Chavara Cultural Centre Newsletter

December 2006

Mullaperiyar- what can Kerala do? - a seminar on Mullaperiyar dam was conducted. The well-known social activist Sri C R Neelakandan gave the presidential address. Sri S P Ravi, Sri A M Sulaiman, Sri C P Roy, Dr CM Joy, Adv. Sivan Madathil, Dr A Latha, and Sri Geo Jose spoke on the subject.

Pollution on Railway Tracks - a seminar on pollution on railway tracks was conducted. Dr. George Themplakad who was the chief speaker pointed out that waste and other polluting materials that were coming out of trains would cause serious health problems. Adv. Sivan Madathil who spoke on the occasion said that the authorities had to take responsibility for the serious health hazards due to pollution on railway tracks. Sri. Geo Jose and Adv. Mathew Paul spoke on the occasion.

WFIRC Kochi chapter meet - in connection with the Silver Jubilee of WFIRC the Kochi chapter organized a two-day inter Faith meet at Chavara Cultural Centre. Prof M K Sanu inaugurated the meet. The meet was presided by Swami Purandarananda. Fr.Roby Kannanchira, Justice P K Shamsuddin, Fr. Albert Nambiaparambil and Jebin Jose spoke on the occasion. Prof. PJ Joseph, Adv. P K Ibrahim and Sri Riju Viswanathan presented papers representing the three religions. Inter faith prayer session and group discussions were held.

Christmas celebrations - The Christmas celebrations of Chavara Cultural Centre was organized with a host of programmes. Sri Deepak Aswani inaugurated the event. The students of Chavara Cultural Centre presented Carol singing, dance programmes, skit, fashion shows and other events on the occasion.

Newsletter August -2006

State consultative meeting on Child labour - in association with Human Laws network a State consultative meeting on Child labour was held. Smt.Artrayee Sen from New Delhi was the Chief speaker on the subject. Around 30 activists from different parts of the state participated. Adv.Sandya Raju, Smt.Malini Menon, Sri. MP Antony (Project Director, Rajagiri) Adv.Rasmi Ramesh spoke on the subject.

Seminar on Grapho analysis - a seminar on Handwriting analysis was inaugurated by S RVHSS Principal Smt.Rosamma. An expert on Graphoanalysis Mr. took classes on the subject. Students from different schools in the city participated.

Library readership campaign - The Library readership campaign conducted by Chavara Public Library was flagged off by Smt.Sreelekha IPS. Giving the inaugural address she said that Reading helps to develop an individual. Medilab Director and former secretary of Chavara cultural centre Sri.T A Varkey gave felicitation. Sri. T S Joy,Prof.Geetha Sasikumar spoke on the values of reading. A Poetry recitation competition was held for school students.

Book Reading competition - in connection with Library membership campaign a book reading competition and elocution competition was held for school students. Several students from various school participated. Prizes were given to winners.

Poets meet - as part of the Library readership campaign a gathering of poets was held. Well-known poets in Malayalam Sri. Venu V Desom, Sri. Sebastian, Sri. Santosh Kodanad, Sri. Sreekumar Kariyad, Sri. P T Binu, Sri. Sajeesh Kottembram participated and recited their poems.

Seminar -Modernization of Public Libraries - as part of the Library readership campaign a seminar on the subject - Modernization of Public Libraries was held.

Dr. Baby the former Chief Librarian of CUSAT gave the talk.

Poetry writing competition - a Poetry writing competition was conducted for school students. The subject given was- Onam. Several students from various school participated. Prizes will be given on September 30,2020 on the occasion of Poets meet held on that day.

Independence day celebrations - The Independence day celebrations of Chavara cultural centre was inaugurated by Justice K Narayana Kurup by hoisting the National flag. Justice K Narayana Kurup gave the Independence Day message. National anthem and Patriotic song competition was held on the occasion.

Avishkar symphony - in association with Avishkar music academy, western music class was inaugurated at Chavara by the Famous Ghazal singer Sri.Umbayee.Avishkar Managing Trustee Sri.S P Nair and Course director Sri. Jose K A spoke on the occasion.

Western music concert and dances were performed on the occasion.

