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.

22. 10.9.2017 Onam Meeting

2017 Onam celeb of Mayyanad Sangamam was held on 10th September at Hotel Regency, Manjalikulam in Thiruvananthapuram.

After the initial half hour of interaction among members the meeting started with a Prayer Song by Compeer Nithu Manilal, followed  by Welcome Speech by Secretary ER. Manilal

In his presidential address,   D. Jayachandran when referring to the two “columnists” on the stage, stressed on the need for Journalism to maintain utmost responsibility, by bringing the true story to the people and society.  For example, he felt that the stories on Doklam and the murder of Gauri Lankesh were not handled with maturity. He felt certain Journalists shouldn’t have ‘celebrated’ the death of Gauri Lankesh.

This was followed by the  traditional lighting of  lamp to inaugurate the sessions.

Our chief- guest, Khyrunnisa A., who graced the Onam Meeting,   had all the goodness of a Maveli –cheerful, resplendent, and radiant-looking, and has the most beautiful, warm and affectionate smile, with eyes eager and burning bright with Innocence, and bubbling with the inquisitiveness of a child in the thrill of lives’ adventures.  Her feel-at-home joyous-mingling -attitude seemed infectious to the usually serious-looking- Mayyanadians.   One could see them also responding equally to the warmth the lady generated as though in the company of a bundle of children. Only that they were all children in the evening of their life. The lady was only more than willing and happy to grace this company. Only a person such as her who has understood the truth can feel fearlessly comfortable in any situation.  Her talk more than confirmed her understanding of the true nature of life- that is to be innocent like the children in her stories. Even when they are full of pranks they end up successfully resolving the conflicts, like a flight simulator!

She is a strong vocalist of sustaining the age-old habit of reading good books. Books are one’s true friend. Once you enter the world depicted in the book you begin to engage yourself in it, and if it is a story book you go through the whole process of life depicted in it. You will learn the complexity of life and will learn how to deal with them. That is why reading, especially, story books is good for children and adults alike.

The greatness of her understanding also reflected in the way she made it a point to mention that it was the habit of reading good books that produced eminent personalities from Mayyanad in the past. So it was the responsibility of the present generation to pass the torch of the reading habit of their ancestors to the next generation, she said in conclusion.

She is very well represented in the Internet.

Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran in his felicitation speech seemed a little confused about the use of the term “columnist” in the Presidential Address of D. Jayachandran. Although he is now a well- known Doctor of Neurology, at one time when he was still in college he started by writing a column on astrology for an important Published News Magazine of that time. Apart from many books that he wrote later, on Neuroscience and books on history of Mayyanad etc. he has been writing the editorial for the Malayalam Fortnightly ‘ARTHAKE’ for the last 15 years. As such his doubt was that whether referring to him as a ‘columnist’, wasn’t ‘reductionist’. On the Chief Guest’s idea of reading books, he expressed that he would like to differ with her on her idea of reading books as a panacea for all our conflicts in life. He concluded that he will take up the topic with her privately when there will be more time!

-Introduction of new members

Now it was time for the Annual General Body Meeting, to present the annual report and statement of expenditure, which were passed unanimously by the members.

Entertainments started with a round of tambola, with the chief guest winning the ‘full house’ to everyone’s delight! This was followed by a superb ‘Cinematic’ dance by young Shwetha, and the singing of melodious Onam songs by Aamina, Sunil, Nithu and Manilal. The English song by Shwetha was just exemplary!

The meeting ended with the traditional Onam Sadya. 

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.