VMFT-News Letter 2020-2021

VMFT Newsletter

VMFT NEWS
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE VAKKOM MOULAVI FOUNDATION TRUST Volume 2, Issue 1

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VMFT Newsletter

CON

Established: 1986 06

EDITORIAL BOARD Release of
Migrant Labour Report
• Er. A. Suhair
• Prof. V. K. Damodaran Reaching the Hardest to Reach with
• Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus
Education Technology during Covid:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Kerala Experience 08
• Prof. V. K. Damodaran - President
• Er. A. Suhair - Chairperson Vakkom Moulavi 10
• Dr. Sajitha Bashir - Vice Chairperson Remembrance Day
• Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus - Secretary
• Dr. Zahir Bashir - Trustee International Women’s Day 11
• Mr. Asif Bahauddin - Trustee
12
STAFF
Future of Democracy - Seminar
• Lakshmy. R
• Aswathy. C Latest Trends in Media 13
• Rejin R. S 14
• Asharaf Ahammed (Design & Layout) Ecoswaraj: Towards a
Rainbow Recovery for India
Disclaimer:
‘‘This newsletter is intended to report on 15
the activities of VMFT. The statements and
views expressed in this newsletter do not National Solidarity Pledge - 28 Dec 2020
necessarily reflect the views of the VMFT
Board of Trustees’’

www.vmft.org
[email protected]
0471-2304051, +91-8943040517

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VMFT Newsletter 32

TENTS
Career Guidance,
Motivation- Parents Training

16

Inauguration of 34
Vakkom Moulavi
Centre for Multi-Lingual Studies Release of Special Cover Honouring
Vakkom Moulavi
Ethical Practices for 17
Quality in Journalism

Reporting Stories on 18 Essay Competition for 35
Migrants: Why & How College Students

Skills for 19
Sports Journalism

Investigative Journalism: 20 Inauguration of 36
New Frontiers 22 Vakkom Moulavi Renaissance
23 Week Programmes 38
Path of Nobel Laureate Politics of Future India 39
Shri. Sathyarthi in Enlightening
Child Labourers Drain of Ethics in Journalism

Training on Soft Skills for the
Modern Journalism

Tradition of Secular India 41

24 42Necessity of Time Suited Education

Switch on of Documentary on 26 Women in Digital Era 43
‘Life of Vakkom Moulavi’ 28
World Environment Day 30 Relevance of Vakkom Moulavi’s Idea

NGO Meet at VMFT in Shaping Modern Kerala 44

Summer School Programme Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture

45Arabic Department, Kerala University

What Journalism Students Expects 46

from SYJC Activities - Meeting

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VMFT Newsletter

EDIT

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust has recently
set up a Digitization Centre equipped with
modern facilities. This is the first step in VMFT’s
project to digitize the works of Vakkom Moulavi in
order to make them more broadly available to the
general public and researchers in India and abroad.
The newspaper, ‘Svadesabhimani’ (commonly
transliterated into English as ‘Swadeshabhimani’) was
his first and most famous publication and occupies a
key role in the political history and development of
the print media in Kerala. The newspaper was banned
in 1910 by a Royal Proclamation due to its exposure
of the misdeeds and corruption of the royal court and
administration; its editor, Sri. K. Ramakrishna Pillai,
was exiled and the press was confiscated.

The VMFT has released in digital format the first
set of editorials of the celebrated newspaper,
Svadesabhimani, founded in 1905 by Vakkom
Muhammad Abdul Khader Moulavi (1873-1932).
(https://svadesabhimani.com/). The VMFT aims to
digitize all the editorials and principal articles that are
available in its collection of the newspaper. In the first
phase, the articles will be reproduced in Malayalam
with brief annotations in English. We hope to translate
the articles into English to reach a wider audience.

The newspaper, which published between 1905-
1910, was an instrument of social and political reform
in a crucial period of the development of Kerala
and India’s history. Today, it offers a unique window
into that period, the political and social issues that
were being debated in the public space in Kerala,
the growth of the anti-colonial movement in India
and in the broader Islamic world and the ideas that
helped to shape modern Kerala. Unique for its
time, Svadesabhimani took up issues such as the
accountability of government officials, the provision
of public education, the reform of traditional social
codes, Muslim education reform as well as national
and international developments.

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VMFT Newsletter

ORIAL

Vakkom Moulavi was one of the most prominent leaders of the Kerala Renaissance in the
second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The social ferment
and intellectual awakening in the Kerala Renaissance were led by community leaders of
great stature, such as the Moulavi and Ramakrishna Pillai, Sri Narayana Guru and Dr. Palpu,
Ayyankali and Chattambi Swamikal. They wanted to reform the society according to their
vision of a unified Kerala freed from age old social customs, senseless orthodoxy and blind
superstition. Their aims converged at several points to make a comprehensive social reform
movement which led to the shaping of modern Kerala.
Through its work of the last thirty years, the Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust has
contributed to keeping alive the memory of Vakkom Moulavi. In order to create a fitting
a lasting memorial to this pioneering journalist and fearless social reformer, the VMFT
has undertaken several activities, including the creation of a permanent exhibit on the
contributions of Vakkom Moulavi to the renaissance of Kerala and India; the commissioning
of a documentary film; the creation of educational and cultural materials and resources
for schools and for young people; and the digitization of the journals and publications of
Vakkom Moulavi.
Beyond the digitization of the works of Vakkom Moulavi, the VMFT hopes to collect other
relevant original historical materials, covering the key intellectual, social, economic, political
and technological/scientific developments of the period covering 1850-1950, which
influenced the social reformers of the period.
The Digitization centre and Svadedsabhimani webportal was formally inaugurated by the
renowned Indian Filmmaker Sri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan on 26th October 2021.

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VMFT Newsletter

Voice, Visibility and Dignity-

Towards a Rights-Based Frame work for
Migrant Workers in India

Release of
Migrant Labour Report

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust organized its first-round table discussion to initiate a
“Dialogue on Kerala’s Experience with Migrant Workers during Covid-19 and What next for
India’s Inter State Migrants” which brought together an invited group of Govt.officials, policy
makers, researchers, NGOs, eminent academicians and journalists across India. Shri. Pranabjyoti
Nath (IAS) Labour Commissioner of the Govt. of Kerala and Dr. K. P. Kannan, former Director of the
Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum presented the experiences of Kerala. Participants from
Maharashtra and Jharkhand State Govts. shared the experiences of their states which was followed by
questions and answers. We believe that the documentation of the less widely known Kerala experience
during the Covid-19 crisis, as well as of the extremely rich exchange of experience and views of other

