THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, PIN - 695035
CONTENTS
Release of Book “Facing Forward” 04
Discussion on CAA & NRC - Future of India 06
The Impact of Climate Change 08
World Environmental Day 10
EDITORIAL TEAM International Women’s Day 11
A Cup of Tea with Prof. Sivaji Chakravorty 12
• Er. A. Suhair
• Prof. V. K. Damodaran Smart Cities - Opportunities & Challenges 14
• Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus Consultative Workshop 16
• Dr. O. G. Sajitha
• Ajeesh Kumar A.K. (Design Layout) A Talk on Machine Learning 17
School Outreach Programme 18
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Renaissance Lectures 28
National Press Day 33
• Prof. V. K. Damodaran - President
Media History Journey 35
• Er. A. Suhair - Chairperson
MAAC Training 37
• Dr. Sajitha Bashir - Vice Chairperson
Flood Relief activities 38
• Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus - Secretary
• Dr. Zahir Bashir - Trustee Promoting Research on Women 40
• Dr. Sultana Bashir - Trustee Women Empowerment 41
• Mr. Asif Bahauddin - Trustee
Readers’ Forum 43
• Dr. Manisha Priyam - Trustee
National Solidarity Pledge 45
Vakkom Moulavi Day 46
Disclaimer : Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture 47
“ This newsletter is intended to
report on the activities of VMFT . Vakkom Moulavi Exhibition 48
The statements and views expressed
in this newsletter do not necessarily Portrait Release 49
reflect the views of the VMFT Board
of Trustees” . Research Paper Presentation 50
Website : www.vmft.org
E mail : [email protected]
Phone : 0471 2304051, 2301137
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Editorial
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust (VMFT) has completed 33 years of service to the Kerala
community. VMFT was established by the late Shri. K.M. Bashir of International Labour
Organisation Office in Geneva to honour the memory of Vakkom Muhammad Abdul Khadar
Moulavi for his services and sacrifices to Kerala society and to undertake the studies and
research related to the development of the State. After the demise of the Founder in March
1990, Dr. N. A. Karim, noted educationist and social activist was directing the activities until
he passed away in February 2016. Prof. V. K. Damodaran, a well known public figure and
Science Administrator who held responsible positions in Government of India as well as
abroad is leading the organization from 2016.
Vakkom Moulavi contributed not only to the upliftment and education of the Muslim community,
but also raised the banner against corruption. He strove for civil rights and liberties of people of
erstwhile Travancore and democratic governance through his newspaper ‘Swadeshabhimani’,
in close collaboration with the second editor of the journal Shri. K. Ramakrishna Pillai.
In the three decades of its existence, VMFT has organized many meetings and seminars on
important topics of concern to the people of Kerala. It has undertaken several projects on
education, social development and science & technology funded by reputed agencies and
Governments. It has also carried out several training programmes benefitting diverse
segments of the society. VMFT has steadfastly stood for the values and ideals of Vakkom
Moulavi, as well as its founder, to promote democratic rights, ethics in public life and social
cohesion. It has developed a unique reputation as an intellectual centre in Trivandrum, one
which attracts people from all walks of life. Foundation has provided a place and platform for a
number of think tanks to mould their thoughts and views on issues of concern to contemporary
society.
Based on its working experience, VMFT has identified three core areas of work to focus its
attention.
• Education and Life Long Learning: to improve pedagogical methods and use
of technology to raise the quality of education at the school level as well as other
levels of education and to provide flexible opportunities for students, teachers
and adults to engage in continuous learning.
• Science and technology applications for sustainable development: to find practical
and realistic solutions that can be applied in Kerala’s context to address the key
challenges in sustainable development. These include energy conservation, water
management, waste management and climate change.
• Governance and equitable inclusive development: to improve democratic
governance and integrity in public affairs, as well as evolving mechanisms for
promoting social cohesion and communal harmony conducive for uninterrupted
progress and development.
The VMFT has also started two centres namely Vakkom Moulavi Renaissance Study Centre
and Swadeshabhimani Media Study Centre. We are resuming the publication of this quarterly
Newsletter to inform the public about various activities that are taking place under the Trust and
the Study Centres.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Education
FACING FORWARD
SCHOOLING FOR LEARNING IN AFRICA
VMFT organized the Indian release Ministers, policy makers and academicians from
of the book ‘Facing Forward: Schooling for Africa gave their reviews before its finalisation which
Learning in Africa’ authored by Sajitha Bashir, would be rare in other parts of the world. It took two
Marlaine Lockheed, Elizabeth Ninan and Jee- and half years during which period collection of
Peng Tan, published by the World Bank on data, analysis, comparison, and reliability checks
November 7, 2018 at the Fourth Estate Hall were systematically done. 48 African countries were
of Trivandrum Press Club. Dr. Sajitha Bashir, classified based on their educational performance.
Education Manager of African Region of World The education policy in Africa will result in more
Bank and the Vice Chair of Vakkom Moulavi educational growth with more classrooms and
Foundation Trust attended the function teachers. She mentioned that countries like Nigeria,
and introduced the book. Dr. Jancy James, Ethiopia, Sudan, Republic of Congo etc. are very
former Vice Chancellor of Central University poor in learning regardless of increasing enrolment
of Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi University rate and school attendance. The absence of an
released the book, which was received by Dr. effective evaluation system to mark the progress
A Jameela Begum, former Director, Centre for of learners eventually affect the measurement of
Canadian Studies, Kerala University. Prof. A. educational performance.
M Unnikrishnan made the felicitation speech. The family background of learners, knowledge level
Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus (Secretary, Vakkom of teachers, quality of textbook contents etc. should
Moulavi Foundation Trust) welcomed the be part of evaluating student performance. Their
gathering and Sri. A. Suhair (Chairperson, performance in international tests are very poor
VMFT) delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Sajitha and mostly children show poor reading and writing
Bashir shared her experiences while writing skills. The book is a motivation for the world to think
the book with the audience. A team of twenty whether schooling is for learning or just schooling.
people shaped the book in its current form.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
However, Children from South Africa, Zimbabwe, in mental maths, language proficiency, creative
Kenya, Botswana and Ghana perform extremely well. thinking, articulation skills etc. mainly due to stagnant
She suggested that Kerala should compare the student educational policies and programmes.
performances with countries like Singapore, Japan
and Korea. The capacity gaps at various levels and The efforts to build a proficient teacher community
for different stakeholders can be filled through delivery was also not highly fruitful. Changing the
services based on the science generated from the book environment, providing opportunities and training can
“Facing Forward”. bring progress to even very slow performing areas.
Malappuram district of Kerala stands as an example
Dr. Jancy James said that severe quality degradation for this. The book “Facing Forward” highlights such
is evident in professional education of Kerala State. structural issues in educational system.
Students are not able to apply and practice their learning.
The language and presentation skills
of students are going low. BTech
holders fail to perform as engineers
in workplaces. A new educational
culture needs to be brought in to make
changes in the current scenario. Adults
may feel more responsible if they gain
work experience after higher secondary
education. They can join for higher
education when they seriously feel the
requirement for it. She suggested that
the book “Facing Forward” can give
such directions to the readers. The
book is instrumental for policy makers
to bring changes in the micro and
macro levels. The book presents a series of operations
that are needed for countries to address their challenges “Facing Forward: Schooling for Learning in Africa”
of improving learning along with ensuring access, lays out a range of policies and implementation
retention and completion of education. actions that are needed for countries in the region
to meet the challenge of improving learning while
Dr. Jameela Begum stated that modernization and expanding access and completion of basic education
technology adaptation to ease learning is comparatively for all.
low in Kerala. The sector also failed in enriching the
creativity of the learners. Little improvement is recorded
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Governance
Discussion on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA),
National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Future of India
The decision to expand national register of citizens new amendment could not be answered as it was
from Assam to other parts of the country created a against the constitutionally safeguarded equality
number of concerns in the minds of many Indians as before law, religious freedom of individuals, and
they fear the unavailability of all required information secularism in the country.
and related documents. The Citizenship Amendment
Act (CAA) passed in the Parliament in December Dr. J. Prabhash pointed out that the sanctity of
2019 created more worries and stiff oppositions Indian constitution as a sovereign socialist secular
across the country as some of its provisions conflicted democratic republic is lost through the new CAA. The
with the articles on secularism and equality before constitution is amended for the first time to exclude
law guaranteed by the constitution. or favour some groups based on their religion. He
clearly established the links between NRC and
A panel discussion on “Citizenship Amendment Act National population Register (NPR) with evidences.
(CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and He showed the documents in the Census of India
Future of India” was organised at Vakkom Moulavi website regarding the questions in NPR related
Foundation Trust on January 5, 2020 in the light of to citizenship. The citizens who fail to produce the
new developments.The panel consisted of Dr. N. K. recommended documents will be marked as doubtful
Jayakumar (Legal Advisor of Chief Minister of Kerala citizens. They will be excluded from NRC regardless
and former Vice Chancellor, National University of of religion. Then they have to prove their citizenship.
Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi), Dr. J. Prabhash There are chances of targeting people based on
(Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala) religion, political belief or like.
and Dr. Anu Unni (Assistant Professor, Department
of Politics, University of Kerala). Dr. Anu Unni commented that basic concept of
citizenship is by birth. But CAA and awaiting NRC are
Dr. N. K. Jayakumar stated that India lost its related and the people who are born in India will lose
veneration as a supreme secular country in front of citizenship and non-Muslims born in neighbouring 3
the global nations due to Amendment of Citizenship countries will become Indian citizens on satisfying
Act. He added that many questions aroused by CAA conditions. The poor will mostly fail to produce
common people, academics, media persons, the documents.
religious leaders and social activists regarding the
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Dalits and Women (and children)
would be victimised in the absence
of recommended documents. She
added that not only CAA, many
other constitutional amendments are
happening recently without the notice
of public and proper discussions in the
Parliament. The supreme court has to
intervene and protect the constitution
for the sake of future of India. Dr.
Kayamkulam Yoonus (Secretary of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust)
delivered the welcome address
in the meeting presided by Er. A.
Suhair (Chairman, Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust). Dr. O. G. Sajitha
(Director (Programmes), Vakkom
Moulavi Foundation Trust) conveyed
vote of thanks. The discussion was
attended by academicians, social
activists, students, journalists and the
public.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Climate Change
The Impact of Climate
Change on Coastal Regions
Global warming and climate change pose People now use 1.5 °C as the reference point
threats to the entire humanity and yet the - this would also result in increasing sea level,
concerns are not turned into actions to floods and extreme weather events which we
ensure sustainable development globally. are already seeing.
Dr. Sajitha Bashir, Adviser – Science and
Technology Education Global Practice, “Global warming at 2% or higher annually will
World Bank delivered a talk on “The Impact result in increasing sea level, floods, reduced
of Climate Change on Coastal Regions” food production, health challenges etc.’ The
at Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust Hall, Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 21 December goal is to keep the increase in global average
2019. temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-
industrial levels; and to pursue efforts to
The presentation included i) risks and limit the increase to 1.5 °C, recognizing that
vulnerabilities of climate change in coastal this would substantially reduce the risks and
areas, ii) the steps taken globally, nationally impacts of climate change.
and state level and iii) involvement of local
communities in protecting coastal areas. She Kerala is the first state to bring Climate
showed evidences of climate change across Action Plan in 2014. The awareness of
the globe and established high risks faced people still remains at lower levels. Estuary
by India. The presentation emphasised that as a joining point of lake and sea, plays a
coastal settlements have to be more resilient vital role in balancing the environmental
and some districts of Kerala are highly changes. Muthalapozhi (Perumathura) in
vulnerable. They are Alappuzha, Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is the
Palakkad and Wayanad. Thiruvanathapuram largest estuary in the district. According to Asian
is as vulnerable as any other coastal or hilly Development Bank Study, the excavations as
areas in the state. part of port construction caused soil erosion in
the estuary area. Constructing sea wall is not
The Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature advisable and environment friendly measures
goal is to keep the increase in global average needs to be identified. She proposed
temperature to well below 2 °C above pre- citizenship monitoring and involvement
industrial levels; and to pursue efforts to of local people in protecting the coastal
limit the increase to 1.5 °C, recognizing that areas and presented a model approach for
this would substantially reduce the risks Muthalapozhi Estuary in Kadinamkulam Lake
and impacts of climate change. The IPCC’s of South Kerala. The collaboration of scientific
subsequent Special Report of 2018 on Global institutions, local panchayaths, NGOs, and
Warming of 1.5 °C indicates that even with residents can create citizenship monitoring,
global warming of 1.5 °C there would be collection of data analysis, evaluation and
increased risks to “health, livelihoods, food protection. Awareness can be built among
security, water supply, human security, and school children with their involvement in data
economic growth.” collection and analysis.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
The discussion was organised by
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
in association with IEEE, Nehru
Yuva Kendra and Snehatheeram
Association. The meeting was
attended by students, youth
volunteers, academics and local
people. Er. A. Suhair (Chairman,
Vakkom Moulavi FoundationTrust)
welcomed and introduced the
speaker and Sri. Ali Sabrin (Nehru
Yuva Kendra) conveyed vote of
thanks for the programme. Prof.
V. K. Damodaran moderated the
discussion.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
World
Environment Day
For healthy living, environment plays an
important role. World Environment day is
celebrated to spread awareness about the
challenges, to encourage people to take
action and to protect the environment.
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust in
association with IEEE Power and Energy
Society and IEEE Life Members Affinity
Group celebrated World environment day
on 06 June, 2019. Prof.V. K. Damodaran,
Dr. T. Sabu (Head -Projects, Centre for
Environment & Development Studies and Dr.
K. Soman (Former Head Resource Analysis
Division, National Centre For Earth Science
Studies) talked on the theme of the World
Environment Day -2019 ‘Air Pollution”. Prof.
V. K. Damodaran in his introductory speech
stated that globally 92% of people are living
by inhaling air pollutants. According to
World Health Organisation, in many cities
the pollution level has risen 5 times the
acceptable standards of pollution.
Dr. T. Sabu described how air pollution
would become a major threat to big cities in
India on a scientific basis and importance
of controlling the production of carbon
dioxide which is at present possible only
by focussing on different ways of reducing
carbon footprint in nature. He also mentioned services by humans so as to reduce harmful emissions
that climate change can be controlled by in the environment, protection of forests, reconfiguration
planting suitable trees like Mango trees, of employment to other sectors other than automobiles.
Nerium Oleander that can absorb carbon The panellists suggested developing public -private
dioxide & carbon monoxide, Cassia Fistula partnership of government, NGOs, private firms and the
(Kanikonna). He stated that Tamarind will other social groups such as youth clubs, environment
absorb sound and hence will reduce sound protection clubs etc to change the awareness
pollution. programmes to action programmes where in policies
Dr. K. Soman described some ways to and action for change can brought in.
reduce air pollution such as reducing
carbon foot print, appropriate utilization
of alternative renewable energy, shared
transport, controlled use of other goods &
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
International Women’s Day
The International Women’s Day 2019 was Prof. Kuttimalu, Dept of Computer Science
organised on 08 March 2019 by Vakkom & Engg-Sree Chitira Thirunal College of
Moulavi Foundation Trust in association Engineering & Technology participated in the
with professional organisations, IEEE panel discussion. Prof. Deepa A. K., Dept. of
Power & Energy Society, Kerala Chapter, Electronics & Communications, Sree Chitira
IEEE Life Members Affinity Group & IEEE Thirunal College of Engineering expressed vote
Women in Engineering. Dr. O. G Sajitha, of thanks.
