25. Mayyanad Sangamam Meeting Of 21-10-2018

Mayyanad Sangamam held its 12th Annual Family Get together on Sunday October 21, 2018, at Hotel Regency Hall at Manjalikulam in Thampanoor of Thiruvananthapuram.

In all aspects this was designed to be an “event packed” meeting.  The meeting started with the usual prayer song and then proceeded on to the Welcome Speech by the Secretary, the address by the President, Song recitals by our singers, poem recital by Dr. Seema, the presentation of the Annual Budget Report, the update by Dr. Mohan of Janasakthi on the activities of Mayyanad United of which Mayyanad Sangamam of TVM is also a member. The news about the formation of an Organization named Parivarthan by a group of young motivated youths, to conduct direct home health campaign so as to take care of the needs and security of old people living alone, at regular intervals,  was appreciated by all present, and wished them success in their endeavor.  Mayyanad Sangamam wants the youths to know that we are with them in their efforts to make a difference, a Parivarthan.

By this time, confirmed news arrived that celebrity guest National Award Winner, Indrans, was stuck up with delayed shooting of a film. Anxiety was written large on everyone’s face as there was no news of Dr. Sashi Tharoor, our another celebrity guest of the day. The President contacted him on phone and fortunately he was just on the way to our place from another meeting. As the endearing felicitation speech by Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran was being concluded, Sashi Tharoor arrived and everyone in great awe stood up  to greet him.  The President briefly and aptly introduced the Chief Guest and invited him to  inaugurate the function by lighting the lamp followed by his address.

The Thiruvananthapuram MP Sashi Tharoor was in his exuberant elements and seemed to be at home with the crowd. For the next full forty minutes he held the crowd in his mesmerizing speech. He spoke of how he ventured into Kerala Politics from his long stint at the UN where he learned everything about International Political diplomacy. But it took him a lot of heart-burn to realize the boundary between International and local diplomacy. Soon he faced the ‘Fresher’s Ragging’ by a vicious ‘cattle-class campaign’ unleashed on him for the seemingly gross in-sensitiveness on his part towards the ordinary Janatha. A naive to politics, he stood as a man more sinned against than sinning. Slowly he learned to take such vibes in his stride and has now learned to repartee appropriately in vocabulary that make people run for dictionaries!

As for the Diaspora members he advocated that one should be left free to select one’s choice of vocation, but without losing sight of the larger responsibilities before them. The present young gen has the facilities of the highly developed communication technology in their favor. So that the original connotation of a Diaspora itself has lost significance, as the world is now globally connected to everyone’s convenience. (The entire speech has been circulated in Whats App).

What came as a very pleasant and encouraging surprise to the members of Mayyanad Sangamam was the message he posted in his Facebook Account with a query, soon after.

“Shashi Tharoor posted in Facebook on 21 October at 04:12 

Addressed the Mayyanad Sanghamam; a group of Thiruvananthapuram residents from that eponymous village near Kollam, a hotbed of social reform. They wanted to hear about my experiences of giving up life abroad to enter Indian politics - I’m unsure… if it was inspiring or cautionary!”

It is for the youngsters to reply to his Query; may be they can send it to his Facebook. As for the use of the phrase, ‘that eponymous village near Kollam’ in his message, a short write up should be in place, to compliment his observation about Mayyanad.

Kollam in ancient times was part of the princely state of Travancore and Mayyanad lying on its border served as the connecting link to Thiruvananthapuram for the Rajahs of Kayamkulam Palace. Those days the main mode of transportation was by boats. The Rajah would come to Kollam by boat from Ambalappuzha and alight at Kollam. From there they are carried on palanquins by land to the Sastha boat Jetty at Mayyanad. Here again they get into boats and proceed on their journey to Attingal and to Venad. In fact, trained Kalari fighters from the village who served the royals at times of battles during the British Raj met them on their journey via the village.