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VMFT Newsletter Report Release

concerned citizens and organisations during the Dignity: Towards a Rights-Based Framework for
Roundtable will be very useful for leaders in govt, Migrant Workers” and in Malayalam “Adnªpw
civil society, academia and media in pursuit of
building better resilience in response to lurking ASp¯pw A´tÊmsS: {]hmkn sXmgnemfnIÄ
future disruptions. VMFT prepared a detailed
report of the Roundtable in English, Malayalam AhImim[njvTnX kao]\¯nte¡v” at his
and Hindi to disseminate broadly to multiple chamber at 4pm on 23 December 2021. The
audiences nationally and internationally. Hindi publication “Avaaz Pahachaan aur Atma
Samman: Pravasi Shramik, Unka Bhavishya,
Shri. T. P. Ramakrishnan, Hon’ble Minister for Unka Adhikaar- Ek Rooprekha” was released
Labour and Excise, Govt.of Kerala released the online by Shri. Sudeep Thakur, Senior Journalist,
publications in English “Voice, Visibility and Resident Editor of Amar Ujala Publications Ltd &
Shri. Ashutosh, Senior Journalist and Founder,
Satya Hindi at 5pm on 22 January 2021. Prof.
Harishwar Dayal, Director-In-Chief, Centre
for Fiscal Studies. Govt. of Jharkhand, Shri.
Santosh K Singh, Indian Express, Patna, Shri.
Mukesh Balyogi Balyogi, Hindustan, Ranchi,
Prof. V. K. Damodaran, President of VMFT, Dr.
Sajitha Bashir, Vice Chairperson of VMFT spoke
in the online Hindi publication release event,
moderated by Dr. Manisha Priyam. Associate
Professor, National University of Education
Planning and Administration.

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Panel Discussion VMFT Newsletter

Panel Discussion on
Reaching the Hardest to Reach with
Education Technology during Covid:

The Kerala Experience

Education has been disrupted during the Global Director for Education, World Bank,
Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of children Tania Saeed, Asst. Prof. Dept. Of Humanities
have been trying different models of & Social Sciences, LUMS University, Pakistan,
learning remotely with the help of parents, Yanis Ben Amor, Executive Director, Centre
teachers, extended families and others. To for Sustainable Development, Haein Shin,
analyse the present situation of ‘What have Education Technical Adviser, with Centre for
we learned so far from the ground?’, ‘What Sustainable Development, Earth Institute/
has worked and what needs to be improved?’ Columbia University and Radhika Iyengar,
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust joined hands Director of Education CSD & Environmental and
with Centre for Sustainable Development, Earth Sustainability Chair.
Institute/Columbia University to organize an
online panel discussion on the subject “Reaching This panel looked at the Kerala model from India
the Hardest to Reach with Education Technology and to learn from the governmental and NGO
During Covid: The Kerala Experience” on 09 actions on the ground. Prof. V. K. D detailed the
October 2021. The panel consisted of Shri.Anvar history of Kerala that supported for ensuring
Sadath, CEO Kerala Infrastructure & Technology success in its education. Shri. Anvar Sadath
for Education (KITES), Govt. of Kerala, Prof. V. K. presented concrete examples from Kerala
Damodaran, President VMFT, Governing Body implemented by KITES on the use of technology
& Executive Committee Member, Kerala State to ensure learning continuity in the Covid-19
Council for Science & Technology, Dr. Sajitha time. Dr. Sajitha Bashir cited about the success
Bashir, Vice Chair, VMFT, Adviser, Office of the of some educational institutions and its online

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VMFT Newsletter
teaching digital platforms including those of developed countries
which resulted due to their efforts they have been taken many
years back for synchronizing technology in education. These
efforts supported them to easily adjust with the challenges
in education sector during covid situation. Some of the cited
examples were South America, Uruguay, India (Kerala). The
discussion brought out lessons for sustainable development and
what we can infuse in the education system to build back better.
Nearly 300 people attended the online discussion on the reach
of education technology during covid.

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Webinar VMFT Newsletter

Vakkom Moulavi Shri. A. Suhair, Shri. Malayankeezhu
Remembrance Day Gopalakrishnan, Dr. Ajayapuram Jyothish
Kumar, Smt. Sarita Varma, Dr. Paul Manalil,
On 88th death Anniversary of Vakkom Shri. Thekkinkkadu Joseph, Prof. M. K.
Mohammad Abdul Khader Moulavi, Abdul Majeed, Shri. Jamal Kochangadi,
VMFT organized a commemoration Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus, Dr. O. G. Sajitha
meeting and online discussion on 31 October, participated in the discussion. It was pointed
2020 on the topic “Media Work during and after out by Malayankeezhu Gopalakrishnan that
the Period of Renaissance’’. It was inaugurated we need to think about ways to bring in ethical
by Shri. R. S. Babu, Chairman, Kerala Media journalism in the field of media, without
Academy. In the inaugural speech he said that relying on capitalistic forces. Smt. Sarita Varma
the journalism during the Renaissance led by commented that as Vakkom Moulavi has
Vakkom Moulavi the founder Swadeshabhimani encouraged change by actually practicing in
newspaper and editor Ramakrishna Pillai was an his own life, he is definitely a personality who
example of honest and transparent journalism should be remembered and emulated. Along
compared to the present- day journalism which with the start of Svadesabhimani newspaper,
is in the clutches of corporates with diminishing his other publications Muslim, Al-Islam and
values. He also added that journalists should Deepika,madegreateffortstobringprogressive
take initiative to retrieve the truth. changes in the society. Vakkom Moulavi’s role
in the empowerment of women, particularly
education of Muslim women is to be lauded.
Vakkom Moulavi is to be remembered as a
person who stood for harmony, honest work
and women’s empowerment. The meeting
was attended by Swadeshabhimani Young
Journalist Club members, family members
of Vakkom Moulavi, people from press and
media.

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VMFT Newsletter Webinar

International

Women’s Day

Onthe occasion of International Womens’ the moderator of the webinar whose panel
Day, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation highlighted various issues faced by women
in association with Dept. of Journalism & journalists and women in cinema. Dr. Bina
Mass Communication of Mar Ivanios College, Paul, Vice Chairperson of Kerala Film Academy,
Trivandrum organized a webinar on “Women in Nupur Basu, Independent Journalist and Award-
the Media: A Journey of Passion” on 08 March, Winning Documentary Film maker, Sarita
2021. With regard to the theme of Womens’ Day Varma, Journalist participated in the panel
2021 ‘Choose to Challenge’, the webinar focused discussion. Closing remarks were given by Prof.
on how women journalists around the world V. K. Damodaran. Professor Deepamol Thomas,
are confronting threats to democratic rights Dept. of Journalism & Mass Communication of
and to their profession. Filmmaker and Kerala Mar Ivanios College expressed vote of thanks.
State Film Development
Corporation Chairman
Shri. Shaji N Karun
inaugurated the webinar.
He said that there is still
a need for increased
representation of women
in the media and film
industry in India.

Dr. Sajitha Bashir, Vice

Chairperson VMFT,

World Bank Advisor was

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VMFSTeNmeinwasrletter VMFT Newsletter

Future of Democracy-Seminar

Indian democracy today needs to address Er.A. Suhair (Chairman of Vakkom Moulavi
some important issues, so as not just to Foundation Trust). Prof.V.K. Damodaran
survive but to be a democracy of substance as President of Vakkom Moulavi Foundation
well. With regard to this view, Vakkom Moulavi Trust ) gave an introductory speech. Shri. K. S.
Foundation organized a seminar on the subject Sabarinath MLA, Smt. Geeta Nazeer, Panchayath
‘Future of Democracy’ on 08 February 2021 at Member, Smt. Thajuneeza Grama Panchayath
Foundation Hall. Shri. M. A. Baby Polit Bureau President, Vakkom spoke in the meeting. Dr.
Member CPI(M) inaugurated the seminar. In Sajitha, Director (Programmes) conveyed vote
his inaugural speech he remarked that the of thanks.
onslaught on democracy is intensifying around
the world and the foundations of democracy
are being weakened and therefore democratic
institutions should be strengthened.

