17. Navoddhaanam- Renaissance Day

Navoddhaanam- Renaissance Day Observed

On August 15th, 2016, Mayyanad Sangamam in association with Elders' Forum, Janasakthi, and Help Foundation observed Renaissance Day- in remembrance of the contributions made by prominent persons from Mayyanad such as C.V. Kunjuraman, C. Kesavan, John B.A., Prof.N. Gopala Pillai, Vakkom Maulavi, K.Damodaran, K.Sukumaran , K.Balakrishnan, J.M.Mani and a host of others-- who stood in the forefront of the great democratic awakening of the masses of Kerala against social injustices and evils.  These movements were of the utmost significance, because Kerala had, for centuries, tolerated the caste system in its most oppressive and heinous form that led Vivekananda to describe Kerala as a 'mad' society.  Though the British rule  separated  the caste system from the administrative machinery the social status and economic competence of the individual was still determined by his position in the caste hierarchy. Governmental positions were continued to be denied to deserving lower castes Hindus and non-Hindus. This ferment for social transformation gradually led Kerala into the mainstream of political struggle for freedom and responsible government in the 20th century. In this struggle for change, along with the rest of Kerala, Mayyanad too played a very important role that finally culminated in its members  achieving social justice and prominent places in the higher echelons of Governance.

Following are some photos of the Event:

Indira kutty teacher, daughter of C.Kesavan, speaking on the occasion, at Mayyanad

Mayyanad Sangamam also took the opportunity to distribute the scholarships to selected students of Mayyanad at the function held at The Elders' forum premise.

16. Mayyanad Sangamam Meeting on 8-5-2016

Kudumbasangamam on 8-5-2016

The Mayyanad Sangamam held its next KUDUMBASANGAMAM on 8th May, 2016 at Hotel Regency, Manjalikulam, Thampanoor. The meeting started with a soulful prayer song by compere Nithu Manilal. She then  read out the programme for the day, and  invited the guests to the dais to start the function. As usual Er. Manilal welcomed the audience.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, founder patron. In his speech the Doctor dwelt on the aspects of Prayer. He pointed out that a Prayer can  be  

• solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.

• a religious service, especially a regular one, at which people gather in order to pray together.

•   an earnest hope or wish for oneself.

But a true prayer is the 'Unconditional" prayer that says; "Lokasamasthya sukhivino bhavanthu". Yet the Doctor believed in 'heard' prayer rather than 'silent' prayer which he associated with funeral rites. Being a Neurologist one only wished that he had made a neurological inquiry into the concept of prayer.

President Sri.D.Jayachandran in his address briefly dealt on the activities of the Sangamam and invoked the members to visit PakalVeedu at Mayyanad when time permits. Being the tenth year of the Sangamam's founding, he also invited opinions from members, to celebrate in a grand manner the Tenth Anniversary Meeting in coming October.

The chief guest of the day was Prof. Peter Pradeep, director of 'Help Foundation'. He made an informative and very interesting power point presentation of the activities of the Help

Foundation in Mayyanad. He stressed that HELP Foundation's sole intention is to work towards a better society, so as to be able to bring in positive change by uniting people who share the common vision of a developed India, and pay back to the society through supporting groups, communities and organization that have similar intent & need. One can read about all their activities in detail in their website. 
   The Prof. was deeply disappointed to see an audience that represented  the 'evening' of life. He came prepared to meet and motivate the 'young' descendants of a past era that stood for the good of humanity. What the Prof. didn't realize was that the people who were gathered there may be above the age of 50 years, but that they are all highly skilled professionals who are doctors, engineers, professors and government officials who  are all highly motivated, and are waiting for the proper ambiance that will enable them to make the desired move to save the land where their forefathers sleep. For the present, these 'Elders' can serve as  torch bearers for the 'young' sheep that graze in foreign lands. 

The meeting also witnessed an hour-long enchanting dance performance presented by students of the Dhwani Dance Kalamandalam, Sreekaryam, run by Syam Sen and Seema Sen, both members of Mayyanad Sangamam.

The meeting wound up with a buffet lunch.

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15. Pakalveedu launch at Mayyanad- 4-4-2016

 Mayyanad Sangamam - Pakalveedu

Mayyanad Sangamam Tvm Chapter, in association with NGOs of Mayyanad viz., Elders Forum, Janshakti and Help Foundation started a Pakalveedu at Elders Forum premises on 4-4-2016.

The land for Elders Forum was donated by Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, and the building was constructed through contributions received from well-wishers of Mayyanad.

Picture shows the founder of  Elders Forum ; the TV was donated by Mayyanad Sangamam

The bed sheets were also donated by Mayyanad Sangamam

The inmates of Pakalveedu in  a Yoga section

Mayyanad Sangamam members at lunch with  the inmates

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Mayyanad Sangamam gave away the Scholarships instituted for the students of Vellamanal HSS, at a grand function arranged by the School on 1.6.2016

Children of Mayyanad Govt High School waiting to receive the members and new-comers on New School Year opening day(1-6-2016)

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14. Reception and Study class to Panchayat members-6-2-2016

Lecture Class and Reception at Mayyanad

Mayyanad Sangam Tvm Chapter organized a Lecture Class and Reception for the newly elected Panchayat members at Mayyanad on February 6, 2016. The programme had the logistic support of the Mayyanad NGOs - Elders' Forum, Janasakthi, Help Foundation- for making the necessary arrangements at the newly constructed roof-top auditorium at Elders' Forum Building.

In persuance of its aim to bring progress to Mayyanad, the Sangam was  proud to take up this one-of-its-kind-venture to arrange a lecture class for the newly elected members on Panchayant Governing System. The class was conducted by the State Institute of Rural Development Director  V. Ajayakumar and his colleague. For nearly two hours he explained with utmost dedication the intricacies and principles to be followed by the elected members for efficient service of the people who voted them to power. The lecture was followed by an open discussion in which all the members took part enthusiastically clearing their doubts without inhibition.

The function was also graced by the presence of the State Election Commissioner K. Sasidharan Nair who explained in detail the rules and regulations to be maintained by panchayat members for smooth governance.

 The Civic Reception was inaugurated by Justice (Rtd) Siri Jagan, and the meeting was presided over by Sangam President D.Jayachandran. Eighteen of the Twenty-Three newly elected members, and  about One-Hundred locals attended the function which was followed by a high-tea.

The Panchayat Members standing up to the request of the Election Commisioner

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