Sights and sounds witnessed on route by royal travelers via the village of Mayyanad are part of the great Epic poems of the time such as Unnuneeli Sandesham (14th C, AD), Mayoora Sandesham and Kuchelavritham Vanchippattu. In the last mentioned we can find specific reference to the scenic Mayyanad as a lovely sand laden land having thick growths of bamboo groves that resembled Kavus. The land lying on the lap of the Paravoor Lake had giant spread of trees such as the banyan, the Elanji, the blackberry, the coconut, the mango, the jackfruit and the cashew, interspersed by paddy fields and rivulets and ponds with Thamara  in bloom and an abundant variety of flowering trees especially the fragrant frangipani (Prabudhathayude Ithihasam, A Historical Study of Mayyanad, 2005). Geologists point out that 10,000 years ago the sea was 120 meters away from land than it is now. Isotopic studies reveal that 6000 years ago the sea had entered the areas of Ashramam, Polachira, Paravoor and Mayyanad. At that time Thangasseri at Kollam was an island surrounded by sea. When the sea withdrew it left behind the white sand dunes to carpet the land. (An article by MB Santhosh in Kerala Kaumudi Special) The writings of C.Kesavan give relishing descriptions of this sand laden land. The ancient inhabitants of the land were of a highly cultured nature. They lived in constant harmony with the spirit of nature and followed its laws to guide them in matters of the right standard of living. Thus they shared a healthy relationship with nature, which in turn gave them the experience of a sense of peace and connection with others around, bound to one another’s destiny. Empathy with the other forms of nature was well developed among them.

It is true that this village like many other villages in Travancore area had to bear the consequences of the gross injustices practiced on the people by the rulers of the Travancore Princely State. A lot of atrocities were practiced purposefully on a section of the society, socially and economically weak, to the extent they were denied even a dignified life by way of forcing the women to bear their upper part uncovered. Severe incidents like cutting of the breasts of women who disobeyed too happened. Tax burden was the heaviest on these low born. Swami Vivekananda who had seen all these with his own eyes was stunned and disgusted and cried, “Kerala is a Mad Asylum”.

A generation of enlightened leaders, including Sree Narayana Guru, Mithavaadi Kri­shnan, Dr P. Palpu, C.V. Kunjuraman, Kumaran Asan and Sahodharan Ayyappan led the community on and wrested concessions from reluctant royal rulers.

At the time when the whole of India was urgently striving to unite the country into one Republic, under the leadership of Vallabhai Patel, it came as a shock that Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar, the Dewan of Travancore, and the ruler, Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma decided to non-cooperate. C.P. announced on June 11, 1947 Travancore's decision to declare itself as an independent state. On July 18, 1947 the ruler read out to the people, on Trivandrum Radio Station at 8-45 p.m., his Declaration of Independence: "On and from 15th August, 1947... Travancore will re-assume its independence and sovereignty in full measure"... (Sir C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar: A Biography by Saroja Sundararajan, Allied, pages 778) But on July 30, he wrote to the last British Governor-General and Viceroy Louis Mountbatten, a letter intimating his decision to sign the Instrument of Accession to the Indian Union, "though not without hesitation". A dastardly attempt had been made on C.P.'s life on July 25. It was a narrow escape. Only the angavastram round his neck and his trained breath control saved his life. The ruler signed the instrument; and C.P. signed the Standstill Agreement with the Government of India. On July 30 1947, Travancore joined India. Two days later Sir CP resigned as Dewan, and left the State on August 19.

Subsequently, C. Kesavan (23 May 1891 – 7 July 1969), proud son of the village of Mayyanad became the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin during 1950–1952.

C.Kesavan on a 2018 stamp of India

The ‘Kozhencherry Address' by C. Kesavan on May 13, 1935 was noteworthy for the courageous manner in which C. Kesavan publicly challenged Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Iyar's repressive rule in Travancore. Strewn in the speech were sparks of thoughts for a Kerala that was free from upper caste supremacy and caste inequalities. It spoke of replacing princely power with people's power, an idea that C. Kesavan assimilated from the events on the national stage of a new political awakening happening at the time. That was why State Congress leader T.M. Varghese described C. Kesavan ‘the uncrowned king of Travancore’ (The Hindu, May 11, 2010). 

Let us not forget history, lest history forgets us.



A couple of images of the day

Do you observe any generation gap on seeing the pictures?

