tamS-bn¬ IpSpw-_mw-K-߃°v kzImcy hnX-c-W-Øn\p am{Xw Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam Modayil Kudumbayogam Mr. Ipe Samuel Thomas B. A., B. T., Patron - 0469 2680407 Executive Committee Members

Adv. M. Philip Koshy (President) 9447387362 Mr. Sunil Oommen Mathew (Vice President) 9895395156 Mr. P. George Modayil (Secretary) 9544618439 Mr. George Mathew M. (Joint Secretary) 9961352601 Mr. Abraham Varghese (Treasurer) 9497324565 Mr. Thomas M. Oommen 9447071570 Mr. K. A. Philip 9747719606 Mr. M. M. Mani 9388870555 Mr. Abraham Mathew 9980477291 Mr. G. George 9400689420 Mr. Salim Gee Modayil 9447456748 Mr. Idicula Kurien (Raju) 9447230978 Mr. M. K. Kurien (Sunny) 8289886605 Mr. M. P. Kurien 9747718838 Mr. George Ipe 9447330912 Mr. George Mathew 9495765282 Mr. George M. Cherian 9447504932 Mr. John Mathew 9446570312 Mr. Korah Mathew 9847992592 Mr. Sunny Cherian Philip 9447126648 Mr. Mathew Kurien (Jerry) 9447614214

2 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam Dear Modayil Kudumbayogam members,

This issue of the news letter we are publishing in English, in response to a long standing demand from the ‘new gen’, who are unable to read Malayalam. We hope this will not pose any problem to the ‘pazhan gens’ also, as they also know English. Anyhow there was not much response to whatever was written in Malayalam in the previous news letters; we were even not sure whether anybody was reading them. Now let us see how the ‘new gen’ reacts. We will be having our annual meet as usual in December. Even though the purpose of the meet is to know each other better, in the previous meetings it was seen that members were made to sit and listen to some speeches and return home no wiser than before. We have to think of some way to make our members interact and know each other better during the meetings. Suggestions from all members are invited towards this. Any suggestion to make the annual meet more lively and attractive are welcome. You can reach us through the ‘contact us’ page of www.modayilkudumbayogam.com or phone us directly. Our family tree is being updated in excel format. All available data has been entered. Almost all names upto the 8th generation are there. But other data like date of birth, occupation, contact details, etc are still to be filled in for most of them. We had requested all members for the details; but only a few have responded. The family tree in the present form can be sent by email to those who are interested, if you send us your email ID. We have the good news to share with you that our finances are on the upswing. There has been good response to the collection for forming a fixed deposit. Most of our members are positive to idea of having a fixed deposit, so that the daily expenses can be met from the bank interest. But there is a long way to go, because collection has reached only 10% of the target. So we request all of you, who do not find it a burden, to contribute generously to the fund without waiting for us to contact you personally. We also request all of you to contribute your personal news, stories, photos, etc. to be published in newsletter. We take this opportunity to thank Mr. Rajeev Philip who wrote a wonderful travelogue for our last issue.

Wishing a happy Onam to all of you…

President Secretary

3 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam

ModayilKudumbayogam Fixed Deposit fund Donations received till 31st July 2016:

1. Mr. M. C. Varghese (Joy), Karikkattoor / Canada - Rs. 5,000

2. Mr. George M. George, Karukachal - Rs. 5,000

3. Mr. Punnoose Koshy, Ernakulam - Rs. 5,000

4. Mr. Koshy M. Koshykunju, Mumbai - Rs. 5,000

5. Mr. Roy G. Thomas, Mallappally West - Rs. 5,000

6. Mr. George M. Thomas (Binu) , U. A. E. - Rs. 5,000

7. Mr. Jacob Thomas (Chinu), - Rs. 5,000

8. Mr. Ginu Modayil, Sharjah - Rs.10,000

9. Mr. Niju Modayil, Doha - Rs.10,000

10.Mr. Punnoose Modayil, Abu Dhabi Rs. 5,000

Total - Rs. 60,000

[ The collection for this fund has been started as decided during the general body meeting of ModayilKudumbayogam held on 26.12.2015. The purpose is to have a Fixed Deposit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs in bank, so that the day- to-day expenses of the Kudumbayogam can be met from the interest accrued from the deposit. Since now we are no where near that target, the co-operation of all members who have not yet contributed is earnestly requested.] Note: Our Bank account No: 12650100015559 at Federal Bank, Nedungadappally IFS Code FDRL 0001265

4 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam

Challenges before today’s students and youth Dr. M. Punnoose George Ph.D, IPS (Retd.)