Ramayana month celebration - in association with WFIRC a Ramayana recital and inter religious meet was held. WFIRC General secretary Fr.Albert Nambiamparambil led the meet. Sri.Mahesh Mangatt ,Dr.Joshy (Nature life hospital) Sri.C S Menon talked on the occasion. Smt.Girija Rajendran recited Ramayana.
Drama- To Be or To Be - in association with Globe theatre a play “To Be or To Be” was staged at Fine arts hall. Sri.Ponnan directed the play. Kochi Corporation Deputy Mayor Sri.C K Mani Sankar inaugurated the play. Dr.T S Joy and P C Christopher spoke.
The play was an attempt to understand Shakesperean plays in the context of Indian culture.

Book release&Sea Queen English poetry blooms- “Weaving waves” a collection of poems written by Smt.Rosie Martin was released at a function held at Chavara cultural centre. Former Maharajas College principal Prof.Augustine Thomas released the book by giving it to Toch School Chairman Prof.PJ Joseph.Fr.Roby Kannanchira presided. Dr.Jayasree Sukumaran gave felicitaions, Prof.Geetha Sasikumar gave welcome&Adv.T J Ignatious gave thanks. A poetry reading session was also held on the occasion.

June 2006

IATA/UFTAA Convocation ceremony - IATA/UFTAA Convocation ceremony was inaugurated by Dr.Sebastian Paul MP. On the occasion he stressed the need for good behavior &manners in treating the customers. Dr.Sebastian Paul MP gave away the certificates to the students. Indian Airlines Area manager Sri. Patrick Xavier talked about the vast possibilities in the area of Tourism. Sri PTG Kutty (Sales manager, Indian Airlines), Sri.KVP Krishnakumar (Councillor, Kochi corporation), Sri.Vijayan Menon and Smt.Annie Varghese Kannanmthanam spoke on the occasion.

National students video film festival - The National student’s video film festival was held at S H College, Thevara. The festival was organized jointly by Chavara cultural centre, S H College, Thevara, Chetana media institute & Jehangirabad media institute.
Film director Sri Anwar Rashid inaugurated the festival. 15 short films that won awards at National film festival held at Lucknow were screened. Rev.Dr.Cherian Kunnianthodath CMI presided. Fr.A J Savians, Fr.Benny Benedict, Fr.Roby Kannanchira, Prof.M M Sebastian spoke.

Painting Competition - a Painting competition was held for school students. Around 50 students from various schools in ths city participated. In the High school category Mona S Mohan won the first prize, Mili S Mohan won the second. In the Upper primary category Tresa Archana Paul got the first prize, Anju Krishna got the second & Vinduja M the third. In the L P category Sankar Dinesh Kamath won the first prize, Nisa Kaladharan the second & Deva Lakshmi won the third. Fr.Roby Kannanchira CMI gave away the cash prize and trophy to the winners.

Formation of Kitchen garden& Free seeds distribution - Dr.CP Thara retired HOD of Botany, St.Teresas College gave a lecture on Formation of Kitchen garden &Mushroom cultivation. Seeds of vegetables for Kitchen garden was distributed free on the occasion. Prof. Geetha Sasikumar spoke on the occasion.

January 2006

Rainwater harvesting-seminar - in association with Jalamitra a seminar on rainwater harvesting was held. This seminar was intended to spread awareness of the need to conserve rainwater among the public.Adv.P C Anathappan, Sri.C S Menon and Adv.Tom Jos were the main speakers at the function.

Chavara Inter University Edcution competition - the Final round of the inter university elocution competition was held at the centre. Around 15 contestants from different colleges in the State participated in the final round. The theme of the contest was” Impact of Internet on society”, the duration was 10 minutes. Kum.Anu Unni of U C College Aluva won the First prize, Sri.Mohammed Sohaib of Law College, Calicut won the second and Sri.Phijo Joseph of Law College, Trissur won the Third prize. The winners were given cash prizes of Rs.2500, 1500,and 1000 as first, second and third prizes. The prizes were given away by the CMI Vicar General Rev.Fr.Mathew Kaniamparambil CMI.Chavara centre Chairman Fr.Jos Chittilapily CMI presided.