Director (Programmes) of Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation in her welcome address
conveyed the message of International
Women’s Day 2019, “Balance for Better”
and the history associated with it. The
meeting was presided over by Dr. K. S.
Zeenath who was the first woman in Kerala
to be awarded Ph.D in Mathematics. She
talked about the problems faced in her
professional life and the ways in which she
overcame the situations.
Prof. Ashalatha Thampuran, Executive
Director of Mohandas College of
Engineering & Technology inaugurated
the function and said that women have
to foster their inner strength from the
early childhood to attain higher level of
living & positions in the society. Saritha
Varma, Asst. Editor of Financial Express,
Maya Sreekumar, Television personality,
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
A Cup of tea with
Dr. Sivaji Chakravorty
The programme was planned with the
intention to motivate the engineering
students and other aspiring youths through
an interaction with successful people in
their field like Dr. Sivaji Chakravorty, the
Director of National Institute of Technology
Calicut. Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
organised “A cup of tea with Dr. Sivaji
Chakravorty” in collaboration with IEEE
Power and Energy Society of Kerala
Chapter and Life Member Affinity Group
of IEEE on November 30, 2019. Dr.
Sivaji shared his rich experience during
his engineering career. He pointed out
the importance of time management, Dr. Sivaji Chakravorty
punctuality, reading and a sense of Director of National Institute of Technology Calicut.
direction in life.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
The speaker suggested the students
to cultivate the habit of reading and to
develop strong communication skills
before getting into jobs.
He mentioned that both unemployment
and under employment are global
phenomenon and Kerala is not an
exception. He conveyed that curriculum
developers should concentrate on
developing a strong foundation in the
undergraduate programme which
enables the students to adapt to the
changing scenarios rather than pure
industry oriented one. Regarding the
complaints of some industries that
B Tech holders are unemployable
as a fresher, he suggested that the
industries must train the freshers after
recruiting. He said that discipline is the
most required character in an individual
and advised the students to pursue
post-graduation according to their
interests and passion. Students freely
interacted with the learned guest and
it was a truly memorable evening. Prof
Sunitha, and Prof. Bijuna presented
mementos to Dr. Sivaji Chakravorty on
behalf of the organisers.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Technology
SMART CITIES -
Opportunities & Challenges
According to United Nations
projections on Urbanisation 64%
of the developing world and
86% of the developed world will
live in cities by 2050. There is
a rising demand for sustainable
environments that offer citizens
a high quality of life. With regard
to it, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation
Trust in collaboration with IEEE
Kerala Section, its PES and EMBS
chapters, Life Members and
SIGHT Affinity Groups organized
a one day brainstorming workshop
on “Smart Cities-Opportunities and
Challenges” on 22 December, 2018
at VMFT Hall, Thekkummoodu,
Thiruvananthapuram.
The objective of the seminar
was to lay a road map for local
self government officials, policy
makers, urban planners, energy
specialists, utility managers,
healthcare, and transportation
personnel, researchers, students,
academicians and general public
for addressing short term and
long term challenges which in
turn lead to successful project
implementation considering the
needs as well as priorities. Smart
City concept, data technologies
and applications in health, mobility
and waste management were the
sectors included in the discussion.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
SMART CITIES -
Opportunities & Challenges Er. A. G. Hareendralal, IEEE, LMAG Er. K. R. Venugopal, former senior
Chair, welcomed the participants. Shri.
K. Jayakumar IAS (Rtd), Director, Manager Dubai Electricity and Water
Authority talked about the role of
Institute of Management in Government, Sensors, IOT & 5G for the success of
inaugurated the seminar. Smt. Sarada smart cities. Er. Koruthu. P. Varghese,
Jayakrishnan, Vice Chair IEEE Kerala former Bio-Medical Engineer Scientist,
Section gave the felicitation. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for
The global scenario of smart cities Medical Sciences and Technology
was presented by Er. A. Suhair, presented about the health care in
former Electricity Planning Manager, smart cities. Shri. Amal. S., Principal
Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Data Engineer Power Electronics Group,
driven cities and Big Data Analysis CDAC talked about the mobility
was reviewed by Shri. Amarnath Raja, (transportation facilities) in smart cities.
Executive Chairman at IN App. He His presention covered the sensors,
detailed the necessity of data collection electric vehicles, hitec roads, software.
and data review. College students, academicians and
policy makers attended the seminar.
Prof. V. K. Damodaran, Chairman,
Centre for Environment & Development
and Presidant VMFT, presented a paper
on Waste Management in Smart Cities.
He explained the latest technology
models related to the subject. Also
pointed out the difficulty in obtaining
grants for researches and projects for
the waste management.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Consultative Workshop on Project Formulation
The purpose of the meeting was to generate Some of the major recomendations by the
ideas for some action-oriented projects. A participants were to start a programme to
total of 16 experts participated and discussed prepare school children to think in terms
possible research collaborations and projects of innovation in science and technology,
at VMFT. The meeting was chaired by Prof. making of 3-4-minute science videos/other
V. K Damodaran, President VMFT. During videos, start online courses, foreign language
the welcome address, the Vice chairperson training for languages like -Chinese, Japan
of VMFT, Dr. Sajitha Bashir briefed the ethos and Arabic, training for women to work
of the organisation. She emphasised that the from home, visualisation technologies
foundation stood as a platform for developing clubs, research methodology workshops,
and sharing knowledge and engaging with democratise the arena of research by
knowledge remained as the guiding principle including the SC, ST and minorities and help
of foundation. She brought to the notice of them reach the higher education, annual event
participants that the foundation was engaged of media activists collaboration with science
in action research to influence the thinking people, NGOs etc. equip the master level
process. journalism students to develop proposals
on areas like forestation, agriculture, climate
Dr. Manisha Priyam (Associate Professor, smart agriculture, programmes for tribal
National Institute of Educational Planning, empowerment. Organising short film festival
New Delhi), Dr. T Sabu (Program Director, on environment or other issues. Create
Centre for Environment and Development), R. our own YouTube channel and upload the
Harikumar (Energy Management Centre), Dr. videos, continue the work with Wikipedia
Shashikumar (Rtd. Professor), Dr. K Soman and sensitisation of science communication.
(Rtd. Earth Scientist), Ram Kamal (Consultant), The chapter related to reproductive organs in
Prof. Achuth Sankar (Professor, Dept. of the schools are not taught in the class rooms
Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, properly. Hence suggested to make videos
University of Kerala), Dr. K. S. Zeenath (Director, in such situation. Gender sensitisation in
School of Distance Education University of the class rooms and work place, generate
Kerala), Dr. K. Mohankumar (Consultant), Dr. monitorable continuous data to study
T. K. Anandhi (Gender Advisor, Govt of Kerala), climate change and implement ecosystem
Dr. C. P. Aravindakshan (Rtd. Professor), Er. approach in the coastal area, sensitisation
A. Suhair (Chair Person, VMFT), Prof. V. K. of the communities of environmental issues
Damodaran (President, VMFT), Dr. Sajitha and conduct studies on the climate change
Bashir (Vice Chair, VMFT), Sultana Bashir impact on fishery were the other suggested
(Trustee, VMFT) and Dr. O. G. Sajitha (Director areas by experts.
(Programmes), VMFT) participated in the
discussions.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Technology
A Talk on Machine Learning
and
Artificial Intelligence
The term “artificial intelligence” may sound
intimidating to some, but it has been in use
for decades and its applications are more
common than we might imagine.There are
so many amazing ways artificial intelligence
and machine learning are used behind the
scenes to impact our everyday lives. Er.
