AMMA......An Epitome of Love

                                                              AMMA .......  
                                  7th May 1934 - 18th November 2018     
 

Amma is the most unconditional love in one’s life. Amma is precious and unique that no one can be substituted. I love my mom; she is the most important person in my life. Amma gives everything which she has. When my amma was with me I felt like a child but now when she left, I realized that I am no more a child. That’s what the force of amma, the living ‘Goddess’ who can only shower love and blessings on her children.  

Amma’s love is an ocean. The byelaws she implements in home discipline her children to be diplomatic in conversation, presentations, finance control, diet and life style. To me she was the university where I learned life skills to be a humanitarian. That is what I am now by serving the society.

Our childhood was abroad where the medium of study was in English. Amma took special care to teach us Malayalam, so we were able to read, write and to cope up with the studies back in the beautiful village Kappil in Trivandrum, Kerala, surrounded by panoramic view of Edava Nadayara backwaters (Kayal). Her strengths inspired me to be brave and use the opportunities wisely and her weaknesses tutored me to face the threats in life and made me strong to overcome the challenges which made my life beautiful. She was the reservoir of motivation while growing up.

My mom was my pillar, per se, I may mention that my dad was and is my role model. I was really blessed to be a strong support to my mom when I grew up. She was truly blessed to have loving children, three daughters, a son, their spouses, four beautiful granddaughters, four handsome grandsons, and eight cute great grandchildren. 

Amma was so beautiful, got married at 17 and gave birth to me a fortnight before her 19^th birthday. Amma was the most important person in my life who truly loved and cared us. Amma is the living ‘Goddess’ in our life. She guided us to go ahead in life in the right path.

Amma became diabetic at the age of 23 which accompanied her till her eternal journey at 84. This made her to take care of herself too not only for her health but also to educate us how to handle life. She feared that any of her children will carry diabetics to become her followers. My mom was lucky enough; none of her children from 65 to 55 were having any diseases till she lived in this beautiful world. Amma made me to take care of self along with caring the loving family. She taught the values like hard work, value of family relations and empathy towards self and others. We, children, were assigned with household works as a routine along with our studies which made us an organization with systematic and diplomatic functioning.

Born on 7^th May 1934 as the eldest daughter to her parents followed with seven siblings, married in March 1952, journeyed with our Achan (dad) to Borneo where I spent my childhood.

Amma was everything to us, a companion, a friend, a teacher, a guide and a philosopher in our life. No doubt amma, you mould us what we are today.

Her discipline in life continued till her death. We, the children, had a lovely picture with our amma on 11^th November 2018 the day she left Ernakulam to her home at Nedungolam, Kollam after a stay of 19 months without giving us a clue of her last journey. Back home, on 17^th she got fits followed by a heart attack which made her unconscious. She was rushed to emergency care in her favourite hospital, where her file was 52 years old. Suddenly shifted to ICU where she continued to breathe with the help of oxygen till her last breath at 9.40pm on 18^th November and her life file was closed by her doctor. A guiding loving and glittering star in the invisible, you are so precious as always.

Amma, you were my strength in my life. I shall follow your values throughout my life. Your discipline guided me, your strictness taught me to be generous, impartial and caring, your fear made me to be alert and more conscious and succeed in all walks of my life. No doubt amma, you are amazing and I am blessed to be your loving daughter.

                                                         Pranaamam Amme!

 

 

A unique get together at our Aussie friend

Ready for a morning walk

mango plucking

We classmates made it at Australia. Our friend John migrated to Australia and we rest of the friends missed him in our activities and reunions. My son is settled in Australia, so also Jose's daughter. This time we were visiting our children almost in the same time. Hat's off to Facebook. We planned a programme and our children wholeheartedly supported it and we had a great day together which become a memorable event. A great reunion of three of us and our spouses. Travelled from 1970, the year we joined in College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum. The backyard of John surprised us with organic veggies and fruits. We roam around his backyard, plucked ripe mangos and enjoyed the farm fresh mangoes. So also we harvested jackfruit, beans, drumstick and made them stars in our dinner dishes. Really John and Valerie you both are maintaining your backyard remembering our homesteads in Kerala, India. We all were in the same opinion. We felt home away home in the sweet home of John.
We did video chat with our other friends available on online. We cherish our college days and travelled from our teens to our sixties. It was really awesome. We were inspired and motivated. Really it happened to be an antidote for healthy and happy life. Off course years are flying, but no doubt, friendship is always sweet and beautiful to keep our life beautiful. Thanks to the Almighty for the lovely opportunity of the get together.