It was observed that there was an unusually larger presence of the younger generation on this day. They were all fans of Dr. Shashi Tharoor. The youngster who got the opportunity to serve the welcome drink to Sashi Tharoor was bubbling with joy at being able to be so near him! His regret was that he could not capture a selfie with Sashi Tharoor. So tight was the schedule of the MP that he had to rush to the venue of his next meeting from here. Alas, he was apologetic of not being able to join the crowd in the buffet lunch that followed.

24. Mayyanad Sangamam Meeting of May 6, 2018

Mayyanad Sangamam Vishu Meeting was held at Hotel regency on May 6, 2018. 

The Meeting began by remembering the sad and untimely demises of Secretary Er.N.Manilal, and Patron M.S. Ravi, Chief Editor of Kerala Kaumudi.  Er. Manilal has been the Secretary of Mayyanad Sangamam for the past ten years and played a crucial role in its growth and development. M.S.Ravi was a constant source of encouragement in the functioning of Mayyanad Sangamam. They will be missed for all time. A Condolence Resolution incorporating their contributions was passed at the meeting.

The chief guest of the day was Dr. Divya S. Iyer, IAS. In her inaugural address, she explained the reason for going over from the Medical profession to IAS as a shift from a ‘patient’ to a ‘petitioner’, as the method of diagnosing a treatment or solution, is the same in both. Her strategy is to give a truly ‘patient hearing’ to the human problem that confronts the sufferer. Instead of medical prescriptions she gives advice to take proper actions to alleviate their problems. “All unhappy families are unhappy, yet the unhappy ones are unhappy for different reasons. Just as diseases are different and require the appropriate medicines, human problems that confront each person are also different, and hence they have to be approached accordingly.”   In a sense, her experience as an MBBS doctor at Vellore Medical College and now as an IAS officer, has taught her that the guiding principle of life is the service of humanity. 

In appreciation of her graciously accepting our invitation, in spite of her busy schedule, to be the Chief Guest,  Dr Divya was presented a memento comprising  of three books, all authored by Mayyanadians: 

1. Jeevitha Samaram by C.Kesavan,

2. Bertrand Russell by Babu Senan and 3. Utharadhunika Sasthram by Dr. Gopimani. 

The guest of honor for the day was Dr. M.B. Sheya, a native of Mayyanad in the true sense, perhaps even indigenous, for he is known as “the peoples’ doctor”, for the past 32 years. As he said in his invigorating speech, his humble beginning was in a rented one room shop. He started with the basic necessities for practicing as a doctor.

Initially there were days when no patients came. Just a few people would hang around outside ‘the shop’ for a curious inspection. Slowly one or two   people from the lower strata of society started coming to him, of course, he collected no fees. Then it occurred to him that maybe he should update his graduate-only-degree. So he went away for two years to take his post graduate degree in Pediatrics. After retirement, with renewed confidence, he shifted to the present place, which is now known as Sheya’s Hospital. It was a gradual climb. The fact that the people of Mayyanad had full confidence in him, and their whole-hearted support, never made him give up.

  He says with great satisfaction that he is now the family doctor of the fifth generation of one such family. Likewise all the people, mostly elderly, whose children are serving in foreign countries, live in Mayyanad with the confidence that for any problem Dr. Sheya is there.  People even don’t hesitate to ring him up in the dead of night with some or other problem. The wonderful thing is that the doctor reciprocates with the same ease. He narrated an incident when a family in a jolly big car with stereo songs playing

loudly, stopped by at his gate at 3.00 am, and rang the

bell. When the doctor opened the door and invited them inside, they explained that they wanted him to attest a medical certificate! The doctor with his usual humility acquiesced. This is why he is treated as Mayyanad’s own doctor. 

This is the meaning of ‘service’, and Dr. Divya was only very happy to present him the Memento.

President D. Jayachandran honoured him with the Ponnaada. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran enrolled Dr Sheya as an honorary member of Mayyanad Sangamam by presenting a Directory of Sangamam.

Earlier the new Secretary M. Balachandran welcomed the gathering. The President, in his address, gave a brief enumeration of the activities of Mayyanad Sangamam. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran felicitated the guests. 

Dr. Shyam Prakash presented the vote of thanks. The function was very well compered by Sonia, our joint Secretary.