Dr. M. Punnoose George Ph.D, IPS (Retd.) belongs to 1975 IPS batch and has served in many key positions in Madhya Pradesh, and Lakshadweep. He was awarded President’s Police Medals for meritorious service and distinguished service. Dr. PunnooseGeorge retired as DGP of Madhya Pradesh in 2008. He is the son of Late Mr. M. P. George (Kunjoonju), Modayil Thazhathekkoottu. Students and youth are the cream of society. They are the future not only of a family or a nation but also of the world, of humanity itself. Therefore it is necessary to examine and understand the challenges they face and come out with solutions. Challenges are as old as life itself. One cannot imagine life without challenges. Infact both coexist. All forms of life in order to survive, flourish and sustain must adapt adroitly to the challenges that nature offers. In the struggle for existence the fit survive leaving behind the unfit to death and decay, as the theory of evolution explains. Nature, “red in tooth and claw” was what our ancestors of long ago faced. As civilization advanced, life became more orderly if not benevolent. Peaceful co-operation as well as competition among citizens based on well established norms of human rights and natural justice became the guiding principles of the rule of law governing democracies world over.

5 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam

What are the challenges that the youngsters of today face? Perhaps the most important and unique challenge is the fast pace of growth and development of science and technology. No generation in the last two thousand years ever witnessed such a deluge of technological innovations as the youth of today. The complexity, pace and volume of development itself is cause enough to unsettle them; coupled with this is the faulty system of education wherein rote learning gets a premium over originality. Faulty notions regarding selection of subjects for study, jobs and status in society along with parental and peer pressure, lead to students pursuing education in subjects with which they are neither passionately in love nor have the aptitude for. Commercialisation of education fails in inculcating values such as integrity, sincerity, dedication, commitment to duty, honesty and hardwork in students as well as teachers. Intoxicants like liquor, ganja, tobacco, drugs etc find easy entry in school and college premises. All pervading corruption in society and its over reach in the job market does not leave even the temples of education untouched, resulting in poor moral and academic standards. Smart phones and internet are two edged weapons. Without proper care and caution these can play havoc with young minds and hasten their doom. A bane of the spread of TV and smart phones is the decreasing interest in reading in youngsters, especially of classical books. The importance of reading and writing is well explained by the renowned scholar and writer Francis Bacon when he states: ‘reading makes a man and writing a complete man’. Lack of models for students and youth to emulate is another important challenge of the day. As the famous Irish poet W. B. Yeats writes in his celebrated poem ‘The Second coming’: “The good lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity”. Before Yeats, Alexander Pope lamented: “Fools step in, where angels fear to tread” Deterioration in standards, morals and

6 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam principles, ever increasing grip of authoritarianism and fascism, absolute absence of tolerance to criticism and different points of views, and an all pervading sombre and eerie Orwellian atmosphere overshadows the whole world. Its impact in differing degrees can be felt in all walks of life, be it politics, government, religion, education, enterprises public or private. The very fast pace of life provides little time for introspection and correction. Parents find it hard to spend quality time at home with children. As a result family ties grow weak and healthy development of children suffers. Inappropriate use of time or sheer waste of time is another challenge that students face. A person who lives long enough has only 6,50,000 hours at his disposal. No wonder, Charles Darwin wrote: “One who is prepared to waste an hour of life does not know the value of life.” Increasing interference of politics in every sphere of life has become the order of the day. Even religion is no exception. It was hilarious to hear and watch how politicians were jostling with athletes in Rio Olympics, quite often robbing the latter of resources meant for them. A thorough enquiry would reveal the adverse impact of such extraneous and avoidable pressures on the performance of our athletes. Newspapers too seem to have forgotten their civic duty. Instead of moulding public opinion and strengthening democracy with objective reporting, they seem to have taken the easy route of sensationalism. The transient, ephemeral and insignificant crowd newspaper space while the more objective, real and significant fail to appear. This is a great disservice to students and youth who not only lose their precious time but also would fail to develop healthy democratic values and balanced outlook on life and society. Distorted presentation of life and values on TV especially through serials would make the youth develop faulty notions regarding human relations and reality. Perception rather than truth, appearance rather than reality seem to have won the day. Publicity and event management can

