and they should have the wisdom to think beyond. The potency reaches its maximum automatically when we bind all these together towards a common objective. Technology always requires iteration; Iteration is fundamental as well as inevitable aspect of technology which keeps you in a cyclic process for continuous improvement and enhancement. It does mean that you have to run with technology otherwise you will have to chase technology, the choice is yours.

A company like CSS has never compromised in technology improvement and enhancement. CSS from the initial stage itself recognized the importance of technology and walked alongside. Specific budgeting and investments happened over the years for fulfilling the dream of independence in IT management within the organization. Today we use world class IT management process ISO 9000-2001. The credit goes to its bright management team, who always think beyond.

When music showered…

Stars came down to earth to bestow a feast of music!!

It was truly momentous when the world renowned musicians gathered on one stage for a rare combination of musical fusion, the recent past had ever witnessed in Kerala.

The musical evening was part of a private function organized by the CSS Group Chairman T. S. Kaladharan at his residence, Devas Farm house in Thrikkunnappuzha. The fusion team which consisted of percussion maestro Sivamani enthralled a crowd of around 250 invitees, who came to attend the function. U. Rajesh on Mandolin, Stefan Devassy on Key board, Mattannor Sankarankutty Marar on Chenda, Karunamurthy on Thavil, and Balabhaskar on Violin created a mesmerizing ambiance.

The programme started with renowned singer Naresh Aiyer, singing his favorites from Tamil and Hindi films. Naresh set the stage on fire with his famous Tamil songs, as there were groups in motion with rhythmic steps to accompany his music.  Then the instrumentalists took over the stage for solo performances. The mood reached its zenith when combinations started unfolding. The brisk passages of notes from Stefan supported the combinations with ease and dexterity. U. Rajesh created ripples with his mandolin on a jugalbandhi with Balabhaskar. It was a memorable evening for each and everyone who were present for the function.