Dr. Joseph Antony, Former Head of History
Dept, University of Kerala presented the subject
in detail. The effects of globalization, influence
of technology, rise of authoritarian populist
forces, were cited the main influencing factors
undermining the democracy of 21st century. It
can be reinforced by ensuring democratization
in political, social, economic spheres in the
society. People’s participation is the only way to
achieve it. He concluded his presentation stating
democracy has no future unless the people are
prepared to fight for democracy.

Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus (Secretary of Vakkom
Moulavi Foundation Trust) delivered the
welcome address in the meeting presided by

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VMFT Newsletter Webinar

Latest
Trends in
Media

Svadeshabhimani Media Studies Center analysing the preferences, dislikes, strengths
is established under Vakkom Moulavi etc among the students who showed
Foundation Trust with the aim of making interest to join the SYJC after the inaugural
meaningful contributions to the media world. talk. Dr. Sajitha, Director (Programs) gave a
With this view, it was decided to revamp detailed presentation about the aim of the
Svadeshabhimani Young Journalists’ Club Club, its benefits to members, rules and
(SYJC) with more online components in 2020 regulations to become the SYJC member and
in the context of the Covid -19 pandemic. on planned activities for the year. It was a
Shri. K. Rajendran Senior News Editor, Kairali platform for journalism students to express
TV made an online formal inauguration their areas of interest, topics to be arranged
of the renovated Svadeshabhimani Young for discussions, specific training programs for
Journalists’ Club (2020-21) on 02 October enhancing their skills in their field and also
2020 and addressed the club members doubt clarification regarding the activities of
by delivering a talk on ‘Latest Trends in the club. The meeting ended with the talk by
Media’. He pointed out that politics and A. Suhair, Chairman about the contributions
corporate interests have a major influence given by Vakkom Mohammed Abdul Khader
on journalism in post-independence era. Moulavi and also on the activities of Vakkom
Also cited several examples that illustrated Moulavi Foundation Trust built as a memorial
these trends in the media nationwide. He to the great renaissance leader, Vakkom
mentioned about the restrictions imposed Moulavi to the student participants.
on journalists, by pointing out the incident
of limitation, to enter the village to report on 13
the brutally murdered girl in Uttar Pradesh’s
Hathras district as part of an assessment
of interference in media freedom with the
journalism club members.

However, Kerala is the state with the highest
number of media houses, newspaper readers
and social media awareness. and its media
freedom is very different too, he added.

Dr. Sajitha Bashir, Vice Chairperson of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation discussed
the results of the survey done by VMFT for

VMFT Newsletter

W E BEIcoNswAaRraj: Towards a

Rainbow Recovery for India

Under Svadeshabhimani Media Study rural development models with examples seen
Centre Vakkom Moulavi Foundation from states of Nagaland, Telegana, Maharashtra
organized a webinar on “Ecoswaraj and Tamil Nādu. Small scale manufacturing units
Towards a Rainbow Recovery for India” on 22 of household items as part of Kudumbashree
November 2020. The webinar was led by Shri. project providing a reasonable income for
Ashish Kothari, Environmentalist and Founder women in Kerala was also quoted in the
of the Indian environmental action group particular instance. The different governance
‘Kalpavriksh’. He is working on development, system in the Sustainable Development Models
environment interface, biodiversity policy, and around the world such as autonomy of Kurdish
alternatives. Women movement in Syria, Self-Sufficient
Economy in Europe, Municipalism approach in
He highlighted with statistics that development Barcelona were referred. He concluded stating
based on the economic growth of the country Echo Swaraj or Prakriti Swaraj means to enable
cannot be considered as a sustainable communities and citizens to make decisions,
development model. The destruction of India’s to ensure economic equality and justice, and
environment directly affects the livelihoods to respect the limitations of the land. SYJC club
of 400 million people. 60 million people member Viswalekshmi (Christ Nagar College,
are displaced by development projects, Maranalloor) conveyed vote of thanks.
unemployment is rising and above all, poverty
still persists in the country. The implementation
of this development model has greatly
increased the inequality between rich and poor
in India. Mentioned about his book ‘Churning
the Earth’ that depicts more about the social
and environmental implications of economic
globalization, people’s resistance and other
models of sustainable development.

In general, the idea is that the people in the
cities are rich and the people in the villages are
poor. However, in the context of Covid, reverse
migration found in villages in different states
of India proved to be suitable for self-sufficient

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VMFT Newsletter

National Solidarity Pledge

National Solidarity pledge was taken at Vakkom Moulavi, who gifted a great journalist
the Svadeshabhimani Square Palayam like Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai
in connection with 147th Birthday of possesing unselfish attitude, ethical principles,
Vakkom Mohammed Abdul Khader Moulavi on mental and financial support, is an unforgettable
28 December 2021. Shri. M. G. Radhakrishnan, inspiration to the Malayalees. Dr. Kayamkulam
Editor-in-Chief of Asianet, read out the Pledge Yoonus, Arun Lakshman, Dr. Arifa Sainudheen,
at the event, which aims to commemorate Shri. Shanavas Ponganad, Shri. M. Babukutty,
and uphold the social progress, values of Dr. O. G. Sajitha spoke on the ocation.
renaissance and community harmony achieved
by the Kerala community over the past century.
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Chairman Shri. A.
Suhair presided over the meeting that started
at 8am.

Radhakrishnan remarked that Vakkom Moulavi,
the founder of Svadeshabhimani newspaper
and a Renaissance leader has made a great
contribution in laying the foundation for the
secular stance of modern Kerala. He said that

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Inaugural Function VMFT Newsletter

Inauguration of Vakkom Moulavi
Centre for Multi-Lingual Studies

Vakkom Moulavi Centre for Multi-Lingual Studies under Vakkom Moulavi Foundation
Trust was inaugurated by Padma Shri Ali Manikfan on 10 April 2021. Ali Manikfan knows
a great number of languages besides his mother toungue ‘Dhivehi’. He is noted for his
autodidactic research skills in the marine, ecology and agricultural fields, not holding any
formal educational qualification and for promoting a life of simplicity.
Manikfan said that as Vakkom Moulavi was a multilingual scholar he was able to understand the
social and community reforms taking place all over the world. Apart from Malayalam, Vakkom
Moulavi knew Arabic, Tamil, Persian, Urdu, English and Sanskrit language. His expertise in
different language really supported his renaissance efforts. The learning center will be of great
benefit to those who have a craving for knowledge. The event was attended by Foundation
Chairman A. Suhair, Secretary Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus, writer and journalist Shri. C. Rahim.