7 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam sway public opinion and win elections. Externals rather than essence, short term remedies rather than long term solutions appear to have appealed even to religion, confusing the youth more than ever, reminding us of Karl Marx’s statement: “Religion becomes the heart of a heartless world and the soul of the soulless condition.” What are the remedies or solutions one can offer to students and youth? Solutions can be both short term and long term. Students and youth should be taught to develop a positive attitude towards life and its challenges which are to be seen as opportunities rather than threats. Parents must pay better attention to children and spend quality time with them. Better interaction of students and youth with their parents and teachers would improve personality as well as character. Good books should be made available to children. Most of the schools have reasonably good libraries. What is important is encouraging students to cultivate the habit of serious reading. Counselling children both at home and school is a good way to develop their personality and help them choose the subjects of their study and subsequently their careers. Inculcating right values in children is perhaps the most important aspect in shaping their character for which parents, teachers and elders have an important role to play. Since actions speak more than words, the parents, teachers and elders should ensure that there is no gap between their words and actions. Since character is destiny, utmost care should be taken to see that it is built on sound foundations so that the future is made secure. The ultimate aim of education is to shape an individual sound in mind, body and spirit, who should have good moral values with unimpeachable integrity and character. Since a sound mind can exist only in a sound body, regular exercises, yoga and meditation should be taught from an early age. Democracy advocates tolerance, open mindedness, care and compassion for the weak, respect for fellow citizens irrespective of religion, caste, creed,

8 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam place of birth and sex. These values must also be inculcated right from childhood beginning at home and school. Discipline and self control are necessary to succeed in life.Improving the educational system to replace mechanical rote learning by inculcating creativity is perhaps the most important need of the hour. With that children must be taught the importance of time management with telling effect by examples set by parents, teachers elders and grown ups around them. Concluding, it is pertinent to remember the words of Confusius: “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of its homes”. In maintaining the integrity of our homes intact, the society and nation including all its citizens have a pivotal role to play. Let our students and youth face challenges with a positive attitude and convert these into opportunities for creativity.

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9 Newsletter Modayil Kudumbayogam Felicitations

Mr. M. M. Philip S/o Late Bishop M. C. Mani, Modayil has been elected to the Planning Committee of the World Council of Churches. He is the only representative in this committee from South Asia. He is also Advisor to WCC’s World Mission and Evangelism Commi ssion, member of WCC central committee and its Governance & Nominations committee. Mr. M. M. Philip is an architect by profession and has many iconic structures across the state to

his credit.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 100th Birth Day celebrated…

Mr. Mani Varghese (Kochayan) celebrated his 100th birth day on 16.07.2016. Modayil Kudumba yogam Exe- cutive committee mem bers felicitated him on that day by presenting a ponnada. Mr. Mani Varghese is the son of Muthiramala Mani of Modayil Koipuram branch. He had worked in Alleppey company a British owned coir products firm in the 50s and 60s. He left that job to start his own coconut trading business. He married Eliamma from Anikkad Parackal family, who passed away in 2006. They have two sons; Mr. George Varghese who is settled in USA and Mr. Abraham Varghese who has retired from teaching. Mr. Abraham Varghese is the present treasurer of Modayil Kudumbayogam.

10 Ranitha Anna George D/o of Mr. & Mrs.George Jacob Modayil (Rajan & Lillykutty), Modayil Padinjaru Honeydale, Nedunga dappally married Rosh Sam Abraham S/o Mr. & Mrs. K. G. Abraham, Erattu House, Ranny on 16th April 2016. They are in Australia now, where Rosh is working. She had taken her MBA from Rajagiri School of Manage ment in 2015 and had got cam pus placement in Qburst, Thiru vananthapuram. Still she is wor king from her home in Australia for that company.

The wedding of Noel Pothen Philips S/o Rev. M. P. Philips & Mrs. Jamcy Philips, Modayil Adekavil to Christie Jose D/o Mr. Jose Mathew & Mrs. Sheela Jose,Palliyambil Puth enveedu, was solemnized by Pilgrims Vision International church, Phila delphia, USA at Changanassery on 21. 07. 2016 Noel has completed his Engg. and Human Resource management in US and is working as a HR manager there. Christie has completed MSW from Pune University and is working as Social worker with an Italian NGO.

11 Obituary

17.04.2016 Mr. Thomas Mathew (91), MepralKanianthrawas married to Suseela D/o Late Mr. M. M. Philip I. C. S, ModayilKoipuramNedungadappallil. Their children are Amruta, Ajay (both in U. S.) and Aravind (Chennai). Mr.Thomas Mathew was Managing Director of Guest Keen Williams Fasteners Division, Calcutta. He was settled in Coimbatore.

19.04.2016 Mrs. Thankamma (83), of NiranamPattamukkilfamily was married to Mr. M.M.Thomas, Modayil Adavi mannomThazhathekkoottu, who has retired from Indian Airlines.She was a pharmacist and was running a medical store at Chennai for many years. Their son Thomas Mathew M. S. is a Director of Microsoft in Dallas,U. S. A.

20.05.2016 Dr. Kurien George M. D. (78) of Vattakkunnel was married to Late Sarasu D/o Late Mr. M. V. Thomas, ModayilPuthenpurackal.They have two daughters Bindu and Shinu. Their son-in-laws are Oruvettithara Mathai Mathew (Architect, Kochi) and CheraiMularikkal Joseph Ittoop (Engineer, Kochi). Dr. Kurien had worked in KanjirappallyMaryqueen hospital initially and later had his own hospital at Kottayam.