Reception to Newly Ordained Priests - Chavara Cultural Centre accorded a warm welcome to 56 newly ordained priests of the CMI congregation. CMI Prior General Rev.Dr.Antony Kariyil CMI inaugurated the meeting. Prof.M K Sanu who was the Chief Speaker lauded the service mentality of the priests.Rev.Fr.Mathew Kaniaparmabil CMI and Smt. Mary Joseph spoke on the occasion. Sri.Sunil Joseph and Anil Joseph sang prayer songs.

Interaction with Australian Poet - in association with Australian council an interactive session with Australia’s famous Poet Mr.Les Murray was held at the Harbour view residency. St.Teresas college lecturer Smt.Lakshmidevi Menon interviewed the poet. The members of Chavara poetry society “Sea queen English poetry blooms” talked to the poet about his poetry. Prof. Geetha Sasikumar accorded welcome and Smt.Asha Das, Sri KP Joseph and T S Joy spoke on the occasion.

Seminars on Kerala’s development - a two-day seminar focusing on Kerala’s social and economic development were discussed by an eminent panel of experts from various fields. This programme was organised in association with Forum for Kerala studies. Prof. M N Vijayan inaugurated the seminar.

Indo-German cultural exchange programme - Reception was given to a group of Germans visiting Kerala to study Kerala’s culture and arts. Kerala traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattom and Thullal were performed on the occasion. CMI Prior General Rev. Dr.Antony Kariyil and Rev.Fr.Austin Kallapura CMI spoke on the occasion. Mementos were presented to the German team.

December 2005

AIDS awareness walk - on World AIDS day an awareness programme was undertaken in association with CII, Yi and State AIDS control society. An awareness walk was organized on this occasion that was inaugurated by Hon Minister Sri.Dominic Presentation.Students from various schools and colleges in the city participated in the march. The walk started from Panampilly nagar CII office and came to an end at Kadavanthara GCDA premises. GCDA chairman Sri Antony Issac, Fr.Roby Kannanchira spoke at the concluding ceremony.

Seminar-Ragging: its influence on students - Ragging a contemporary issue in our society was the theme of a seminar organized at the center. The seminar was inaugurated by the DIG K Padmakumar who said that the Teachers and the students must share responsibility to stop this menace. Spreading awareness was one means to stop this issue.
Law college principal Prof.PP Paul, St.Teresas college principal Sr.Christabel, Adv.P K Ibrahim, Fr.Roy Kannanchira and Dr.TS Joy spoke on the occasion.

Mega marriage meet - a Mega marriage meet was organized jointly by Chavarafamily welfare center and Kerala Matrimony.com that was inaugurated by Hon. minister Dominic Presentation. Speaking on the occasion he said that Marriage was a sharing of minds. Ernakulam-Angamaly Auxiliary Bishop Mar Sebastian Edayantharath gave a message on the importance of marriage. Fr.Roby Kannanchira presided.Fr.Roy Kannanchira (Director, DCL), Chavara family welfare center Exe.Director Johnson C Abraham and Kerala matrimony.com Regional manager Sri Radhakrishnan spoke on the occasion. Around 200 prospective candidates attended the meet.

Right to information act-seminar - the district collector Sri inaugurated the right to information seminar. Mohammed Hanish.Speaking at the inaugural session he said that the Right to information act should reach the people at all levels. Sri KM Roy, the noted journalist, said the act would help people to realize their democratic rights and freedom and help to control corruption. Sri.P Rajan, Adv.Mathew Paul, and Dr.TS Joy spoke on the subject.

Xmas Carol singing competition - on the eve of Xmas a carol singing competition was held at the center. Around Nine groups took part. Prizes were distributed to the winners.

Jingle bells-2005 - Christmas celebrations were conducted with various programmes. Very Rev.Dr.Antony Kariyil gave the Christmas message. An inter-religious prayer meeting was held on the occasion. Maulavi M S Jalal Sakafi, SwamiPurandarananda, Fr.Jos Chittillapilly exchanged ideas on inter-religious harmony. Christmas cake cutting and distribution was part of the ceremony. Various song &dance programmes were held. South railway station Area Manager Sri.CMC Nair Felicitated. Chavara secretary Prof.Geetha Sasikumar gave the vote of thanks.