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VMFT Newsletter Webinar

Ethical Practices publishing fake news. She revealed the plight of
WikiLeaks Founder Editor, Julian Assange, who
for Quality in dared to publish accurate military documents
proving the inhumane actions of the U. S.
Journalism army. She commented, Josy Joseph is a leading
investigative journalist who stood up for the
In order to impart the essence of ethical truth and about his book ‘A Feast of Vultures’
journalism practised by Vakkom Moulavi, a that analyses several major political scandals and
webinar was organised on 05 December 2021 highlights evidence of corruption against some
on the subject ‘Ethical Practises for Quality in of the country’s largest political and business
Journalism’, for journalism students under the figures and houses. Also discussed about the
auspices of Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist reporting of personal life of individuals and its
Club. The webinar was presented by Smt. Manju consequences with examples.
Rose Mathews, Head of the Dept of Journalism
& Mass Communication, Christ Nagar College, She advised students never to distort the
Maranalloor. context and the material that contains the
visual information. Never record someone
Ethics is a set of moral principles or a set of values else’s news lines or ideas as our own. Credit
that lead us to choose the right path. Only those must be given below it when it is used. Ethical
with a sense of justice can do good for others in journalism considers informants, the persons
the community, and journalists should belong referred to, colleagues, and the general public
to such a category for doing good. News is one to be worthy of respect. Key principles of ethical
that has to be based on the principles of truth, journalism include taking responsibility for the
accuracy, independent reporting without bias work, explaining governmental decisions to the
or other influence, judicial and humanitarian. public, and correcting mistakes of reporting. The
A journalist is a person who provides news presentation concluded by reminding Gandhiji’s
or other subject information, writings, great words that the goal of a journalist should
photographs, processes and comments to the be to serve the community. Viswalekshmi
public. It is wrong to create news that can lead expressed vote of thanks.
to death. This is where the ethics of journalism
comes into play. Therefore, journalists who 17
work more closely with the community should
maintain a sense of justice in all their activities,
and their main task is to make the right efforts
to build human life. She advised that journalism
should be steered in accordance with the exact
guidelines issued by the Society for Professional
Journalists and the Press Council.

The speaker cited the case of ISRO scientist,
Nambi Narayanan, who was falsely charged
with espionage as one of the prime examples
of the human lives that have suffered by

Webinar VMFT Newsletter

Reporting Stories on Migrants:
Why and How

With the aim of sensitizing the under business, sports, poverty, women rights,
journalism students about Migrants human rights, climate change, child rights and
and its importance to be reported human trafficking categories.
in the media, a webinar was organized on
19 December 2020 on “Reporting Stories International Labour Organization introduced a
on Migrants: Why and How” . Independent convention namely C-29, that is concerned on
Journalist and Migrant Rights Researcher Shri. forced or compulsory labour in 1930 with the
Rejimon Kuttappan talked about the stories objective to suppress the use of forced labour
of Migrants /Forced labour, human trafficking in all its forms irrespective of the nature of the
globally so as to create an awareness about the work or the sector of activity in which it may
topic and also narrated his experience and ways be performed. China and the United States
of reporting the migrant stories. have not ratified the C29. Therefore, human
rights violations in those countries cannot be
The contribution of migrants towards the questioned. However, despite the fact that India
Indian economy and society, even though and the Gulf countries have signed the C29,
ignored up to an extent by Centre and State forced labour and modern-day slavery still exist.
governments is quite vital. Kerala migrants
themselves contribute 1.5 lakh crores (approx.) Violations can only be identified if one has
as remittance annually, which amounts to a clear understanding of the labor rights of
40 % of the State GDP. And this interestingly migrant workers. Such violations can only be
comes from the monthly earning blue-collar remedied if they are understood. He further
workers toiling in the Gulf countries under added that the terms and definitions related to
the most exploitative working conditions, the it should be clearly known to report the story in
Kafala System. Also cited many emotionally its right sense. He instructed Journalism Club
moving stories on the struggles of poor Indian members to prepare the story in compliance
men and women migrants, especially those with the criteria for reporting on privacy and
who work like slaves in the Gulf to take care of sentiment, and not to place pictures of children
their families in their native land. Many a time and exploited women in stories. The webinar
migration and bonded labour stories even fall ended with the vote of thanks conveyed by SYJC
club member Shilpa S Nair.
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VMFT Newsletter Webinar

Skills for
Sports Journalism

Sports journalism started in the early and Directors from UK, who build scaffolding
1800s when it was targeted to the social for aerial viewing at the cricket ground. At that
elite and transitioned into an integral time nobody in India knew to set up scaffolding.
part of the news business with newspapers It was during this period he could understand
having dedicated sports sections. Over time, how to integrate broadcasting skills with sports
the coverage of sports news has grown journalism.
in importance. With regard to its growing
popularity and importance in media a webinar The speaker specified that as a sports reporter,
was organised under Svadeshabhimani Young we have to report about sports games, events,
Journalist Club on 16 January 2021 on the venues and competitions. The sports audiences
topic “Skills for Sports Journalism” . The topic are keen to know about not only the events
was presented by Shri. Raj Viswanathan South unfolding on the field but also behind the scenes
Asian Editor of Sports News Television (SNTV), and personal lives of the sportspersons. For
Singapore, which is the sports service of global relating the subject to the students, He shared
news agency Associated Press Television. his global reporting experience from 2003 while
at SNTV, in all these great sports tournaments
Raj Viswanathan began his talk sharing his such as Summer Olympic Games, ICC Cricket
experience during the early stages of his career, World Cups, ICC Champion Trophy, FIFA World
while working in Trans World International Cups, Australian Open Tennis Tournaments,
(TWI), a sports management company in Masters at Augusta National Golf Club
Delhi. He was able to get the guidance while Treatment, US Open Golf. He discussed about
working under the TWI’s Engineers, Producers how he managed reporting or communicated

19

while travelling in various countries whose VMFT Newsletter
official language is not English. Guidance
was given about the skills to be acquired for Investigative
choosing a career as a sports journalist. For Journalism:
this he suggested certain methods such as to New
practice multiple sports that help to relate Frontiers
many sports and personalities, reading of sports
books by good writers, continuously posting With the intention to train young
our ideas in social media blogs to reach editors, journalists, to promote best practices
keen watching of websites where professionals of journalism, to raise the standard
post photos of sports events and sportsmen of critical reporting to a high professional level
and make attempts to put own post in it etc and to build a network of watchdog journalists
in order to develop as a sports journalist. He in India a virtual talk was organized under
mentioned about the importance of Statistics Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist Club on 13
in the two areas of journalism namely, sports February 2021 on the subject ‘Investigative
journalism and business journalism. Scores and Journalism: New Frontiers’. Investigative
other figures should be included in the report journalist, author, founder of Confluence Media
accurately. Shri. Josy Joseph delivered the talk virtually.