Hareendralal (IEEE) introduced the speaker
Geethanjali Krishna, a research Scholar from
Standford University, US who delivered a talk
on machine learning and artificial intelligence
at Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust on 25th
November 2019.
She discussed the differences of machine
learning and artificial intelligence and explained
the applications and advantages. Artificial
intelligence (AI) is a bigger concept to create
intelligent machines especially computer
systems that can stimulate human thinking
capability and behavior. But machine learning
is an application or subset of AI that allows
machines to learn from data without being Also explained about word embedding,
programmed explicitly. Specific applications normalization, stop word filtering, text
of AI include expert systems, natural language classification as sentiment analysis or spam
processing (NLP), speech recognition and filtering. It was an opportunity for students
machine vision. Among these elements, the to understand the classification, collection
most difficult is Natural Language Processing and retrieval of data which enables the
(NLP). It is the ability of a computer program to machine learning and artificial intelligence.
understand human language as it is spoken. Engineering students and faculties from
She cited the advantages of AI that it would various colleges attended the programme.
have a low error rate compared to humans, Er. A. Suhair (Chairman, Vakkom Moulavi
if coded properly. They have incredible Foundation Trust) expressed vote of thanks.
precision, accuracy, and speed. They won’t The speaker was presented a memento by
be affected by hostile environments, thus Prof. P. S. Chandramohanan Nair.
able to complete dangerous tasks, explore in
space, and endure problems that would injure
or kill us.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
School Outreach Programme (SOP)
Evolution of
Connecting Learners with Community Programme
VMFT has a mission to use knowledge
to empower people to bring about
improvement in their lives, as well as
in society through changes in attitudes,
behavior and practice. Adolescents and
youth can act as effective agents of
positive change in the society. Schools
play an important role in the development
of young people, not only through the
formal curriculum but also through
other activities. VMFT was engaged in
professional training for teachers from
2007 to 2012 with major funding from Sir
Ratan Tata Foundation Trust. The former
President (Late) Dr. N. A. Karim was an
educationist and the present President
Prof. V. K. Damodaran is a known science
education expert. The Vice Chairperson
of Foundation Dr. Sajitha Bashir, world
recognised education expert serving in
higher position in World Bank, pays lot
of interest to Foundation’s educational
programme. Her visionary thoughts
always gave directions to the education
programmes of Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
A one-day training for students was
organised in “Creative learning” at Paravur
Government Higher Secondary school
with Prof. Achuthsankar as the resource
person in 2016. In July-August 2017,
VMFT began a pilot school outreach
programme “Connecting learners with
community” with two government high
schools (Vakkom and Parvur) with Dr. O.
G. Sajitha as Resource Person. Another
one-day training in “Experimental science”
was conducted at Vakkom Government
Vocational Higher Secondary school with
Prof. V. K. Damodaran as the Resource
Person during November 2017.
The original programme “Connecting
learners with community” had two
components: (i) “Learning to learn”
– encouraging students to engage in
problem solving and address social
issues and (ii) Career Guidance. Focus
groups discussions with the Headmasters,
teachers and PTAs helped in designing
the programme.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
During the July-August 2017 programme The main features of the programme
two workshops were held in already were the following
selected schools . It was conducted for • Consultation with the stakeholders
Standard 8 students involving activity- to identify the area of the curriculum, and
based learning to teach statistics, based the grade level
on one of the chapters of the mathematics • A close link to the taught
textbook. The two intervening social curriculum, which helped to develop
aspects covered were gender and waste buy-in from teachers and parents and
management with expected visible effective utilization of learning hours
changes in the behaviours. • Well-designed activities which
Based on the success of the workshops involved student participation in collecting
(as rated by the students and teachers), and analyzing information and learner
it was repeated in 3 other schools in centered activities to feel individually
January-February 2018 (Beema Mahin valued, accepted and challenged
Memorial Higher Secondary School • Attention to individual students
(Beemapally), MKLM HSS Kannanalloor and peer learning through work in groups
and St. Thomas HS Amboori. Again, the • Competent resource persons
response was judged as very positive, combined with young volunteers from
based on feedback provided through the young journalist’s club at VMFT.
evaluation tools. The content and The overall objective of the current
duration of interactions were increased programme is to bring about a desirable
for the academic year 2018-19 after change in attitudes towards independent
the consultation with the stakeholders learning and understanding/solving
like headmaster/mistress of schools, problems in society amongst young
PTA members, educationists etc. It was people in selected schools.
decided to conduct a 40-hour programme.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
The content includes science experiments School (Beemapally) St. Thomas HS
to promote the scientific temper, social Amboori, MKLM Higher Secoondary
science to develop socio-democratic skills, school Kannanalloor and Government
learning styles, personality development HS Madatharakani. We found that
and relationship management, statistics the programme was completed as
for building social awareness, appropriate planned and children benefited in the
food habits for growth and development, schools where the PTA, teachers,
awareness against substance abuse and Head Mistress/masters supported and
one day parental training on parenting parents took initiatives to send their
adolescent children. Gender and waste children on holidays to schools. The
management were the two issues included close collaboration between teachers,
in almost all sessions indenting to bring parents and students is found to be
behavioral changes among learners. the key to success of the programme
Finally the programme was conducted in “connecting learners with community”.
Government Vocational/ Higher Secondary
school at Vakkom, Paravoor, Vithura,
Beema Mahin Memorial Higher Secondary
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Connecting Learners with Community
‘Social Groups and Social Control’
A training on ‘Social Groups and Social The third group conducted a peer group
Control’ was organised for class 8 students at interaction of classmates and the fourth
Government High School Madatharakani on group on a PTA meeting. The other groups
February 13, 2020. The content was delivered explained the characteristics and differences
through role plays, focus group discussions and of both groups. From which, the concepts
skits. The students were divided into 8 groups of primary and secondary groups were
and activities were assigned with the support introduced. The fifth, sixth and seventh groups
of volunteers of Swadeshabhimani Young conducted skits on i) Headmistress and class
Journalism Club. The first group conducted a teacher trying to impose uniform, acceptable
role play to create an experience of Bus stand hair style etc. in a classroom ii) A traffic police
and the second group on a dining hall of Kerala officer trying to maintain traffic rules and iii)
home. The other groups discussed and arrived A mother ensuring that children follow values
at the characteristics and differences of both and respect elders. From these small skits,
groups. Students defined social aggregates resource person introduced the concept of
and social groups from this activity. social control along with formal and informal
ways of social control in the society.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
The last group of children conducted a Later both woman and man realise their mistakes
skit regarding a meeting at a scientific in thoughts and action in line with gender roles in
research institution. The innovation by a the society. Discussions were conducted on the
female scientist was misrepresented out importance of women empowerment to ensure
as a contribution of a male colleague. The unbiased equal roles for women in social groups.
group showed the tendency of powerful The class was coordinated and facilitated by Mr.
people to show authority and subgrade C. K. Jayarajan (HSST Economics, Vadakkumpad
women or their contributions in the society. HSS, Kozhikode) and Dr. O. G. Sajitha (Director
(Programmes), Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Balancing relations for a better person –
Relationship management training at
Vakkom Vocational Higher Secondary School
Relationship management training was
conducted for students of class 8 and 9
from Vakkom Government Vocational
Higher Secondary School on 7th February
2020. The aim of the programme was to
support the personality development of
adolescent children through positive self-
development tips as well as on guidance
for ensuring a balanced relation with
others. Students learned through games
and activities that i) elevated thoughts and
actions, ii) evaluating the self-performance
and life achievements, and iii) empathetic
behaviour are three things required for a
better personality. Children understood
the importance of personal time, family
time and study time. They learned about
the different hormones and their functions
which helped them to relate the way they
behave and the hormonal functions.