To make the solemn occasion lighter, Amina sang a couple of melodious songs. The song by Sunil from ‘Mera Nam Joker’ – Jaane kahaang gaye ho thum…” which he dedicated to the memory of his mentor Sri. Manilal, was a heart-rending one. The poem, "sooryakiranangal", composed and read by Dr. Seema was refreshing. The meeting ended with a buffet lunch.

23. Mayyanad Sangamam trip to Wayanad in November 2017

Mayyanad to Wayanad

Mayyanad Sangamam organized a trip to Wayanad during November 10-12, 2017. The journey was by train and by bus. So we took the 6 am Sathabdi Express from TVM, which reached Kannur at noon. From there a hired travel agency bus picked us from the station and went to our place of stay arranged at Hotel Horizon Avenue at Ambalavayal.

After refreshment we  visited Banasura Sagar Dam. The Dam is considered to be India's largest and Asia's second largest Earth dam. An earth dam is a dam built with highly compacted earth. The weight of the dam as a whole creates a tight seal which secures the bottom and sides of the dam, and the pressure of the water behind the dam can also act to seal the dam in place. The Banasura dam is a kilometer long mud structure.

Banasura Sagar dam – Image courtesy Wiki-

In addition to the Hydro electricity project, the floating solar panels platform raised on the waters of the reservoir by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is said to generate 500 KW at its peak.

The solar panels floating on the waters of the reservoir-Image courtesy wiki-

Apart from this the KSEB has erected Solar panels at Padinjarethara near the reservoir in the eastern part of the dam. The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in seasonal dry periods.

 Our members walking out of solar panel construction

Due to the tight schedule of the trip our members could not go on a boat trip on the  waters of the reservoir and explore the surrounding hills and small islands formed on the lake. Spread over 1700 hectares, 19 islands dot the reservoir.

Members had to be content with surveying the area from the main banks.

Next we went to see Pazhassi tomb,  a memorial for Veera Pazhassi Rajah, who organized guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company. 

It was getting dark and we decided to go back to the hotel and relax for the next day. Early next morning we went to Tirunelli. It is 32 km away from Manathavadi at an altitude of about 900 m in north Wayanad on the side of Brahmagiri Hill surrounded by dense jungle. Tirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu.  Considered as the Dakshina Kashi, devotees come here especially for performing ancestral rites on the holy waters flowing from Brahmatheertham.

From here we went back to the hotel for a quick rest and lunch. After a sumptuous Kozhikodan biriyani, we headed to Lakkidi view point from where one can see panoramic views of the valley. While moving from Adivaram (downhill) to Lakkidi through steep mountains and a serpentine Thammarassery Ghat pass, one can see visuals beyond imagination and words. The lush greenery of the hills, gorges and the streams seen on both sides of the passage of the hill are unforgettable. 

Lakkidi views

The ride through Soochipara, Kanthenpara and Meenmutty waterfalls... and trekking through the path to Neelimala View point...were an awesome experience. 
Nature walks are the best way to explore the place and see deer and other wild animals near the waterfalls.  Kanthenpara is easily accessible by road with the waterfalls a mere 100 m away from the car park. Both the falls and the greenery are at their scenic best in the monsoon season. And we made the trip when the monsoon was gaining strength. Meenmutty Falls can be reached thorough a 2 km trek through the jungle.  The trekking can be strenuous, but our members seem to have taken in their stride to get the maximum fun.

It was time to wind up the journey as on the next day there was the train to catch and reach home. 

Back to Ambalavayal Hotel and time to say goodbye to a journey that went smooth, thanks to the organizer, our very own Vice President Prof. Rajan K. Ramesh, who took all the initiative to make it a success. In fact, Wayanad District is a very familiar place to the Professor, as he had been a lecturer in Botany at the MES College in the area for over 30 years. His knowledge of the geography of the area in fact helped to make the journey safe and enjoyable.

In this journey from Mayyanad to Wayanad there is an interesting information that needs to be shared.  

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, in its page on the topic relating to Wayanad District writes thus: 

“The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Mayyanad.” 

According to archaeological evidences the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. So who are Mayyanad inhabitants? Check out.