Beginners in the field of journalism should We live in a society where socio-political
learn to write through reading. Efforts conditions are the most challenging for
should be continued even if the writing is investigative journalists. As there is an increase
repeatedly rejected. We should consider small in corruption, lawlessness, and injustice
opportunities for self- study and has to utilize there is an opportunity to prepare a lot of
it to gain knowledge for the journey ahead. investigative news in this period. The demand
Moreover, proficiency should be gained to work for investigative journalism is growing not only
along with the changing technology. He gave in the mainstream but also in other media
some excellent pieces of advice for interviewing worlds. He cited OCCRP (Organized Crime and
world famous sports persons along with Corruption Reporting Project) an investigative
his experience in conducting interviews. He reporting agency specializing in organized
pointed out about the racism faced by athletes crime and corruption, as an example. Capacity
in foreign countries. building, training for standards and security are
the core OCCRP activities. Currently he works
He concluded with his message that to be in as the South Asian Editor of OCCRP. He added
good health and to develop self-confidence, that, he can provide opertunity for one or two
it is really good to engage in sports too along journalism students of SYJC who are interested ,
with our studies. The session ended with vote to participated in OCCRP training.
of thanks by Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist
Club office bearer Mr. Govind S.R. He expressed his opinion that the present
era is the golden period of investigative
20 journalism as we can see a flurry of investigative
documentaries that have not been seen in the
last hundred years. The current trend is that
investigative documentaries formed under the

VMFT Newsletter Obituary

Noted
Social Scientist
Dr. K. Saradamani
No More

basis of journalism, are widely circulated on
the Internet. He pointed out that there are lot
of viewers for audio-visual programs on crime
investigative series telecasted like Narcos,
Chernobyl in Netfix, Amazon.

There is lot of technology involved in investigative Noted social scientist Dr K Saradamani,
journalism now. Software and other tools who was highly reputed in the academic
are available to collect and evaluate the vast community for her path-breaking studies
amount of information and images needed in on socio-economic inequalities and issues
this area. Machine learning tools used in as related to women, labour and caste, passed
investigative reporting or as a day-to-day tool away due to age-related illnesses on 26 May
to make journalists’ lives easier. He commented 2021. Saradamoni has authored a number of
that these technological aspects have created books and published numerous research theses
a lot of opportunities for students in the field and articles. Saradamani also contributed to
of investigative journalism. The talk concluded the Janayugam paper, in addition to which she
with his reference about the qualities such as handled a column in the Mainstream Weekly on
a researcher’s mind, humility in work, reading political, social and economic affairs
habit, desire to learn new things that are truly
essential for an investigative journalist.

She was a close associate of Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust since its inception,
Dr. Saradamani did valuable service to the
organisation and community. We deeply mourn
her sad demise.

21

Webinar VMFT Newsletter

The Path of Nobel Laureate
Shri.Sathyarthi in

Enlightening exploitation including his initiatives in the most
exploited carpet industry in Germany. In 1991
Child Labourers established a temporary rehabilitation center
‘Mukti Ashram’ in Delhi for those contract
As part of “Surakshit Bachpan Diwas” on workers and children rescued by him. The idea
11 January 2021, conducted a webinar of National Bal Sansad (Parliament of Children)
on the subject ‘The Path of Nobel in 1996 was implemented with the participation
Laureate Shri.Sathyarthi in Enlightening the of 20,000 children and their parents. Education
Life of Child Labourers’ under Svadeshabhimani campaigns for children were organized globally.
Young Journalist Club. The State Coordinator As a result of the Global March in 1998 against
of Bachpan Bachao Andolan Shri. Prasreen the child labour and exploitation, International
Kunnappalli led the webinar that inspired the Labour Organization passed a Convention
works of the legendary Satyarthi in the minds -182 that allows a country to take immediate
of all the participants. action for eliminating the worst forms of child
labour. This convention is the only convention
The Bachpan Bachao Andolan is a children’s that is signed unanimously by the world-wide
rights movement started in 1980 by the countries. The webinar conveyed a message to
winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr. Kailash the students to become a pioneer for bringing a
Satyarthi. Currently the movement operate change in the society by following the example
in 20 states and it has been able to save and of Satyarthi, a classic personality who has done
rebuild the lives of more than 1,00,000 child a lot of moral and daring work since childhood.
laborers. The speaker mentioned that the two
books “Will for Children”, “Every Child Matters”
written by Satyarthi influenced people a lot.
He discussed about the magazine “Sangharsh
Jari Rahega” that focused on the problems of
women, children, slave labour incidents that
eventually led to the strengthening and growth
of the movement. It was pointed out that due
to the efforts of Bachpan Bachao Andolan,
Parliament passed the Child Labour Regulation
Act 1986 in India. The exploitation of child
labour was spread to South Asian Counties
(Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan etc.) through
networks and awareness campaigns. As per
the directions of the Supreme Court, about two
thousand bonded families were rescued from
the stone quarries. A network of more than
750 civil society organisations were formed by
him to stop the forced labour in South Asia.
Satyarthi worked tirelessly to bring about
changes in sectors that made profits through

22

VMFT Newsletter Training

Training on Soft Skills for the
Modern Journalist

Shri.Pradeep Kumar, Management Systems listening ability, self-introduction, to conduct
and Business Excellence Consultant interviews, demonstration of press conference
conducted a Soft Skill training programme etc were part of the training programme.
on 30 January 2021 for the Svadeshabhimani It was a practical and classroom training
Young Journalist Club members at VMFT program with the participation of all the
training hall. The training content was useful students. Students gave feedback that it was
and interesting for the students as it created a good learning experience. In the concluding
settings to understand and develop the address, A. Suhair, Chairman of Vakkom
communication skills required for modern Moulavi Foundation encouraged the students
journalism. The trainer explained about the to improve reading habits and enhance their
following aspects that are considered to be soft skills.
important such as usage of Simple language,
gestures and body language, dress, eye 23
-contact encouraging others to speak, listening
skills, usage of audio-visual tools that has to be
focused for effective communication.

Most theories of personality focus on one’s
environmental motivations and mental
interactions. The second part of the training
programme covered ways to improve the
skills for leadership. Exercise to analyse

VMFT Newsletter

Switch on of Documentary on

‘Life of Vakkom Moulavi’

VMFT produces the short documentary ‘Life of Vakkom Moulavi’ with the
intention to reach out to the public and make them aware of the life and work of
the great social reformer, the socio - political history of a period that protected
the movements based on popular democratic rights in Travancore, and their
connections with national and international movements.

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
produces the short documentary ‘Life of
Vakkom Moulavi’ with the intention to
reach out to the public and make them aware
of the life and work of the great social reformer,
the socio - political history of a period that
protected the movements based on popular
democratic rights in Travancore, and their
connections with national and international
movements. The documentary length is about
30-40 minutes. It is being prepared with the
grant sanctioned from the Department of
Culture, Government of Kerala. Outstanding
Writer and State Award Winning Documentary
Producer Shri.Rahim is associated with Vakkom

24

VMFT Newsletter Documentary

Famous calligrapher Narayana Bhattacharya
inscribed ‘Svadesabhimani Vakkom Moulavi’
on the clapboard. Grandson and Chairman of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Shri.A. Suhair, Dr.
Kayamkulam Yoonus, Shri. Prabha Varma, Shri.
K. V. Mohan Kumar, Dr. Ajayapuram Jyothish
Kumar, Shri. C. Rahim took part in the function.
According to C. Rahim the documentary will
be screened at film festivals and will be useful
for students and researchers. He added that
“we plan to recreate Vakkom Moulavi’s life till
his demise at the age of 59 in 1932, including
his bond with the editor Svadeshabhimani
Ramakrishna Pillai”.