July 2005

Rain & waste disposal

Dr. Jacob Vadakkanchery a nature cure therapist spoke on the subject of Rainy season and its effect on health. On the occasion he said that rain is a blessing to man &nature and that it has beneficial effects on health. Karrikamuri residents association President Sri.L.SethuMadhavan spoke on the subject of waste disposal. He told that a waste disposal scheme on the lines of Surat city would be effective for Kochi. He added that the citizens had a great role in waste disposal, and said that it was the attitude of the people that was important than that of the authorities.

Ottanthullal

Ottanthullal a traditional art form of Kerala was performed at the centre. Sri Ranjith Tripunithura, performed based on “Kalyanasaughandhigam” .The centre as part of its plan to promote traditional art forms will be giving programmes based n traditional art forms every month said Chavara cultural centre Director Fr.Roby Kannanchira on the occasion.

Book Release

Two books written by Sri.C.S.Varghese “Hai Dubai” & “Jeevitha vijayathinu arinjirikenda karyangal” was released at a function held at the centre. Sri.K.M.Roy a noted journalist released the two books by giving it to Dr.Henry Austin &Sri.P.C.Cyriac respectively. Lack of a responsible administration is the curse of Keralas development commented Mr.Roy on the occasion when compared to that of a place like Dubai & its fast growth.Justice P K Shamsuddin, Fr.A Adappoor,Fr.Roby Kannanchira ,Sri.A K Puthussery,&E.K.Paul spoke on the occasion.

Documentary film show

Two documentaries Ladies Special directed by Nidhi Tuli & Pyramid of women related to women’s issues were screened at the centre. Chavara cultural centre will be screening films every month.

August 2005

Road accidents &role of the people - in the context of increasing road accidents a discussion was held on the topic. Justice K T Thomas inaugurated the event and said that those people who save road accident victims should not be subject to torture by the law. Addl DGP Sri Jacob Punnose promised that the saviors of road accident victims will be given consideration &encouragement. Rev.Fr.Mathew KanniamparambilCMI, Fr.Jos Chittillapilly CMI, IMA secretary Dr.Abraham Varghese, Dr.Anandam Radhakrishnan, Adv.Mathew Paul gave their views on the subject. A public interaction session was organized on the occasion.

Book Discussion

A discussion on the book “Swatantra veedhiyile kedavillakukal” written by Sri.T S Joy was held. Noted journalist Sri.P.Rajan said that the book highlighted the role of many long forgotten Freedom fighters &that the role of women in Indias freedom struggle is highlighted in this book. Dr.Henry Austin too spoke on the occasion.

Independence day celebrations

A host of programmes marked the 58th Independence Day celebrations. Adv.Balagangadhara Menon hoisted the national flag. Speaking on the occasion he said that the condition of the poor in the nation remains unchanged even after 58 years of freedom. A independence day rally was taken out on the occasion. National anthem &patriotic song competition was held. Around 16 schools in the city participated in the competition. Famous Belgian Violinist Mr.Hans from Belgium played Tagore Gandhian music. Chavara centre director Fr.Roby Kannanchira, Chairman Fr.Jos Chittilappily gave away the prizes to the winners in the competitions.

Book discussion

A discussion on the book “Missionary vyakaranam, 17,18 nutandukalil”written by Primus Perinchery was held. Prof.M K Sanu, Rev.Dr.Paul Thelekkat, Rev.Dr.George Kurukkoor, and Rev.Dr.Cherian Kunianthodothu were the main speakers. The programme highlighted the role of Christian missionaries in the growth of Malayalam language. Missionaries has contributed much to the growth of Malayalam grammar which will outlive the ages said the chief speaker Rev.Dr.Cherian Kunnianthodathu.

Unarvu- 3 day theatre workshop

Sri.T Kaladharan inaugurated the 3-day workshop on acting. Two short plays Macbeth by Anoop Chandran & Kunnan by Manjulan was staged on the first day. The classes on acting was led by prominent theatre personalities like Sri.Chandradasan, Sreemmolanagaram Mohan, TM Abraham, NG Unnikrishnan, Vinod&smt. Sherly Somasundaram.On the closing day of the workshop 3short plays by the Kozhikode based Manam nadakavedi was staged.

Documentary filmshow

In association with Chetana media institute a documentary film “Development flows from the Barrel of guns” directed by Biju Toppo &Meghanath was shown.

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