24.05.2016 Thankamma (99) D/oLate Mr. M. V. Punnoose Modayil Thazhathekkoottu. She was married to Late Mr. K.V.Varghese, Kandamperoor Thundiyil (Retd. Tahsildar), . Their children are George Varghese, Leelamma, Omana, Joy and Betty.

25.05.2016 Mr. M. C. Philip B. Com. (Kunjumon 70) S/o Late Mr. M. I. Chacko, Modayil Padinjaru Nedungadappallil Karikkattoor was married to Susan, Vaidyanveettil. Their children are Asha W/o Binuraj (Bangalore) and Annie Philip (Chennai). Kunjumon had worked in Gulf for many years and after retirement had settled in Karikkattoor.

12 Obituary

19.06.2016 Alice (Santhamma 69) D/o Late Mr.M.O.Oommen, ModayilKoipuramKuttickal was married to George Thomas, Ktayam Kallupalam, who had retired from Munnar Tata Tea Estate. Their children & spouses are Asha W/oSatheeshTharian, Ashok &Jeena (Doha), Ancy W/o Sanju Abraham (Abudhabi) and Abey&Saritha.

18.07.2016 Rajamma (72) D/o Late Mr.M.O.Oommen, ModayilKoipuramKuttickal was married to Mr.Jacob Mathew, Kottayam Paremalil, who had retired from Padinjarekkara Agencies. Their children & spouses are Pradeep Jacob &Raji Susan (Banglore), Prasad Jacob (Paragon Rubber, Kottayam) & Veena Prasad (St. John’s school, Illickal) and Late Mr. Praveen Jacob & Shijy.

23.07.2016 Mr. M. I. Mathew (Thampy 85) S/o Late Mr. M. C. Ipe, Modayil Padinjaru Nedungadappallil was married to Late Mrs. Annamma Mathew, Parumala Kanda pparambil. Their sons & spouses are Mohan Mathew (Jeevan) & Bindu, Rajan Mathew (Rajan) & Suja, Jacob Mathew (Kochumon) & Jancy and George Mathew (Kochukunju) & Dissy. Thampychayan was Controlling Inspector in KSRTC when he retired. He was a reknowned volleyball player like his brother Late Mr.M. I. Jacob, when he was young.

24.07.2016 Mr. M. V. Mathew, RannyMadhathakam Purathut was married to Late Mrs. Mary Mathew (Ponnamma) D/o Late Mr. M.J.John (Pappi), Modayil Mavunkal. Their children & spouses are Anny Benjamin (Railway accounts, Ernakulam) & Benjamin Thomas,Varghese & Shirley, Mary Mathew (Pathanam thittaCatholicate college) & George Zacharia and Binu Sarah Mathew (Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College) & Rajan George. Mr. Mathew had retired from K .S. E. B as Executive Engineer.

13 ☺ ☺ Have a laugh, laughter is the best medicine.. You may have already heard these jokes. But still laugh once more….

A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman – “Which book has helped you most in your life?” The woman replied – “My husband’s cheque book !!”

A prospective husband in a book store “Do you have a book called, ‘Husband – the Master of the House’? Sales Girl : “Sir, Fiction and Comics are on the 1st floor!”.

Someone asked an old man : “Even after 70 years, you still call your wife “Darling, Honey, Love”. What’s the secret? Old man: I forgot her name and I’m scared to ask her.

A man in Hell asked Devil: Can I make a call to my Wife ? After making call, he asked how much to pay. Devil : Nothing. Hell to hell is Free.

Husband to wife, “Today is a fine day” Next day he says : Today is a fine day. Again next day, he says same thing. Today is a fine day. Finally after a week, the wife can’t take it and asks her husband – since last one week, you are saying this “Today is a fine day’. I am fed up. What’s the matter? Husband : Last week when we had an argument, you said, “I will leave you one fine day.” I was just trying to remind you……

Argument between British and Indian. British: we spoiled your mother land for 200 yrs “hahaha” Indian:- “hahaha” we are spoiling your mother tongue daily ` “hahahahahaha”

Teacher - what is the full form of MATHS.. Student - mentally affected teacher harassing student

Sardar in computer exam. Examiner - what is microsoft excel ? Sardar - I think it is a new brand of surf excel to clean the computer...

14 In fond remembrance of

M. I. Mathew (Thambi) (1931 - 2016)

Inserted by: Jeevan, Rajan, Kochumon & Kochoonju

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Visit : www.modayilkudumbayogam.com contact us: [email protected]

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