11. Scholarship, Counselling, Paddy field

Making our presence felt

Mayyanad Sangamam TVM is busy making its presence felt at Mayyanad.

4-11-2014:                                                             

As requested by the Head Mistress of Mayyanad Vellamanal Government High School, apart from the usual merit-cum-means scholarships, five other students were provided with financial assistance of Rs.1000/- each at a meeting held at the school auditorium. 

President, Vice President, and Secretary of Sangamam who attended the meeting were happy with the warm response from the hosts. During conversations thereafter, the Head Mistress explained the pathetic conditions of most of the students, and also suggested help in the form of counselling classes.

Mayyanad Sangamam also took time out to check on the state of paddy growing sponsored by its members. The sight of the green paddy field at Mayyanad was indeed an encouraging sight.

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29-11-2014: 

Mayyanad Sangamam TVM arranged its first counselling class to students of class 10 of Vellamanal School on this day. The topic was: ‘How to Make Studies Interesting’. The class was conducted by Dr. R. Prakash. Counselling was given to the parents also. It turned out to be a success, and children who attended the class requested for more classes. Encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the students as well as the school authorities, Mayyanad Sangamam agreed to conduct more classes.

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27-12-2014:  At a meeting held on this day at the Elder’s Forum, Mayyanad, ten scholarships were distributed to students who have passed out from the schools and are continuing their education at colleges, by the Secretary and Sri.Vijayachandran. Three of the scholarships are sponsored by Sri.Vijayachandran in memory of his late father Adv.Cheyilazhikathu Kochu Pappu B.A. B.L.

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7-1-2015:  At the Annual School Day Function, four scholarships were distributed to students of Mayyanad H.S.S. Inspired by the ambience and warm welcome they were accorded by the authorities and students, the President, the Vice President and the Secretary of Mayyanad Sangamam who attended the function shared some nostalgic moments by going on stage. They shared with the gathering their own experiences as former students of the school, evoking applause from the much enthused audience.

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16-1-2015:  

Another counselling class was arranged for students of class 12 of Vellamanal Govt. H.S.S. This time, while Dr. R. Prakash conducted the group counselling, seven counsellors from Access met the students and spoke to them individually. Later, the Principal expressed her gratitude for the initiatives taken by Mayyanad Sangamam towards the welfare of the school.

Feedbacks indicate that the students, parents and the teachers are highly motivated and are looking forward to such useful initiatives from Mayyanad Sangamam. 

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10. Eighth Annual Meeting of 21.9.2014

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.

9. Kudumba sangamam vishesham- 6-4-2014

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.

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8. Seventh Anniversary Meeting: 2-10-2013

3-10-2013: Report of Seventh Annual Meeting and Onam Celeberation

Mayyanad Sangamam's 7th Annual Meeting on 2-10-2013 was inaugurated by chief guest Dr.B.Ashok IAS (Vice Chancellor, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University).

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Ashok drawing a couple of incidents from the annals of his experiences as an Indian Administrative Service officer showed how one can manage successfully one's own personal as well as career life by employing tact  and presence of mind. This he pointed out is the essence of  peaceful and harmonious living. Well spoken on the birthday of our 'ahimsa vadi' father of the nation, Mahatma  Gandhi.      

The guest of honor  of the day V.Babu Senan (Rtd Deputy General Manager,Reserve Bank of India) in his felicitation speech spoke about some of the veterian Mayyanadians and their exemplary and dedicated contributions to Mayyanad's literary and cultural development.

Secratary Er. Manilal welcomed the gathering. President D.Jayachandran addressed the audience and enumerated the programmes of the Sangamam. Vice President Prof.Rajan K.Ramesh expressed the vote of thanks.

The meeing was followed by cultural programme and a grand Onam sadya.

7. REPORT OF MID-MEET EVENTS

19-6-2013:   MID - MEET  EVENTS

The Executive Committee met twice in the midst to discuss on plans to up the progress of the  Sangamam activities. Accordingly the committee has come up with a plan to bring out a Directory of members of the Mayyanad diaspora in TVM. Prof. Rajan K. Ramesh is the convener of the sub-committee that shall look into its preprartion. The personal particulars,  relating to Mayyanad Origin of the members, will be needed for this. Members will be sent a form to be filled up, along with the invitation for the upcoming Onam Meeting,  to be held  in the second half  of September.

Some member(s) have also expressed a desire to bring out a magazine (on line?) by the Sangam members which shall include news, views,opinions, artcles, literary creations, obituary etc., by members. All writings will have Mayyanad as its central focus. For futher inquiries please contact the Secretary Er. Manilal.

For the information of the Sangamam members,  as requested by Manavaseva and Mayyanad Janasakthi, President D.Jayachandran  has provided an article pertaining to activities of Mayyanad Sangamam to be included in their Bulletin.

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6. SAVE MAYYANAD PROJECT- 27.4.2013

27.4.2013:  Umayanalloor Meeting

A co-ordination committee meeting of the representatives of  Jansakthi, Manavasewa, Elder's Forum, Help Foundation, Umayanalloor Paddy Grower's Association, and Mayyanad Sangamam Tvm.,was held at Umayanalloor on 27.4.2013 at 5.30 pm. The meeting discussed among other things:

a.    Encroachment of agricultural land for other purposes,
b.   Dumping of waste on agriculture land and its impact on livestock,
c.   Clandestine  water bottling activity, and depletion of ground water,
d.   Group farming at Umayanalloor Yela.

Mayyanad Sangamam President D.Jayachandran and Vice President  Prof. Rajan K.Ramesh  who attended the meeting  would be part of the advisory committee formed for  achieving the objectives of SAVE MAYYANAD PROJECT.

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