Moulavi Foundation on the production of the
documentary. The documentary is expected to
be completed within six months and the camera
will be helmed by national award winner K.G.
Jayan.

The filming of the documentary kicked off with
a switch on event by renowned filmmaker,
Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan at Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Trust Hall on 21 March, 2021.
Vakkom Moulavi’s portrait, his signature, and
a page of Svadeshabhimani newspaper were
taken as first shots by cameraman KG Jayan.

25

VMFT Newsletter

Environmental journalism

has a greater role to play in

bringing to the masses the

environmental problems facing

the world today and finding

lasting solutions to them. The

global pandemic presents

a cataclysmic threat to the

human race. All these issues call

for a new vision and direction to

environmental journalism

World Environment Day 2021

For encouraging awareness about the directed the students that environmental
threats to the environment and for news should be prepared with an attitude,
action to protect it to make our planet a understanding of an economist or an analyst
happier place to live for generations to come, and also shared many examples linked to this
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation celebrates World fact. Also conveyed that Environmental news
Environment Day every year. Shri. Varguhese is not spot reporting. While, explaining about
C Thomas, the Recipient of prestigious Ramnath the ways in which environmental news being
Goenka Memorial Journalism Award & Kerala prepared, he mentioned about the use of word
State Green Journalist Award inaugurated the count technology for examining the importance
environmental day programme on 05 June 2021 given for environment in lengthy central budget
hosted by Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist document so as to prepare news in adequate
Club under the auspices of Vakkom Moulavi to it.
Foundation Trust. He spoke to the budding
journalist in the webinar organised on the topic Science Journalism and Environmental
“How to become an Environmental Journalist”. journalism act as two sides of the same
Prof. Manju Rose Mathews, Head of Dept. of coin. Another emerging area related to this
Media Studies, Christ Nagar College, Maranalloor journalism field is health / pandemic reporting.
delivered the message for environmental day Those interested to work in this field should be
relating with the theme of World Environment familiar with the technical/medical terminology
Day 2021 -Ecosystem Restoration. of heterogeneous medical domains for ensuring
accuracy by reducing errors in health reporting.
Varughese Thomas began his talk with the Environmental journalism is not as attractive
emphasis that human values such as feeling as other journalism. Environmental news is
of love, awareness of human rights and something that can be shaped gradually through
democratic consciousness are essential for the continuous research mindset, methodology,
becoming an environmental journalist. He observational mindset, scientific mind, and

26

VMFT Newsletter Webinar

humanism of the journalist. Therefore,
environmental news does not become breaking
stories. But today, not just in newspapers, there
are many opportunities to spread environmental
news through social media and websites.

The noted journalist pointed out that
environmental journalism has a greater role to
play in bringing to the masses the environmental
problems facing the world today and finding
lasting solutions to them. The global pandemic
presents a cataclysmic threat to the human
race. All these issues call for a new vision and
direction to environmental journalism said,
Varughese C Thomas.

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Chairman A. Suhair,
President Prof. V. K. Damodaran, Secretary
Kayamkulam Yoonus, Svadeshabhimani Young
Journalist Club representatives Anagha, Gokul,
Viswalekshmi spoke on the day.

27

School VMFT Newsletter
Outreach
Programme During the period when Covid epidemic was
on the rise, Kerala was able to start classes
NGO Meet at VMFT to through the Victors channel. Voluntary
Discuss About organizations, social workers, individuals
and institutions have been instrumental in
Recovering supporting children for the lack of physical
the Learning Losses facilities for online classes. However, during the
during Covid-19 Covid period, a large section of the children may
have lagged behind in their learning. In order to
discuss what can be done to meet this challenge
in the days to come, a discussion was organised
with NGOs from various districts, social
workers on 08 January 2021 at Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation. Prof. V. K. Damodaran, President,
VMFT addressed the group who attended
the meeting physically and those connected
virtually. Dr. Sajitha Basheer Vice Chairperson,
VMFT presented details of education loss in
different countries and also a review of online
education on Kerala based with respect to some
studies. Also presented the features of the post
covid supplementary programs that Vakkom
Moulavi Foundation intends to implement
during the opening of schools. The issues and
solutions pointed out by the representatives of
various voluntary organizations were discussed.
According to a study conducted by the Canal
NGO on 200 children it was pointed out mainly
that they were unable to communicate with
teachers properly. Another problem is that
when it comes to online classes focussed on
academic subjects only, other problems faced
by students cannot be openly discussed.

28

VMFT Newsletter NGO Meet

In tribal areas due to language problem, it those children who depended on breakfast,
is noted that children drop out of school. mid-day meal programs implemented in
Lack of food availability, inability to recharge schools who could not get food at this time. The
phone were cited as other critical issues online education for children with disabilities
among tribal children. It is noteworthy that was not successful. As assistive technology
children who passed tenth and plus two were tools for students with disabilities could not be
subjected to exploitation, especially during made available at their homes, it was difficult
the period of Covid. In the tribal areas, there to provide support for them to enhance their
is less accommodation facility for the children skills.
aspiring higher secondary education after the
completion of tenth class. Many solutions such as to introduce change
in the way of presentation depending on the
In coastal areas lack of availability of electricity, lifestyle and local context of the children, to
internet network was pointed out as major implement the system of mentor cum tutor
problems. It is necessary to find out the reasons for the marginalized children, to evoke the
for the lack of parental involvement in the influence of sports, art on the children, to
education of children and the lack of interest alleviate the language problems through core
in children in learning in the coastal region switching method, to ensure the participation
particularly. Those children who complete tenth of the mothers in the activities of children
from coastal regions seen to be engaging in etc. were put forwarded in the NGO meeting.
workshop, wielding works instead of pursuing Vakkom Moulavi Foundation was able to learn
higher education. It was a challenge for many about the problems that children face from the
children to reach the online learning centres meeting and also got many ideas and related
such as Community Hall, Anganwadi to attend solutions.
the classes. Referred about the situation of

29

Module Preparation VMFT Newsletter

Summer Damodaran (President of VMFT) and Dr. Sajitha
School Bashir (Vice Chairperson of VMFT) highlighted
Programme - the Kerala Online Education model during
Post Covid Covid lockdown along with Mr. Anwar Sadath
Education (Head of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology
for Education, Govt.of Kerala). Despite these
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust efforts, a small survey that VMFT undertook in
dedicated to the memory of social the schools in which we were associated with
reformer, patriot, journalist of the early showed that many students were not able to
twentieth century, who struggled for extending attend lessons for more than an hour and were
education to the people of Travancore, VMFT facing many difficulties. Kerala Sahitya Parishad
has been engaged in school programs, advocacy published its elaborate report of their survey
and debates for many years. Most recently, it on online education with similar results. This
has been organising a program of after school alarming situation and discussion with NGOs,
activities called “Connecting Learners with School Heads, Social activists has led us to
Community” in selected government schools in prepare remedial/supplementary program to
coastal and tribal areas of Trivandrum district. help the most disadvantaged children to recover
from learning losses and prepare for the next
During the period of pandemic Kerala academic year.
Government has undertaken exceptional
measures to ensure some kind of learning for The proposed Summer School Programme to
all students through online, TV, You Tube and recover from learning losses due to the Covid-
other means and this has been supported by 19 pandemic is being designed initially for a
NGOs and others. we Recently we joined hands few schools where our earlier program was
with the Earth Institute, Columbia University functioning, during summer vacation and we
for an International Seminar in which Prof.V.K. hope to continue once the academic year starts
as on after school activity / week end activity.
30 The program is planned for about 40 days (3hrs
for Primary and 4hrs for High School in each
day). The children are clubbed into two major
categories as Primary (class 1 to 4, below 10yrs
of age), Upper Primary/High School (class 5 to
8, aged 10 to 13). The Primary will be treated in
two groups -those in Class 1 and 2 and those in