Time to say goodbye

backyard

We classmates with harvested jackfruit

Dinner with jackfruit and seed special dishes.

We around breakfast table

Friendship is a real treasure

Of course we are social beings. Our social life is the key to our survival, health and happiness.We are most comfortable when we are connected, sharing and led by values and virtues. Human groups range from families to nations and continents. Friendships are part of social life. It enriches life with health and happiness. People who have large network of friends have greater life experiences of positivity. Even the effort you take to build a healthy friendship will not be in ...vain. It helps you to enjoy quality life wherever you’re. Friendship is like a bank account. Every act of love, kindness, care and compassion are the credits while criticisms and negativities if any are the debits in the account. A friend in need is a friend in deed. A true friendship is a treasure. Investing time and energy in making friends and maintaining healthy relationships shall truly pay off to one’s better health and a brighter outlook for future. Dedicated to all my lovely friends across the Globe. Love you all.
It is time for us to leave Gold Coast. Some nicest moments with my beautiful friends here in Gold Coast. Enjoyed the precious time we had together. You all made me feel home away home. Bye all. Shall meet you next time. Welcoming all to our God’s own country, Kerala in India.

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Unique experience in an Airbus....

 It was on 29th January 2018. From Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur. After a short stay with our son and family we headed back to God's own country via Kuala Lumpur. We were surprised to be among the first callers. When entered inside the airbus again surprised to be among the four passengers in the premium cabin. Only two passengers in the business class. I just went through the isle to stretch myself to economy class and found around fifty passengers only there. To visit our children in Australia and USA we were travelling in both the continents almost every year for the past ten years. And to our wonder this is the first experience to enjoy an eight hour flight in an airbus with only few passengers. Appreciate Air Asia for valuing their customers. May be this will be the first and last experience. Love to share this rare experience in my blog.

Australian Outback Spectacular....A wonderful experience

 The tickets for the Australian Outback Spectacular was a beautiful Christmas gift by our son. An awesome show experience at Gold Coast, Australia. The next couple on our side was from Atlanta, USA. It alone reveals the worth of the show. The show is the 'return of high country legends' which pays tribute to some of Australia's greatest legends.
The outback spectacular is a live demonstration of theatre, horse riding, music, drama and a delicious three course dinner all combined into a single entertaining package. While enjoying the yummy dinner one can follow the riders, as well as the animal stars of the show and experience the journey that combines death-defying stunts and aerial performances with a dazzling display of special effects. We had a great evening with an outstanding entertainment of true Aussie heritage.

 Upon the arrival of the AOS entrance we are greeted by the lovely volunteers by handing over the iconic AOS straw hats and ushered in for a photo. The fully stocked bar, gift shop and seating areas with live music gave us a good and inspirational start of the show. The animals flanking the hall is the major highlight. Can join the dancing groups of all ages along with the live music. The doors to the main concert hall was opened and we were greeted to our seats for the show to begin.

 The dinner was delicious and nutritious. Entrée for the evening was a steaming bowl of pumpkin soup with croutons. The drinks water, soft drinks, wine and beer was unlimited. The friendly servers delivered the hot meals with the option of chicken, steak or veggies along with bun and butter, steamed corn and mashed potato. The custard pudding as dessert provides a beautiful signature to the dinner. Photography was not allowed inside the theatre so missed the snaps of dinner and the show.

 The audience were also permitted to participate with applause and aha oho sounds to add cream to the show. Through out the show we had a great time of entertainment as if we were in our youth. Hat's off to the nice show.

Exploring Gold Coast and nearby areas....

Visiting new places is awesome to learn about different cultures, observe and gather new information, befriend with lovely persons and to discover, experience and enjoy new cuisines. This time our Gold Coast trip to our son and family we had great experiences of exploring the places, nice outings, some new experiences and outings and have an antidote for our health also.
Main attractions of explorations are
Good exercising, stay active, enhances immunity, improves self esteem, builds new friendships and more over helps one to stay healthier and live long a quality life.
 This time we visited the shopping malls at Westfield, Helens vale, Pacific fair, Australia fair, Robina Town Centre and Oxen ford.