They discussed about showing love and
affection to parents, teachers and friends.
Most importantly, the class covered about
empathetic attitude towards all human
beings and equal treatment irrespective
of class, caste and gender.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Dr. Sajitha Bashir @ MRMKM Higher Secondary School, Edava
The meeting was organised as part of completion Er. A. Suhair quoted that the greatness lies in
of 40 hours of Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust’s bringing out changes in the society and which is
School Outreach Programme at MRMKMMHSS, possible only through transfering knowledge. He
Edava, on 18 December 2019 at 4pm in the school. advised the children to improve their communication
It was inaugurated by Dr. Sajitha Bashir, Advisor skills by developing a regular habit of reading
for Science, Technology and Innovation in the including newspapers. He concluded by extending
office of Global Director of Education, World Bank, the support and help on behalf of VMFT for children
Washington). Er. A. Suhair (Chairman, Vakkom at Edava School for enhancing their skills for future
Moulavi Foundation Trust), Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus success. Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus made children
(Secretary, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust), Dr. recite a pledge to strive for implementing changes
O. G. Sajitha (Director (Programmes)), Vakkom in the society. The participation certificates were
Moulavi Foundation Trust), Shri. Harshad Sabu, distributed to children who attended the 40 hour
(Panchayath Vice President and Edava School school outreach programme.
teacher) Shri. Anitha Kumari (Headmistress), Shri.
Vahidhudheen Programme Coordinator, Shri. Kappil
Shafi (PTA President) talked to the audience.
Dr. Sajitha Bashir stated that school outreach
programme was organised to create an awareness
among the children on how to learn other than
what is already learned, how to develop the skills
and knowledge and the responsibility to utilise the
acquired skills and knowledge for the betterment of
the society. She put forward the relevance of self-
learning and advised the children to focus on self-
learning to gain more knowledge. She suggested
learners to concentrate learning outside the syllabus
of textbooks. She stated that efforts of Vakkom
Moulavi and other social reformers enabled mostly
women and marginalised people irrespective of
religion to attain education in Kerala.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Connecting Learners with Community
Using Class 8 Statistics for sensitising children on social issues-
19-20 October 2019
Two day workshop was conducted as part
of Foundation’s school outreach programme
“Connecting Learners with Community” at
MRMKMMHSS, Edava for class 8 students
on 19-20, October 2019. The objective of
the workshop was to make the learners
understand that the classroom content
is very much related to everyday life as
well as, to develop skills in recognising
and solving social issues. Activity oriented
learning strategies were adopted to help all
the children regardless of learning levels to
come out of their mental block regarding
the difficulty level of learning mathematics.
Children defined statistics, appreciated the
use and applications of statistics, collected
primary data, classified the data, grouped
the data, prepared frequency tables and
draw histograms. The learners understood
the solid issues and suggested solutions
through the insights of games and activities
used in the class. They collected data from
their own class regarding age, education of
mother and father, occupation of mother and
father, number of members in the family etc.
so that the women can spent their time
for productive activities and leisure too.
The students discussed the advantages
and disadvantages of nuclear family and
joint family after analysing the frequency
table prepared based on the number of
members in their families. Children also
discussed the importance of data collection
and classification in the light of a textbook
exercise on blood sample collection and
classification.
The students prepared the frequency tables of education Dr. O. G. Sajitha (Director (Programmes),
of mother, education of father, occupation of mother and VMFT) was the resource person for the
occupation of father and analysed the observations. two-day workshop. Dr. Devika (Assistant
They conducted group discussion in small groups and
listed reasons for women’s lower participation in paid Professor at Trivandrum Medical College)
delivered an interactive session on the
work, though, their education was better than males. The title “Ente Amma – Ente Nanma” (meaning
children understood gendered roles responsibilities and ‘my mother - my goodness’) during the
access to resources in the society irrespective of glory workshop.
as a land of renaissance. After the group presentations
the students prepared charts about strategies
to reduce the household work burden of women
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Connecting Learners with Community
Using Class 8 Statistics for sensitising children on social issues-
19-20 October 2019
Dr. Devika (Assistant Professor, Trivandrum Medical College) delivered an
interactive session on the title “Ente Amma – Ente Nanma”.
It helped the children to recognise the
burden of women’s work at home which is
unrecognised and less valued most of the time.
Children also conducted role plays which help
them to understand the gender-based roles
in the society and they discussed about the
necessity of gender-neutral attitudes. All the
sessions were interactive and all the children
were participating happily and actively. The
noteworthy thing is that the activities gave
opportunities for the entire children to come to
front and talk using mike.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Renaissance Lecture on ‘Women in Emerging Kerala’
The position of women in the past has been reshaped in
Kerala through renaissance movements, educational
programmes, programmes to bring gender equality,
migration to and from Kerala, increased recognition
of human rights and moral values. However, there
existed observable gaps in the women participation
in legislature, leadership positions, and ownership of
assets, lands and enterprises and decision making at
household to other levels. VMFT organised a lecture
to mark the position of women in the past, present
and future. Dr. T. K Anandhi, Gender Advisor of
Government of Kerala delivered the 9th Renaissance
Lecture on 2nd February 2019 at Press Club,
Thiruvananthapuram.
She explained the position of Kerala women during
the renaissance period and narrated how it improved
with the targeted efforts of social reformers like
Sree Narayana Guru, Vakkom Moulavi, Ayyankali
and like. She portrayed the glorious trajectory of
Kerala women over the period along with current
challenges and obstacles to achieve gender parity.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Gender inequality in Kerala was deep rooted and She stated that present day school curriculum
camouflaged with the caste factor. Even though, does not give an awareness of disadvantages
Vakkom Moulavi emphasised the importance of gender discrimination within students. She
of women education in early 1900s, Brahmin quoted the need of financial stability to be
women started attending schools in 1935-36 gained by women in present days which is
only. Renaissance started with Brahmin women possible only by accepting the reorganisation
and then followed to the other women but was in of responsibilities and gender roles in family
caste order hierarchy. New change was visible in life. She also presented the efforts taken for
all walks of life such as education, property rights, women empowerment in different areas such as
marriage and social relations. health, education, politics and career building.
Dr. O. G. Sajitha, (Director (Programmes)),
The identity of Kerala women has been shaped VMFT in her vote of thanks pointed out about
through three different activities over many the gender awareness classes conducted
decades and ended by 1948. They were i) the for school students in the School Outreach
renaissance thoughts and actions in communities Programmes organised by Vakkom Moulavi
and castes, ii) the social activism for equal Foundation and also about the activities of
rights by farmers, labour strikes by teachers gender mainstreaming done by the organisation.
and otherss and iii) the empowered middle and The Ninth Renaissance Lecture which evoked
upper class educated women participation in the interest and participation of women and
nationalistic movements. Through a series of children also gained the attention of media.
social movements, the identity of Kerala women
emerged by Paliyam satyagraha of 1948. It was
a union of Namboothiri, nair, scheduled caste,
scheduled tribe women who stood together for
demanding right to use Paliyam road.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Renaissance Lecture on ‘Environmental issues in Kerala’
The 8 Renaissance lecture was conducted
th
on the topic “Environmental Issues in Kerala”.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. K. Soman,
eminent geologist and former Research
Analysis wing Head of National Centre for
Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram.
He gave a clear picture of the environmental
issues in the coastal areas, highland and
midland separately to depict the varying
issues in those areas.
Prof. V.K. Damodaran during his presidential
address emphasised that rebuilding Kerala
after the flood of 2018 should not be
rebuilding what was earlier which was not
environmental friendly but also unscientific.
The new construct has to be a new
model based on scientific and technology
innovations to meet the human needs and
to protect environment. Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust Chairman A. Suhair
delivered the welcome speech and Dr. O. G.
