mayyanad sangamam tvm chapter: 2014

Eighth Annual Meeting and Onam Celebrations

The eighth annual meeting and Onam celebrations was held on 21st September 2014. Taking a break from the Guest of Honour Speech format, the meeting show cased a variety entertainment.

In his Presidential address, D.Jayachandran pointed out how the social welfare activities of the Sangamam were being hampered by the slow pace of initiatives from concerned authorities. Members expressed their solidarity with the President and vowed cooperation to move things forward.

The highlight of the meeting was the honouring of Dr.Fine C.Dathan who is among 3 officials from India and the only one from South India, to get the covetous honor to officiate as Umpire in World Badminton Tournaments including Thomas Cup, Uber Cup and Super Series Badminton Championships. Sangamam Founder President & Patron Dr.Shaji Prabhakaran honoured the pride of Mayyanad by offering a Ponnaada. In his speech Dr.Fine expressed his happiness at this gesture by Mayyanad Sangamam and considered this rare honour as nearest to his heart. If time permitted he could have shared with us a couple of interesting episodes from his umpiring experience in the international arena.

The talented writer Ms.S.Anidevi, grand niece of C.Kesavan, introduced her latest book 'Nalini Kathanam', a compilation and explication of the tender poems of Kumaaran Aasan. This highly readable and enjoyable book is a noteworthy addition to the world of Literature, which she unhappily pointed out is fast losing out to the world of machines.

The new members who joined the Sangamam expressed their happiness at being given a chance to connect with their motherland, and reiterated their whole hearted support to the efforts of the club.

Dr.Balaji IPS, former Additional Direcor General of NIA, took time out of his busy schedule, to spend nostalgic moments with members of his motherland. In his speech he narrated how he started a coaching centre for students aspiring for the Civil Services in the vicinity of Mayyanad so that it will benefit them, and to his dismay he found that not one among the students who availed the opportunity was from Mayyanad. Perhaps the traditionally talented youth of Mayyanad are settled elsewhere as diaspora! Is it time that they came back and took hold of things so that the knowledge bank can serve their land more effectively?

Another interesting new member is a creative writer who chose to keep his pseudonym Babu Mayyanadan. In search of his roots, he narrated how his grand father Eacchambi Kannan left Mayyanad in his youth and never came back. He was overwhelmed by the air of Mayyanad and being in the company of its members.

The Magic Show presented by magician Govind P. Dev, a medical student, enthralled the audience. Our own Aamina entertained the audience with her ever improving melodious voice reaching new heights. Talented creative artists Dr.Seema Mohan Das, and Ms.R.Sonia also presented poem and songs.

The meeting concluded with the traditional Onam Sadya.

Earlier, Secretary Er.N.Manilal welcomed the audience, and Vice President Prof.Rajan K.Ramesh delivered the vote of thanks. An attempt was also made to select new office bearers, but the selection committee headed by Dr. Gopi Mani decided that the present team will continue for the next term also as they seemed to be doing a good job, unlike in another club elsewhere that started with much fanfare had to be dismissed due to the shedding away of its members, he added. So he exhorted all the present members to clap their hands in approval with him, and thereby the old team continues for the next term also.

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Note: You may send your comments and suggestions to the email address : manilaln1946@gmail.com

The idea is to start a post that will carry letters (constructive), selected by the Executive Committee.

6.4.2014: Report of The New Year Kudumba Sangamam

This is the first family meeting of this year. Although five months have passed since we met as a family last, you must know that the Executive members have been in touch with all the members for various reasons. They have been busy collecting details for the Directory that was being prepared. Though some members handed over the forms duly filled, most had to be coaxed into giving the required information. After all the very hard work the Directory was ready for launch on time. In the meantime the President, Vice President and Secretary attended a function organized by the Elders Forum at Mayyanad, and in this function they distributed the scholarships for the year 2013 to our selected candidates. They were happy to report that the students have grown up into responsible persons and attended the meeting, fully enthusiastic.

The 6.4.2014 Kudumba Yogam was held at Hotel Nandavanam Park at Trivandrum. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. Gangan Prathap, distinguished scientist, CSIR. In his address he spoke at length of what ails the Kerala system of education. His speech was both informative and eye-opening. The crux of the matter was the break down of India's age old Informed Civilazation, he pointed out. Ofcourse change is an inevitable process of evolution. But man as a society has failed. He has turned into a full-time 'consumer' propelled by the 'vibrant' media organisation and the collusion of devious politicians. Well, are we doomed? Perhaps the Mayyandians will show the way, they have a history of great personalities who have always been in the forefront of change, for the better.

The chief guest also released the Mayyanad Sangamam Members Directory-2014 by handing over a copy to former President Shri. G. Pavithran.

The meeting was presided by President D. Jayachandran. Secretary Er. Manilal welcomed the guests. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran gave the felicitation address, as usual in his humourus style. It was interesting to listen to how he explicated the word 'kudumbam' - as a joining together of 'koodam' and 'inbam', that is 'sweet meeting'. Wow! Doctor only you can do that. The Joint secretary Ms. Sheena proposed the vote of thanks, in lieu of Prof. Rajan K.Ramesh who could not attend the meeting due to illness.

The meeting wound up with cultural programmes, and followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch arranged on the roof top with a beautiful aerial view of Trivandrum.