21.Activities of Mayyanad Sangamam for the months May, June ,July 2017

5.5.2017

NGO Consortium has been renamed as Mayyanad United at a meeting held at Pakalveedu on 5.5.2017, with the idea that it will be a Union of Mayyanadians represented by- Janasakthi, Mayyanad Sangamam, Elders Forum, Help Foundation, Paravoor Coir Samrakshana Samithi, Sree Vidya International Charitable Trust and Manavasewa- aimed at promoting the well-being of Mayyanad.

13.5.2017

Mayyanad Sangamam on 13.5.2017 inaugurated a Counselling Centre for Students at the premises of Pettah Youngsters Club at Thiruvananthapuram. The classes are conducted by Dr. Prakash, a prominent member of Mayyanad Sangamam. The Center aims at - Adolescent Counselling/ Career Guidance/ Effective Public Speaking/ Learning Techniques/ Preparing for Competitive Exams/ Facing Interviews etc.

At another function on 13.5.2017, Dr. Gopi Mani, former Professor and Head of Dept. of Genetics, Kerala Agriculture University, and a patron of Mayyanad Sangamam, was awarded the N.V Memorial Literary Award for his book 'Utharaadhunika Charitram'. The award was sponsored by Kerala Bhaasha Institute, and given away by Poet Sugathakumari, at a prominent function held at YMCA, TVM.

6.6.2017

Mayyanad Sangamam represented a function organized by Mayyanad United at the Kollam Press Club on 6.6.2017. The occasion was the inauguration of  a short film named 'Ikkare Paccha' being produced with the aim to create awareness among the people of the social evils to which the present young generation of Mayyanad is falling prey to, and  the urgent need to stop it from escalating to a point of no return. 

Cine artist Ponnamma Babu spoke on the occasion.

24.6.2017

Mayyanad Sangamam as part of Mayyanad United represented at the Ayurveda Medical Camp, organized to promote the concept of Ayurvedam Vazhi Aarogyam, on 24.6.2017 at Mayyanad Pakalveedu premises. Eminent Ayurveda Doctors from the Puthoor S.N. Ayurveda Medical College participated in the Camp. 

22.7.2017

Mayyanad Sangamam organized a special meeting of its members at TVM on 22.7.2017. The special occasion was chosen to felicitate a young Mayyanadian, V.K. Gokul, who made Mayyanad proud by his illustrious performance at the Civil Services Exam of 2017 by getting selected for the INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE. All eyes watered when he narrated the very hard work behind his achievement. He stands as a monumental inspiration for the future generation of young Mayyanadians.

20.. Mayyanad Sangamam 23.4.2017 Vishu Meet

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".

The next speaker of the day was Dr. Prakash who made a logical conclusion of, in his own inimitable style, from where Mr. Dathan left off. He stressed that  a successful inter personal relationship rests on unconditional compassion for the other being. Just keep smiling, like how our chief minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan does ever since he took charge as the CM. Practise the 'chaaya adi chiri'  everyday, and you are there.

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. 

19. January 2017 activities of Mayyanad Sangamam

Mayyanad Sangamam Activities of January 2017

1. On 11.1.2017

Counselling Class to students of class 12, Vellamanal HSS, Mayyanad, on the topic- How to make studies enjoyable-  was conducted by Dr. Prakash.
In the afternoon Dr. Prakash  gave a talk to the members of Elders Forum on the topic- Good living.

2. On 22.1.2017 members of Mayyanad Sangamam TVM, went on tour to Puvar.

3. On 29.1. 2017

A Medical Camp was organized at Mayyanad at the Elders Forum Care Home premises for the people of Mayyanad.

Participating Doctors:

1. Dr. M. Ananda  Kumar     - Gastroenterology
2. Dr. S. Sasikumar               - Chest Diseases
3. Dr. B. Mohandas               - Physician
4. Dr. K.R.Vikraman             - Urology
5. Dr. K.V. Madhu                 - Pediatrics
6. Dr. Renuka Mohan            - Orthopedics
7.  Dr. Jerry C.T.                    - Physiotherapy

4.  On 31.1. 2017

Dr. Prakash conducted another Counselling and Guidance Class for Std. 10 students of Vellamanal HSS, Mayyanad, on 31.1.2017.

In the afternoon  Dr. Prakash conducted a session with members of the Pakal Veedu on the topic of lifestyle and ethics of good living.

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18. Mayyanad Sangamam Tenth Onam Meeting- 10.10.2016

The Mayyanad Sangamam Tenth Onam Meeting was held on 16.10.2016 at the SN.Club premises situated at Kannammoola, Thiruvananthapuram.

This was a much-looked-forward-to Meeting. The anticipation of seeing, listening and taking selfies with 'the  Poet-Heart Inside the  Police-Dress' (kaakkikkullile kavi hridayam) were on the mind of all who attended this meeting. Alas, as our President iterated, there is always an element of risk in such anticipations, and just that happened to every ones dismay. Chief guest ADGP Dr. Sandhya IPS, flew to Delhi by that day's early morning flight, on official duty!

The meeting, nevertheless,  proceeded with the lighting of lamp and the introduction by compere Nithu Manilal.  President D. Jayachandran gave a neat summary of the activities of the Forum from its inception to this day. Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, in his guest  speech said that listening to the activities of the forum, so far, one should feel tremendous pride in having founded the Forum, of which he was a main initiator. Dr. R Gopimani in his felicitation-come-guest speech also expressed his happiness at the way the activities of the Forum was moving and prayed that it will continue to do the good work. He then turned to his field of expertise in agriculture and gave an interesting exposure of the history and science of  how the world achieved rice production for the rapidly growing population following Industrial Revolution. He wondered in the present times with the decreasing rain and drying paddy fields and the lack of proper laws to allow private cultivation how the world is going to tackle the problem of rice production. 

Secretary Er. Manilal then presented the annual budget. He then requested Dr. Gopimani to conduct the election of new office bearers. Following deliberations  the meeting unanimously resolved that the present team would continue for another term.

Senior members- Sri. M.D.Asokan, Sri. Pavitran and  Sri. Ibrahim Kunju were felicitated with Ponnaada.

Vice President Prof. Rajan K.Ramesh presented the vote of thanks.

Cultural activities in  the form of dance, poetry recital by Dr. Seema (Dr. Sandhya would have surely appreciated it), and songs, also were presented by members, much to the delight of the audience.

The Meeting concluded with a sumptuous Onam Sadhya.

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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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