Sajitha expressed vote of thanks.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Renaissance Lecture on ‘Environmental issues in Kerala’
Renaissance Lecture on ‘Emerging Developments
in Education sector of Kerala’
The importance and antiquity of education in for developing the innovativeness and creativity
Kerala is underscored by the state’s ranking as among the future generation. Enhancing the
among the most literate in the country. In view concept of anxiety in children to find reason
of the significance of the emerging context, it and solutions through education needs to
is necessary to have an analysis of prospects be spread as a teaching learning method.
and challenges to be addressed in educational Presenting new subjects by the teacher with
scenario of Kerala. As part of the 10th the participation of children and providing
Renaissance Lecture Prof. (Dr). P. M. Rajan opportunity for children to express their opinion
Gurukkal Vice Chairman, Kerala State Higher on the subject rather than presenting what is
Education Council delivered a talk on “Emerging being taught is important. He pointed out that
Developments in Education sector of Kerala” one of the reasons for the failure of education
on April 12, 2019 at Lajanathul Mohammediya is lack of good teachers. He also discussed
Auditorium, Alappuzha. He explained about the about the problems of higher education in
current educational scenario in Kerala and of Kerala and the steps currently taken by the
the histories of education during the period of Kerala State Higher Education Council to
Vakkom Moulavi as well. improve this. He emphasised that efforts have
started in documentation of the programme
He suggested that certain changes have to outcomes and course learning outcomes in
be made presently in Kerala. The teachers, all universities in Kerala. He also put forward
parents and society have to promote the the need to develop the inter-disciplinary
questioning skills of children. The new trend is knowledge among teachers that helps to
to stop preventing children from the attitudes increase the quality of students. He also
of questioning about the aspects they observe, proposed the need of good interdisciplinary
they feel, and they think, which is inappropriate
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
projects which require insights from related
disciplines to create good researchers. He
highlighted that Higher Education Council
could organise short term workshops of
eminent personalities like Prof. Romila
Thapar (distinguished historian of modern
Asia), Ashish Nandy (Indian political
psychologist, social theorist, and critic),
Amit Bhaduri (Economist), Prabhat Patnaik
(Economist & Political Commentator),
Utsa Patnaik (Economist), Dr. N. J. Rao
(Vice Chancellor of Jaypee University
of Engineering and Technology) for the
young teachers. He concluded by stating
that education system in Kerala should
go forward in improving the knowledge
of languages, creative writing and
communication skills.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
National Press Day
Seminar on “Representation of Women in Journalism in Kerala”
to commemorate the birth centenary of Smt. Haleema Beevi
The fair documentation of history was seldom the entire society at national level should
done in the case of contributions from minorities, discuss and work together for finding
dalits and women as the interest of academics solutions of work related problems of women
and state was upheld by the historians who were journalists so as to ensure them gender
mostly not from the above categories. Many equality and good work environment .
are forgotten and ignored. As part of National Er. A. Suhair, Chairman of Vakkom Moulavi
Press Day celebration, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation mentioned that Vakkom
Foundation in collaboration with Kerala Media Moulavi’s activities centred mainly on women
Academy commemorated the birth centenary empowerment and his disciple Mohammed
of Smt. Haleema Beevi, first Women Journalist Moulavi also followed the same path. Smt.
in Kerala, who was left behind the discourse. Haleema Beevi got the support of Mohammed
A seminar on the topic “Representation of Moulavi after their marriage. She brought out
Women in Journalism in Kerala” was organised great ideas and remarkable activities. Smt.
as a token of recognition to the contributions Saraswathy Nagarajan, Sub-editor, Hindu
of Smt. Haleema Beevi on November 16, pointed out the challenges faced by women
2019 at VMFT hall. Dr. Kayamkulaum Yoonus journalists in daily life due to which women
narrated the contributions of Haleema Beevi as journalists are unable to achieve higher
a journalist during his welcome speech.
positions in their career. Smt. K. Beena who
Media Academy Chairman Shri. R. S. Babu is a known writer & journalist also gave a
in his inaugural speech cited the importance clear picture about the challenges, prejudiced
of fostering friendly and comfortable work work situations etc in Kerala due to which
locations to women journalists. He stated that very few women journalists are assigned in
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
newsrooms. She referred about Kalyanikutty
Amma, wife of Ramakrishna Pillai, who was
not seen depicted in history even though she
was managing magazine and newspaper
before her marriage in 1905 itself. She also
suggested the need of creche for small
children of working women journalists similar
to Corporates for facilitating them to work in
shifts. This kind of support can in a way help
women to build a good career in the field of
journalism. Dr. O. G Sajitha presented her
views as a reader highlighting the necessity
of more women journalists in the scene so
that writings about the women issues as well
as struggles of tribal, coastal and like can be
brought in and addressed against the current
trend of reporting the sensational news and
then leaving it unattended.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Kerala Media History Yatra
Media Academy organised Kerala Media
History Journey with a slogan of “regaining
media ethics and values” from February
21 to March 1, 2019. It was a journey
from the birthplace of Swadeshabhimani
Ramakrishna Pillai in Neyyattinkara to
Gundart Bhavan Illikunnu, Thalassery,
visiting the important places of media
history.
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation arranged
reception for the Kerala Media History
Yathra at Vakkom, the birthplace of
Vakkom Mohammed Abdul Khader
Moulavi on February 22, 2019. A meeting
was held at Vakkom Government Higher
Secondary School.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus (Secretary, VMFT)
detailed about the contributions of Vakkom
Moulavi and Swadeshabhimani newspaper
in his welcome address. Chairman of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Er. A. Suhair
honoured Shri. R. S. Babu, Media Academy
Chairman and Dr.Sebastian Paul, MP
by presenting a memento stacked with
Swadheshabhimani News Paper. Mrs.
Sheeja, Principal Govt. HSS Vakkom, Shri.
K. Manoj, Director Trivandrum Press Club
Institute were also part of the programme.
The team of media experts and journalism
students who accompanied the Media
History Yatra visited Vakkom Moulavi’s
home as a tribute to the legend on the day.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
MAAC Training
Swadeshabhimani Media Study Centre
of Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
organised a career guidance and workshop
session in Animation, VFX & Video editing
at MAAC Academy Thiruvananthapuram
on April 6, 2019. It was conducted in
collaboration with IEEE, PES and LMAG.
Prof. S Sasikumaran, Managing Director
of MAAC Academy Sri. Amruth and Sri.
Savin (Faculties of MAAC) conducted the
sessions. Awareness was given on new
technological advancements in the area,
current and emerging job opportunities
and institutions.
The session included basics of Animation,
VFX and Gaming Sectors. It introduced
various software and tools for animation to
generate interest among the participants.
The sessions also included live examples
of augmented reality and virtual reality
sessions. The students who attended
clarified their doubts too.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Flood Relief activities & Livelihood Diversification in
Thekkummoodu Bund Colony
The destruction and struggle brought by the rain and
the associated natural calamities like landslides during
the month of August 2018 was not less than a disaster.
The major challenges as part of the rebuilding Kerala
after the 2018 flood is rebuilding the livelihood options
particularly of the economically poor without much
technical skills, savings or assets. VMFT has raised
some funds to support the flood affected people of the
Thekkummoodu Bund Colony.
In the first stage,
• Provided rice and stationery materials for around
100 households living on both sides of the canal
• Conducted a survey of families living on both sides
of the canal to assess the basic profile of people living
• A brief description of the residents was prepared
In the second stage,
• The Trust donated an amount of Rs. 2 lakhs to the
Chief Minister’s disaster management fund.
• Maintenance of a flood affected house was
completed.
• We received a donation of items like, soap,
disinfectants, clothes for children, towels, brush, paste
etc. We sent those things to one of the most flood
affected areas in Alappuzha district.
