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.  

                                                                                                      

                                    

                                                         

 

About the Book, ‘Vishadathil ninnu Vivekathilekku’

                    

‘Vishadathil ninnu Vivekathilekku’ means ‘the journey from depression to autonomy.’

                                                        The very goal of human life is to do creative service to oneself and to the world. The fast and advanced technology has gone very far deteriorating human relationship. Eye contact is missing now days in all fields and finger tips are working in this era. Even in a home it is surprising to see that texts are being sent to inform dinner is ready like that. Return text will come soon ‘shall come after half an hour or don’t wait for me’ like that. What’s happening? Family members are missing the beautiful conversation of the day around the dining table. Everywhere business touch and business sessions only, there is 24 hours in a day but due to the lackadaisical 24/7 working pattern, no time to spare with the dear ones in home. This results in anxiety and depression in individuals. This phenomenon is becoming common today. The sad thing is that it is not being identified in time because of lack of relationship at home or in office.

                                                            Authors, Smt. Suma Pillai and Sri. Rajendran Pillai, the couple have made a detailed study and laid out clearly the chart of the journey from the dark depths of depression and anxiety to the light of awareness, wisdom and peace. Human relationship is so important to lead a healthy and happy life to experience quality in every walks of the life journey. Authors are sharing their knowledge and experience in counseling detailing the subject of depression and anxiety with an objective

·       To bring out symptoms of depression and anxiety to the notice of people.

·       To inform people the actual facts of depression, historical and biological aspects and newer techniques, so that they may realize the true nature and extent of the problem.

·       To familiarize various options available to manage or cure the condition through holistic healing of the person.

                                       People with depression will be concerned to know what can be done to help them deal better with stressful situations.  Once depression is identified then let their response to relationship, work stress, financial matters etc. to be taken with special care and train them to have more adaptive response to the hurdles to manage. The practice of selfishness and acquisitiveness are the primary factors that derange the mind. This book is a real guide to make one aware that freedom from selfishness and acquisitiveness will naturally lead to a healthy state of mind.

                                                    The chapters covered help the readers to identify and diagnose the disorders due to anxiety, depression and negative personality. Also make them aware of the biology of anxiety which enables entry to the phase of proper identification of the disease and how to find out the solutions to get rectified and lead one to build up a positive personality. The chapter ‘Psychology of anxiety’ reveals the correct platform to land and start the ‘action phase’ to cure self and cure others. While going through the pages it visualizes the words of the great philosopher, George Bernard Shaw that

 “Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

                Vishadathil ninnu Vivekathilekku shall be a useful referral book for all those who are involved in counseling, adolescent training programs and can be kept in home as a self therapy guide and a family therapy guide.

 

 

 

 

 

Kochi Metro, Our Pride.....

 

                        Urbanisation is the urge of the modern character structure of civilization. The stringent inflow of people to urban areas in the hope of yearning hallucinating pleasures is a real problem of town planning. Alternating resources and paraphernalia are to be introduced to accommodate the life flow. New transit modes became inevitable to the mass move of people to save time, money and to enthuse development. Metro rail system thus became the civilization pageant of modern living.

                          Metros are a source of saving time, cash and energy. Traffic suffocation can be considerably reduced by this system. Kochi, the metropolitan city of Kerala, was craving for modern traffic measures as she was, and is, experiencing traffic stigmatisation above par. Metro rail was the befitting solution to this problem as it doesn’t need any extra land since it runs on air above pillars. The dream metro system was materialised on 17^th June 2017 when it was dedicated to the Kochinites by our Honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. 

                            As we are concerned, previously we have travelled in the metros during our visits to abroad. We still savour the rich memories of metro travels in Perth and Brisbane of Australia, New York, California and Chicago of USA, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and our cities Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. But Kochi metro is something beyond all these experiences. This is our personal pride and prestige. We are the elite in the global front of modern travel system, the class of excellence of the Keralites in general.