Visited Brisbane museum, Beenleigh, Moggill, South River Bank, Fig Tree Pocket, Mermaid waters, Surfer's Paradise, Broad beach, Burleigh Waters, Paradise Point, Coombabah, Cavil Ave, Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove, Ross Evans, Crystal Reef Drive, South Port, Molendinar, Clear Island waters, Monterey keys, Wet 'n' Wild water world and watched Sea world carnival and the Australian Out back Spectacular.
Visited Crystal Cave at Montecollum, New Govardhana at Eungella, Tweed gallery at Murwillumbah and Tropical Fruit World at Duranbah in New South Wales.

Great Blessing....

A great blessing from 'The Almighty' through a beautiful soul was a surprise gift and award to me. I can't sit simply without sharing this in my daily journal. I got a visitor for the first time at our home. She had heard about me from two of her good friends. This was unknown to me. The young lady is such a vibrant open hearted person of full positive vibe. She motivated me quoting my social activities and the style of interacting to others. I felt so happy because this is my special goal in life. To make others happy and stay positive. Being human some times I too struggle to stay positive. She sent me a friend request and we became friends in Face book. I would love to share her message with my readers.
'Hey aunty, it was so nice to meet such an amazing personality like you. Thanking God for giving me an opportunity to meet such a wonderful person in life. The positive energy you emit is enormous and was a good thought to empower others especially women. See aunty you will be blessed abundantly for the good motivating deeds you are doing. God has some reason for all of us to be here, It is our effort and duty to find out and work towards it. You are truly marching forward. You are such a sweet loving soul I met. I am glad that I could meet you.....Love you honestly.'
See what a sweet and beautiful statement to get in life. Thankful to 'The Almighty' for having lovely people around to inspire and motivate in our life.
 

Unexpected incident on the last day of 2017

The last day of 2017, 31st December turned to be a black day when the shocking news of the sudden demise of my beloved sister in law, aged 51, came to us.

So unexpectedly it happened.
After a week long Bangalore pleasure trip to her handsome sons along with husband and niece came to an end on 30th December. Why they need to wind up the trip was that they need to attend public and family programs  back home on 2nd and 3rd January 2018.
After a 12 hour bus journey, reaching the capital of Kerala, she felt discomfort, not able to express, felt thirsty, so rushed to the near restaurant, had a tea, felt to go to toilet, she alone went in, husband and niece waiting outside the rest room. Opened the door, stared at her husband and fell down collapsed. Ambulance 108 came and rushed to the hospital, at the causality, death confirmed, recording brought dead. That is it. There end a life. Without any previous symptoms or any diseases she was so lucky to bid goodbye from this world within minutes in front of her beloved and celebrating a full week happily with her children.
She came to our home at the age of eighteen, lived a happy life for thirty two years, and abruptly left this world leaving her loved ones in deep sorrow. So for us the last day of the year was a dark day making us speechless. May the soul of my beautiful sister in law rest in peace. May all the dear and near ones able to recover the pain of loss. God Bless!

All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), Aluva

                                        

                                AIWC is India’s pioneer women’s voluntary organisation founded in 1927 with the objective to empower and uplift women and children. In the 90^th year of service to the nation, AIWC continues the mission with various socio-economic projects to enhance the status of women to bring them into the main stream of the society. AIWC is having more than 2 lakh members in about 600 branches all over the country. Our motto is to work zealously with selfless dedication. AIWC is recognised all over the world as a premier organisation standing for women’s betterment and prospects.

Our Mission

AIWC is registered in 1930 under society’s registration Act.

The main objectives are

To work for a society based on the principle of social justice, personal integrity and equal rights and opportunities for all.

To work for the development and welfare of women and children, especially the lower strata.

To help women in utilizing to the fullest, fundamental right conferred on them by the constitution of India.

Ongoing projects at AIWC, Aluva

Aluva branch was started in 1971 January with an objective of the welfare for women & children. Our office is opposite to Head Post Office, Aluva.

  

 

 

 
 

·        Monthly Awareness Programmes including one day trainings, seminars, classes, workshops etc on women related subjects.

·       Camps on adolescent training, anaemia detection, Health and Hygiene, Life style etc.

·       Six Baby Crèches and after school care in and around Aluva.

·       Technical education and skill development programmes on garment making embroidery, fashion designing, Glass and Fabric painting, Jewellery making, craft and apparel making are always in full swing.

·       An ‘A’ Grade Library for women is housed at our office and conducts seminars on different socio cultural activities.

·       Computer literacy programme and spoken English classes are going on.

·       Monthly grocery kits are being distributed to the destitute registered under our old day care programme.

·       Yoga courses are being conducted with an objective for creating health and harmony in life.

·       Scholarships for bright student for backward classes sponsored by AIWC New Delhi.