In the third stage,
• With the objective of empowering the youth, two
day training programme on 17 & 18 May, 2019 was
given to a group of twenty women from colony in the
age group of 15-49 yrs in making paper carry bags,
bath soaps, washing soaps, detergents, lotions etc.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Reinforcement training was given on 26 June • It is noted that the children particularly
2019 to proceed to the extent of sales and in high school classes were of very low
thereby earn an income. Training was given in a learning skills and even unable to write
well known brand,Swadeshi by Gandhi Centre for down their names. Some small children
Rural Development. in the primary classes were doing
well. Based on the experience, it is
• Five-day Training was organised for recommended to organize an education
communicative English Learning for school going programme starting from teaching the
children till tenth standard in the colony to support
their language skills. Youth volunteers Adithya.s., alphabets to the selected children to
improve their educational standards.
Nihal, Nrithya volunteered for training the children
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Promoting Research on Women
Women’s Participation in Household decision making – A Comparative study
between slum dwellers and other residents in urban Thiruvananthapuram
&
Violence against women in Urban Thiruvananthapuram –Comparison
between slum dwellers and other residents.
VMFT awarded fellowships to two master students (M A Social Work) from University
of Kerala, Karyavattom to conduct their dissertation on topics related to the women’s
life. The awards were given to
1. Arathy Balan on the title – Women’s Participation in Household decision making
– A Comparative study between slum dwellers and other residents in urban
Thiruvananthapuram and
2. Sreekutty Sathyan on the title – Violence against women in Urban Thiruvananthapuram
–Comparison between slum dwellers and other residents.
They were awarded with a grant of Rs. 10,000 each to collect data. Free access to
books, internet and computer at the VMFT resource centre were given during the
dissertation period. Orientation in Research Methodology and training in computer
analysis of data were given. Dr. O. G Sajitha (VMFT) provided technical advice in
analysing the primary data collected by the students.
Both studies confirmed variations in women’s status in slums compared to other
resident population in urban Thiruvananthapuram. Both studies were conducted within
a short period of time due to the nature of MA Social Work Programme. It needs more
systematic and large level data study to explore the reasons behind higher rates of
violence against women and lower participation in household decisions against the
views and believes of Kerala as a more gender just society.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Women Empowerment: Training for women in
Home electrical maintenance
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust along with The expert panel for trainers included eminent
LMAG of IEEE Kerala, Archana Women’s Centre, academicians and practitioners like Prof.
Energy Management Centre & IEEE Kerala PES V. K. Damodaran, Er. A. Suhair, Er. Madhu
organised a 3 day training programme for women Krishnan, Er. Rajagopal Achari, Er. B. Sasi
in maintaining household electrical system at Mattom and Sri. Sabu Devasya. It provided
Archana Women’s Centre Ettumanoor on June 27- hands-on training for a small group of trainees
29, 2019. The objectives was to empower women who have no background of formal education
to attend to minor defects and mal-operations of in electrical technology to test for themselves
smaller electrical installations at home and in the and feel confident about having a career
community. in electrification, energy conservation and
equipment maintenance.
A total of 20 women were trained. The training
was given in electricity fundamentals, circuits and
sources, solar, home electric set up, MCB, ELCB,
equipment faults, electric shock safe working,
energy cost tariff conservation, standards gadgets
demo, electrical wiring how & practical, electrical
wiring practical, 2 circuit assembly practical,
assembling LED bulb and assembling LED tube.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Training of Trainers
Women on Home Electrics
In home front, women are in face-to-face contact VMFT organized a ‘Training for Trainers’ in
with electrical and electronic gadgets - several collaboration with Kerala Section of IEEE &
times every day. Even minor complaints with these LMAG and other operational units like Power
devices are attended by electricians, technicians & Energy Society, Energy Management Center
or wiremen who are too busy and costly to get and NGGF on 01- 02 November 2019. A panel
on the site. If women and especially housewives of experts prepared the course module. The
(in Kerala, a good majority have undergone 12 two-day hands-on training workshop was
years of formal education) can attend to these conducted at Jyothi Bhavan, Special School
problems and ensure electrical safety, it will help for the Handicapped, Anthinad, Kollappally.
in the overall increase of productivity and well- A group of 17 women consisting of school
being in the society. teachers, social workers and CMC sisters, who
have agreed to take the message to the house
In a State with the highest population density in wives in the district they live were trained.
India, it will be unviable to reach every home,
school and institution by even the largest team
of volunteers who are experts in such matters.
The way out will be to train committed women
volunteers as Trainers to propagate the message
by training more women from different areas with
the same knowledge and hands-on exposure.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Readers’ Forum Discussion -
“Ushnarasi-Karappurathinte Ithihasam”
Book review of Vayalar Award winning novel
“Ushnarasi-Karappurathinte Ithihasam” written
by Shri. K. V. Mohan Kumar IAS was done
on March 19, 2019. Prof. Sabu Kottakkal,
Associate Professor University College
presented the book. The book is set around
Punnappra-Vayalar struggle. Ushnarasi is
a work in which the important aspects of the
past, present and future combine seamlessly.
Shri. L. V. Harikumar, Kendra Sahithya
Academy Advisory Board Member presented
the review that was written by him in Kerala
Kaumudi. Dr. Ajayapuram Jyotish Kumar,
Head of Dept. (Malayalam), M. G. College,
Thiruvananthapuram and Dr. Mohammed
Kabir (DIET, kollam) also discussed the book
in detail. The author said that the Vakkom
Moulavi Foundation Trust built in memory of
Vakkom Moulavi is the right place to discuss
his book which depicted about the suppression,
and struggle faced by women and backward
classes in the society.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Readers’ Forum Discussion -
“Uchamarapacha”
The discussion on the book “Uchamarapacha”,
an autobiographical work of journalist & writer
Shri. Shanavas Ponganade was organised
on January 23, 2020. Former Director of The
State Institute of Languages Dr. M. R. Thampan
inaugurated the programme. Shri. V. V. Kumar
described the book in detail. It was a heart
touching book that depicted about the cancer
survival of the author and which marked hope
to life and stands as a source of information for
patients and bystanders. According to the author
the book was written to express his gratitude to
all those who have supported during his time of
illness and also to restore a normal life.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
National
Solidarity Pledge
National solidarity pledge was taken at “Unity in Diversity” and thus overcome the
the Swadeshabhimani Square Palayam present challenges faced in the country.
in connection with the 146 Birthday of He concluded the speech by saying that
th
Vakkom Mohammed Abdul Khader Moulavi Vakkom Moulavi played a great role as a
on December 28, 2019. Dr. M. K. Muneer, social reformer and renaissance leader in
MLA (Deputy Leader of opposition) read developing a Modern Kerala. Journalist
out the pledge at 8.30 am highlighting the V. S. Rajesh (Kerala K), Vakkom Moulavi
responsibility of citizen to uphold the secular Foundation Trust chairman Er. A. Suhair,
and pluralistic nature of India. He said that Prof. V. K. Damodaran, Dr. Kayamkulam
Vakkom Moulavi’s contributions were distinct Yoonus, Dr. Arifa Sainuddin, Ramkamal
and incredible which resulted in farfetched Manoj, many other social activists and VMFT
social changes among the Muslim community staffs attended the function.
and in the journalism field. He mentioned
that the intention of Vakkom Moulavi who
published the newspaper with the title as
“Swadeshabhimani” is to motivate every
individual to live & serve for their nation. He
quoted that Vakkom Moulavi was a person
who sacrificed all his heriditary wealth,
used his energy, talent and time for the
sake of his land and is undoubtedly a great
personality. He stated that on this auspicious
day everyone irrespective of caste or creed
must take pledge for putting efforts to uphold
the value & spirit of Indian Constitution
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Vakkom Moulavi Day
On 87 death Anniversary of Vakkom An essay competition on the topic “Efforts
th
Mohammad Abdul Khader Moulavi, VMFT of Vakkom Moulavi & its Importance in
organised a commemoration meeting on Contemporary Society” and elocution
31 Dec, 2019, 4 pm at VMFT hall. The competition on the topic “Vakkom Moulavi &
programme was inaugurated by Shri. Kerala Renaissance” was conducted as part
Palliyara Sreedharan, Director, Kerala State of Vakkom Moulavi Day for college students.