                               The metro to the public was opened from 6am on 19^th June 2017 onwards. With a festive mood and grooming enthusiasm we speeded to the Aluva station at 5.30am itself as the station is the next western site of our premise. We were surprised to see the hilarious crowd. We were given a memento at the entrance gate as the ‘first day traveller of KMRL’, a gift of Malayala Manorama sponsored. Enjoyed the escalator ride and reached the ticket counter. With excitement we did fit in the long queue. After the security procedures on the platform the crowd were eagerly waiting to witness the first metro of Kochi. Security guards were struggling to control the crowd to get back from the safety line assigned. The beautiful ocean blue painted metro arrived and stood in front of us like a beautiful idol. The doors were opened with the ethnic music, ‘elathalam’.  The crowd got in. They were so keen looking outside and getting ready to see the aerial view from the sky ride and the vista. The feel inside was so cool with pleasing ocean blue and lemon green coloured seats along with the same coloured firm handles to hold while standing. It took only 19 minutes to reach Edapally from Aluva.  Journey itself was really amazing. The drum beating music while opening the doors gave us the cultural taste of Kerala. The story of our spices and grains are displayed on the walls through pictures at Edapally station. We got outside, took a picture with ‘Lulu Mall’ as the background. Reached the ticket counter, purchased return tickets to Aluva and through the lift back to the platform to catch the metro. Within seconds, there came the metro queen. As we entered we were surprised to see Shri Elias George IAS, MD, KMRL at the door. He was so nice to chat with us and everyone being one among us in the journey. We were back at Aluva by 7 am.

Memento

                                    It was a dream came true of our own metro by the great Metro Man,

Sri Sreedharan. This is really our pride and prestige. Let us keep our metro clean and safe to add a golden feather in the crown of our ‘God’s own Country’.

 

                                                                                                                                                                      

                   

                    

 

Mrs. Jayanthi Appu Menon, Backbone of AIWC,Aluva

 

Contributions of Mrs. Jayanthi Appu Menon, Founder President of AIWC, Aluva

As our founder President she laid a strong basement for her successors where we are now standing with confidence and self esteem.

She is a motivating person with great administrative talents. As a patron and mentor she is still guiding us for achieving goals of AIWC.

During her long tenure of presidential ship she made AIWC, a landmark of Aluva which inspired our girls and women to acquire skills and obtain self sufficiency.

Our huge building is the result of her selfless service of determination and dedication. Without her we should not be able to have the prestigious institute at Aluva.

Her charismatic presence in the awareness camps, seminars and classes made it crowded and a grand success.

To sum up she unleashed with truthful relationship the power of human resources. She is a visionary who knows where she is and where she is headed for.

 

 

 

 

Meenakshy Ramakrishnan, Strong Pillar of AIWC, Aluva

Contributions of Smt Meenakshy Ramakrishnan, Founder Secretary AIWC, Aluva

                       

                           Since the inception of Aluva AIWC from 21^st Jan 1971 onwards Smt Meenakshy Ramakrishnan as our founder secretary harnessed the power of the organisation with team work and leadership to greater heights. She embellished the centre as a doyen among the branches energising many girls and women for self sufficiency in socio-economic progress.

The meritorious contributions are

Shifting the office from rental to own multi-storeyed twin building in the heart of the town is the highlight.

Started constituent branches in and around Aluva.

Promoted Hindi Prachar Sabha programs in 1960’s along with tuition classes for Hindi and continued at AIWC which enables the students to get job in schools.

With special interest she inculcate reading habits among women and children starting a small library at her home in late 1960’s which has grown to a ‘A’ grade library named Vanitha Varsha Smaraka Grandhasala at AIWC, Aluva.

She initiated to convert solar energy for cooking purposes which was widely accepted by the women in rural areas. She travelled over the country and Lakshadweep to promote solar cooking based on the direction from AIWC, HQ.

The skill development programs such as KGTE TEN, Type writing, Printing Press, Radio Assembling unit with the support of Keltron, fabric painting and craft helped the woman community to get a job/ start their own enterprise which enabled them to stand on their own feet.

Baby crèches and anganvadi was a great boon to working moms.

Old age day care supported by Help age India was run effectively during her tenure which helped to reduce the loneliness of aged women.

Besides the awareness programs created a drastic change among women in health and contemporary affairs.

Smt Meenakshy Ramakrishnan, with her dynamic personality led our organisation as a premier institute for women especially for economically backward class. She is a powerful woman filled with wisdom and strategy for success. Conforming to facts, worthy of trust she possesses common virtues to an uncommon degree.