·       Besides we conduct cultural programmes in connection with Onam, Christmas and New Year. We celebrate National festivals, events and days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AIWC 90th year Celebrations in Kerala at Aluva

 

                 Glories of the past, glitters of the present, gallants for the future, that is what emphasized in the 90^th year celebration of AIWC in the holy land of Adi Shankaracharya, Aluva, Kerala. The state level conference of AIWC in ‘God’s own Country’ was unmatched by the magnanimous presence, words, deeds and action of the leading women dignitaries President Smt. Rakesh Dhawan, Secretary General Smt. Kalyani Raj, Hon. Treasurer Smt. Manju Kak and Vice President Smt. Usha Nair along with Zonal Organizer Adv. Hemalatha and Patron Smt. Gomathi Nair. By the inspiration    and guidance of Smt. Gomathi Nair and Smt. Usha Nair, the managing committee of Aluva branch took it up as a challenging task and gave all their dividends for it to make it a grand success.

                     The day 20^th of November 2017 got glittered in the pages of AIWC with significance to Kerala especially to Aluva branch. The charm of the day was the gallantry of woman of AIWC Kerala assembled to discuss their vision, mission and took oath for the uplift and betterment of women, girls and the downtrodden. The function started with a prayer song continued with lighting the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais.  Smt. Gomathi Nair, the Patron, welcomed the gathering recounting her past experiences in different roles praising the stalwarts of AIWC for building a strong platform for the women of India. The venue Mahnami Heritage Hotel, Aluva was flooded with delegates, members and representatives far and near of Kerala.

                       Smt. Rakesh Dhawan in her presidential speech highlighted the atrocities the women and girls are facing now and the task AIWC is voicing for a reconstructive mentality of women in general for a new horizon. Smt. Usha Nair, Vice President made a beautiful historical presentation of the growth of AIWC with special references to the contributions of Kerala women for their unparalleled dedication and service for the development. It was a real eye opening for the participants, of the hurdles their senior members faced and their eventful journey that materialized freedom and fraternity.

                         Chief guest Smt. Nirmala Devi, Senior Manager, LIC of India, in her key note address pointed out the attitude existing in men viewing women inferior. She pointed out that mothers must educate their sons to respect and accept girls as equals, so also women should be positive minded to buildup self esteem. In the honorary ceremony six seniors across Kerala, Smt. Gomathi Nair, Meenakshy Ramakrishnan (Mami), Smt. Jayanthi Appu Menon , Smt. Indira Ramakrishna Pillai, Smt. Padma Mukundan and Smt. Seetha Sreenivasan, who put their might for paving a brave path for the under privileged women to come forward and build a solid future of their own, were honored by our National leaders. November 20^th being the ‘Child Right’s Day ‘song and dance of the kids from our crèche were carried out in between the sessions which delighted the audience. The souvenir ‘TANVI’ with the past and present activities along with felicitation messages and with literary work of our members and staff was released by Hon. President Smt. Rakesh Dhawan presenting to Smt. Gomathi Nair, Patron with much applause. Smt. Cecily Mathew, President, Aluva released the book in Malayalam on health science, ‘Vishadathil ninnu Vivekathilekku’ ( From Depression to Autonomy) written by Smt. Suma Pillai, Joint Secretary, Aluva and handed over to Smt. Kalyani Raj, Secretary General.

                           Next were the felicitation speeches by Smt. Kalyani Raj, Dr. Manju Kak, Adv. Hemalatha and Smt. Lissy Abraham, Chair Person, Aluva municipality on the 90^th year celebration of AIWC in Aluva. They appreciated the contributions of Aluva branch. Smt. Padmini Nair, Member in Charge, delivered vote of thanks.

                            Post lunch session started with the business activities. Dr. Vijaya Lekshmy presented the contributions of Smt. Gomathi Nair, Patron, to AIWC. In the interact session of the branches moderated by Smt. Kalyani Raj, Smt. Usha Nair displayed the branch activities. The branch officials were invited and presented their activities in brief.

                            Office bearers of AIWC, Delhi were honored with cheers and mementos by Kerala branches. Smt. Rakesh Dhawan honored Smt. Cecily Mathew, President and Smt. Daisy Joy, Secretary of Aluva branch. Smt. Cecily Mathew expressed thanks and gratitude to all with a special thanks to Smt. Usha Nair, Smt. Gomathi Nair and the members and staff of Aluva branch for making the event successful. Followed by the National Anthem, the meeting concluded in the evening at 4.30 pm.