Institute of Childrens’ Literature. He said The cash prize of Rs.7000, Rs. 3500/- and
that he learned a lot about the contributions Rs.2000/ for 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively
of Vakkom Moulavi during the initiative to along with memento and certificate for
publish a book about History of Renaissance winners and also participation certificates
“Darkness to Light “ by Kerala State Institute were distributed during the commemoration
of Childrens’ Literature. He highlighted that meeting. The programme was conducted
the contributions for Renaissance rendered to enlighten society about commitment rule
by Vakkom Moulavi were remarkable. of social reformers will building a nation
embeded in a values.
46
VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture at
Arabic Department, Kerala University
‘‘Ideas of Tradition and Modernity in
Contemporary Islamic Thinkers”
Arabic Department, Kerala University organised a Memorial Lecture on 25 February 2019
on the topic” Ideas of Tradition and Modernity in Contemporary Islamic Thinkers”.
Professor A. K. Ramakrishnan from Jawaharlal Nehru University talk on the topic.
He made notable remarks of Vakkom Moulalvi as a social engineer who considered
education and women empowerment as imperatives for social development. He inferred
that Vakkom Moulavi has depicted the word ‘feminism” for the first time in Malayalam in
his publication Deepika. Prof. Ramakrishnan mentioned that Vakkom Moulavi’s heredity
of knowledge is related to Mohammed Ridha Al-Shabibi who is an Iraqi national figure,
statesman, poet & educator and Al Manar magazine. He stated that the importance
of a personality can be understood only by analysing the social, economic & political
system during his/her period. The contributions of different Islamic thinkers were also
cited during the lecture. A. Suhair, the chairperson of Vakkom Moulavi Foundation also
talked about Vakkom Moulavi’s life and ideology.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Vakkom Moulavi Pavilion at Kanakothsavam
Media and Nature Expo – 2019
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
set up a pavilion in “Kanakothsavam
Media and Nature Expo 2019”
organised by Press Club, Trivandrum,
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation,
Centre for Innovation in Science &
Social Action (CISSA) at Suryakanthi
Exhibition Ground, Kanakakkunnu
for ten days from April 5-15, 2019.
We exhibited historical leaflets of
Swadeshabhimani newspaper and
other publications that could impart
awareness of media history to the
public. The wall poster exhibits were
selected with an aim to generate
knowledge among the public about
the life, history & ideology of Vakkom
Mohammed Abdul Khader Moulavi,
model of his notable social activities
and social changes associated with
him. Also exhibited the activities of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust.
The expo immensely helped in
bringing an insight to the public about
the remarkable social activities of
Vakkom Mohammed Abdul Khadir
Moulavi and also about the activities
of his memorial trust -Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust.
48
VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Potrait Release of Vakkom Moulavi and
Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai
The Portrait of Vakkom Moulavi was Also highlighted that Vakkom Moulavi was
released by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, M.P and a person who had given ample freedom for
Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai by his editor unlike the present press set up.
Er. A. Suhair, the grandson of Vakkom He had run the newspaper not on business
Mohammad Abdul Khader Moulavi at Kesari motives which in turn led him to incur huge
Memorial hall Trivandrum on 26 September, losses. According to him, Vakkom Moulavi
2018. The function was organised by Kesari be noted for his contributions as a social
Memorial Trust hall & Kerala Union of Working reformer, particularly in the efforts for
Journalist (KUWJ). The journalist & writer, C. implementing Muslim education in Kerala.
Rahim gave the memorial lecture on Vakkom He also emphasised that the present-day
Moulavi. Former President of KUWJ, Shri. media should focus on social service rather
Gowri Dasan Nair gave the memorial lecture than sensationalism. Er A. Suhair cited that
on Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai. society has not given the recognition which
Some of the notable points from the inaugural Vakkom Moulavi deserved inspite of his great
speech of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP are given efforts, ideology and views in the publishing
below: of the Swadeshabhimani newspaper and
Vakkom Moulavi firmly believed that journalism towards the contributions for the society. But
should be for protecting the civil rights of today changes happened and he felt happy
the people and it was replicated through that Vakkom Moulavi along with Ramakrishna
his newspaper. The name of his newspaper Pillai is being honoured by the journalist trust
itself revealed the patriotic feeling of Vakkom in the famous Kesari Hall. He concluded
Moulavi. Vakkom Moulavi, the founder and by puting forward that Swadeshabhimani
owner of “Swadeshabhimani” had set up newspaper has set up a tradition which we
its standard in such a way that it could take need to be proud of and need to be followed.
the newsfeed of Reuter Newspaper agency
in 1905. Along with it referred that the first
book on journalism in India itself “Vrithantha
Pathra Pravarthanam” was written by
Swadeshabhimani.
49
VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
Research paper presentation at the University of Michigan, USA
on ‘Regional Pathways to Learning : The Role of Public Action, Vernacular and
the Print in Muslim Education in Kerala’
Dr. Sajitha Bashir, Adviser – Science and This latter became the basis of ‘public action’
Technology Education Global Practice, World Bank which was political in nature. Through the role
presented a research paper “Regional Pathways of print, issues of corruption, governance and
to Learning: The Role of Public Action, Vernacular, popular participation were discussed. It created
and the Print in Muslim Education in Kerala” a public sphere of reasoning and argument.
at 2nd Annual Sustainability and Development This challenges to the concept of education as
Conference at Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA) on 13th being solely the sphere of state action, including
October, 2019. The co-author of the paper was the benevolent king. This helped to bring in
Dr. Manisha Priyam (Associate Professor, NUEPA Muslims as active participants in determining
New Delhi and Board of Trust Member of Vakkom education policy and widened public debate on
Moulavi Foundation Trust). The conference was the basis of state authority. The role of Vakkom
hosted by the University of Michigan. Moulavi, an important Muslim social reformer
The paper put forth the following argument : The of the early 20th century in Travancore, has
modern state of Kerala in India achieved universal increasingly become recognized.
completion of primary education by 1985, several
decades before the rest of India. It has also attained The researchers assessed his contribution within
universal secondary education for some time now. the theoretical framework of the emergence of
The outlier status of Kerala has been attributed the public sphere through the role of print and
to various factors such as enlightened monarchy the literature on the development of Kerala.
in Travancore, defensive modernization by the An analysis of articles in Swadeshabhimani,
Travancore princely state, Christian missionary the paper started by Vakkom Moulavi, on
activities and political action after independence. governance and on education was done to
However, these factors alone do not explain the highlight the use of the special vernacular
manner in which one of the most important but common to Muslims of Kerala (Lipi) to reach
backward communities, the Muslims, were able them. A comparison of the influence of the
Arab/Muslim reformers of the Middle East in the
to catch up with others in the state. The role of use of print media was conducted in the paper.
‘public action’ – specifically, the use of the print Data on the growth of literacy and educational
and the vernacular developed a critique within participation in the Muslim community in
groups regarding social practices and generate Travancore between 1890 and 1930 was
demands within the community resulting in a analyzed. The findings suggested that pathway
religious dissent or reform. It presents reasoned of Muslim education in Travancore in the early
critique about the ‘modernizing’ princely state and 20th century has relevance for Sustainable
British colonial rule, purticularly in the sphere of Development Goals (SDGs)
education.
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VMFT NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2020
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