Mayyanad Sangamam held its Vishu Family Meeting on 23. 4. 2017 at Hotel Regency, Manjalikulam, the Venue of its several meetings, looks like it is happier there perhaps! Though once upon a time there was a 'Kulam' at this place, and hence the name Manjalikulam, now the area has been converted to an open ground.
The meeting started with an Invocation song by Nithu Manilal. Secretary Er. Manilal then welcomed the gathering. President D. Jayachandran explained for the benefit of the members, most of whom are not able to be physically involved at Mayyanad, the activities taken up at Mayyanad in conjunction with the Consortium.
Next, the chief guest of the day, Padmashree Sri. Madhavan Chandradathan was invited to lead the ceremony of lighting of the lamp, and to address the gathering. It was a truly proud moment for the members gathered there to see and listen to a Scientist who was an active participant in India's Chandrayaan 1's maiden Odyssey to the Moon on November 14, 2008. It was actually the first indigenous-built spacecraft to reach the moon and conduct probes. Mr. Dathan was the Head of the Launch Authorization board of Chandrayaan 1. As he explained it was a moment of tremendous anxiety. Adding to that a leak was detected just before launch. But with a lot of grit and determination they corrected the leak and the Moon Vehicle was given permission by him for launch at the declared time. If it hadn't been for his decision the launch would not have taken place on that day. To quote a paper news, 'Science' of that time: "But cool-headed scientists followed protocols and safety
norms to fix the leak, and the launch took place after all." This is quoted here to show that Mr. Dathan while re-living that moment was making a statement on the importance of staying cool and in control of oneself in life too. He also highlighted the virtues of working as a team, as he has learned from his long arduous and intense work hours as a space-scientist that within a team one becomes less self conscious and less inhibited, which in turn helps one to perform better. He concluded his speech by saying that " No one is useless but is used-less, and that one should concentrate on keeping mental balance rather than bank balance".
Some melodious songs from Aamina, after a hiatus, enthralled the gathering.
Vice President Prof. Rajan K. Ramesh proposed the vote of thanks.
The meeting finally ended with a sumptuous buffet lunch.