VMFT Newsletter Module Preparation

class 3 and 4. The modules prepared by experts The graded reading materials are selected from
in the field of Malayalam and English will be Pratham and their sister site of storyweaver.org.
delivered by trained mentors. Additionally, in. Children can select the books, they can read
training in folk song of social relevance, drawing on their own, take it home and thereby parents
and playtime are included for Primary children. will also become interested in the children’s
The High school session covers training in education. Story telling sessions, notes and
Mathematics, English, Malayalam, Life Skills narrations by the students etc. can be used as
and Sports. Games, puzzles, skits and other technique to reinforce the reading. After the
interactive pedagogy will be applied to deliver summer program, we hope the schools will
the content. integrate the readers into their regular program.
Close involvement of the schools and parents is
The graded readers in Malayalam and English envisaged.
will be used as supplementary resources for this
program to encourage children to enjoy reading This is a pilot program but we hope that based
and to open their horizons. Because children are on lessons of implementations, we can expand
at different reading levels it is very important it to other schools through voluntary resources
to have a variety of books at each level to be and that the State Govt. will also be interested
used in class as well as for independent reading. in expanding the program.

31

SOP VMFT Newsletter

Career Proper knowledge of possibilities of higher
education will pave the way for children
Guidance to reach their destination. Students
should also have the ability to choose courses
Motivation - and colleges according to their tastes. With
these aspects in view, a session on ‘Career
Parents Training Guidance’ was set for the students of tenth
grade on 06 February 2021 so as to give an
at awareness to them about various career-
Vakkom Government oriented courses at the adolescence stage
Vocational Higher itself. Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus, Secretary
Secondary School of Vakkom Moulavi Foundation formally
inaugurated the programme at Vakkom
Government Vocational Higher Secondary
School. Shri Pradeep Kumar Madhavan an
experienced trainer led the career guidance
session. It helped students to understand the
importance of selecting subjects for higher
education and the courses to be chosen for
particular career options. A picture of variety
of upcoming courses along with its career
opportunities was shared during the session.
The trainer cleared all the doubts raised
by students and also gave suitable advice
for them in their continuing education and
concluded the first session of the programme.

Due to Covid lockdown there are many
problems in the field of education but the

32

VMFT Newsletter SOP

reality is that they have to be overcome and
moved forward. It is understood that children
in tribal and coastal areas are facing difficulties
to attend the entire online classes scheduled
in a day. This situation can instil fear of tenth
class exams in children. This year’s tenth class
students are products of the school outreach
programme “Connecting Learners with
Community”, conducted by Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation. Their parents’ doubts and
anxieties are also as important as the exam
fears of the students. Parents’ co-operation
is needed in order to create a peaceful family
atmosphere for children to learn.

On 06 February 2021 a training session for
parents of 10th grade students at Vakkom
Govt.Higher Secondary School was also held to
address the parents’ concerns about the 10th
grade exam and to clarify and find solution to
their doubts. Shri. Nisar Ahammed, recipient
of Award for Best Teacher -2020 discussed
with the parents on several problems seen in
children and matters related to learning such
as time to be allocated for studies, methods
to be used in studies, exam anxieties, over
usage of mobile phones, lack of consistency
in learning during lockdown situation etc. The
parents gave a review that the programme
was really informative and useful.

33

VMFT Newsletter

Indian Postal Department Releases Special Cover
Honouring Vakkom Moulavi

The Indian Postal department has issued special covers of Vakkom Moulavi and Swadeshabhimani
Ramakrishna Pillai, thereby to honour the unsung heroes of Kerala in the history of Indian
freedom struggle. In connection with celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of Independence as
‘Amrita Mahotsav’, Governor Shri. Arif Mohammad Khan unveiled special postal covers with portrayals
of both the renaissance leaders on 28 October 2021 at the Symphony Hall, Mascot Hotel. Hailing
the sacrifice of Vakkom Moulavi and Svadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, the Governor said that the
postal department has upheld the cultural heritage and social reform tradition of Kerala by bringing
out the special covers. Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Chairman A. Suhair and Secretary Dr. Kayamkulam
Yoonus attended the release function.

34

VMFT Newsletter Competition

Essay Competition
for College Students

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust conducted an essay competition for college students
on the topic “Vakkom Moulavi and Kerala Renaissance”. The information was given to
students though Principal, Dept. Heads of several colleges in Kerala and also notified in
leading Malayalam and English Newspaper in October 2021. Winners are announced now after
evaluation by the experts. Lakshmi N. B, (Panambally Memorial Govt. College, Chalakkudy),
Anakha Jyothish (Institute of English, Thiruvananthapuram), Anu P. S (S. N. Womens College,
Kollam) received the First, Second and Third places in the competition. Foundation publicized
the results of the essay competition from 29 November 2021 in various newspapers like
Kerala Kaumudi, Metro Vartha, Malayala Manorama, Siraj Daily, Rashtra Deepika, Janayugam.

Winners will be awarded Cash prize of Rs.10,000/-, Rs.7,500/-, Rs.5,000/- along with Memento
and Certificate in the order of merit in the public meeting as part of International Migrant
Labour Day, held at Foundation Hall on 18 December 2021.

35

Inaugural Day VMFT Newsletter

Vakkom Moulavi
Renaissance Week Programmes

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust in his introductory speech that one of the
established in 1986 as a memorial objectives of VMFT is to preserve and make
of Vakkom Mohammed Abdul accessible, to a broader audience, the works
Khader Moulavi organized Vakkom Moulavi of Vakkom Moulavi and other relevant works
Renaissance Week Programmes as part of of that period. As such a dedicated web portal
his 90th death anniversary, from 26 October is developed to host archives of newspapers,
2021-31 October 2021. Renowned Indian journals, books and related materials in a
filmmaker Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan variety of formats, so that it will be useful for
inaugurated the Vakkom Moulavi Renaissance journalists, researchers, faculty & students
Week Programmes, Activities of 2021-22, and casual users. He highlighted the efforts
‘Svadeshabhimani Web Portal’ at Foundation of Asif Bahauddin, Sr. Engineer, IBM Dr.
Hallon25October2021.AdoorGopalakrishnan Sajitha Bashir, Former Advisor, World Bank for
stated that it is the duty of every Keralite to implementing the Digitization project and also
perpetuate the memory of Vakkom Moulavi, about the support given by Zareena, Fathima
who sacrificed all his property till the end Suhair and staff of VMFT in the digitalization
of his life for social reform and renaissance works.
efforts. Secretary, Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus
gave the welcome address in the meeting Pro. Vice Chancellor, Kerala University and
presided by Foundation President Prof.V.K. Winner of Kerala Sahithya Academy Award,
Damodaran. Chairman A. Suhair mentioned Dr. J. Prabhash, record holder for writing 150

36

VMFT Newsletter Inaugural Day

mathematical books for children by Director of Kerala State Institute of Children’s Literature Shri.
Palliyara Sreedharan, Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Mar Baselios College of Engineering and
Technology who developed an open-source software ‘DJMOL’ for nanostructures modelling to
the memory of his late mentor, Dr. G. P Krishna Mohan were honoured in the event. Former
Director of English Literature and Canadian Studies, Kerala University, Dr. Jameela Begum gave
the felicitation. The meeting concluded with the vote of thanks conveyed by the representative of
Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist Club, Viswalekshmi.

37

Day - 2 VMFT Newsletter

Politics
of
Future
India

Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala, these institutions only if there exists mutual
Dr.J. Prabhash delivered the first talk on trust and interdependence. Democracy is not
the topic ‘Politics of Future India on 26 a system that can be mined, it is something
October 2021. Shri. M. Babukutty gave the that has to be woven together by all sections of
welcome address in the meeting presided by the people in the society. This is possible only
Grama Panchayath President, Vakkom, Smt. through ‘social soul’.
Thajunnisa. Some of the key points from the
talk are noted below. In the second part, he discussed how the politics
of future India should be. The politics of future
Dr. Prabhash presented some of the problems India, however, must be one that unites political
of contemporary politics through stories differences and encompasses all sections of the
and events in the first part of his talk. For people. We don’t favour the present-day politics
democracy to succeed, there must be a social that divide us, but prefer a future where politics
soul that transcends caste and religion. In the are aligned in such a way that you and I become
Indian Constitution, the power of a democratic ‘we’. He stated there must be transparency in
government is derived from the people. But the functioning of Government and political
the situation is contrary, that now people parties. The politics of the future India must be
have to depend on the Constitution so as to to open the doors for future hope by focusing
get empowered. Present day India exists for on the present. For there to be a politics that
protecting the interests of private capitalistic opens the door to future hope, all political
powers. As such two categories of people, such parties must stand together. Let there be such a
as Urban India with rich people and Rural India political future, he concluded the talk. After the
with poor people are molded in the country. question-and-answer session, Smt. Lakshmy. R
Rural India is the group with all shortcomings expressed a vote of thanks.
and weaknesses.

The hardware of democracy is formed by the
combination of a lot of ‘institutional forms’ such
as Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Election
Commission and the like. Democracy works best
when these institutions operate in a manner
that adheres to the essence of democracy
as embodied in the Constitution. But these
institutions are not properly controlled and thus
lead to the failure of democracy. Democracy’s
software is referred to as the ‘trust’ that people
have in these institutions. People will rely on

38

VMFT Newsletter Day - 3

Drain of Ethics in Journalism

The Second Day Talk as part of the Vakkom of Sunday Times in London, Sir Harold Evans
Moulavi Renaissance Week programmes was one of the legendary editors of our time.
was delivered by Senior Journalist and But when the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch
Ex-MP, Dr. Sebastian Paul on the subject ‘Drain became the owner of Sunday Times, its editor
of Ethics in Journalism’ at Foundation Hall on Harold Evans resigned as he found it difficult
27 Oct 2021. The meeting was presided by to work with the new owner of the publishing
journalist and writer Shri.C. Rahim. Illustration company. Therefore, we need to study about
of some important points from the talk. the relationship between an editor and an
owner of a publishing company, which may not
There is a general allegation that the required always be that exciting.
ethics are lacking not only in journalism but in The state of emergency is said to be the biggest
all the fields of activities. The Kerala community crisis faced by the Indian press world recently.
remembers Vakkom Moulavi at foremost, as a He mentioned that The Indian Express was
person who got into danger due to publishing the newspaper that challenged the state
of ‘Svadeshabhimani’ newspaper grounded on of emergency. During that time, he got an
moral or ethical principles. But even before that,
there were many of his scholarly publications, 39
including Deepika but we always discuss
mainly about Vakkom Moulavi, associated
with Svadeshabhimani newspaper. The soul of
a newspaper is its managing editor. To shape
such editors there requires the existence of
good publishing owners. Otherwise, it would
not be possible and its history is also like that.
He discussed noted editors like Francis Robert
Moraes, B.G. Verghese who in spite of being
the backbone for the growth and recognition
of Indian Express and Hindustan Times had
to leave its offices humiliated. Former editor

VMFT Newsletter

opportunity to work there under the editor V.K.
Narasimhan of Indian Express, and his team
could work well with the support given by him
against the emergency. V.K. Narasimhan could
give such a support to them only because of
the good backing he received from Ramnath
Goenka, the publisher of The Indian express.
Quoted that KM Mathew, editor of Malayala
Manorama, conveyed to his employees that it
would not be feasible to run the newspaper if
they oppose the emergency. When a newspaper
operates on the basis of factors of capital, the
scope of ethics does not arise there. All those
newspapers that operate without ethics are
now rated as number one. Vakkom Moulavi was
a person who published the newspaper without
worrying about its position. The support of the
press is the support of millions of people, which
is why even governments do not confront the
media. Media should definitely be more value-
based than a business and suggested to follow
the approach of managing editors like Vakkom
Moulavi.

At the end of his talk, he answered all the
questions put forward by journalism students.
Prof.Manju Rose Mathews, Vakkom Moulavi
Foundation Chairman A. Suhair, Secretary Dr.
Kayamkulam Yoonus, Svadeshabhimani Young
Journalist Club representative Anagha. P spoke
in the programme.

40

VMFT Newsletter Day - 4

The Tradition of Secular India

The Third Discourse held as One is a spiritual culture based on tolerance,
part of Vakkom Moulavi’s the other is a culture engrossed in intolerance.
Renaissance Week Programs Capitalism is the single factor that controls
was on the subject ‘Tradition of and endangers all cultures. We have to judge
Secular India’, at the Foundation Hall whether such a capitalistic situation arose in
on 28 October 2021. An eminent some religions.
educationist and former Principal The idea of secular tradition can be accomplished
of St. Stephens College New Delhi, in the country only if religion and politics are
Dr. Valson Thambu spoke on the seen as two different entities. He concluded,
day. Shri.M.M. Safar gave a welcome with the urge that people have to be vigilant in
address in the meeting presided by preserving the secular tradition and the Indian
President of Vakkom SouhrudaVedi Constitution, that plays a key role in maintaining
Sri. C.V. Surendran. unity in the country. Dr. Aswathy R. P. Nair
conveyed a vote of thanks for the programme.
The uniqueness of India is that people coexisted
in love and friendship with each other at all 41
times, with the realisation that they are human
beings, even when they were rooted in their
own religious beliefs. This is referred to as
the Tradition of Secular India. Secularism that
persisted in India differed entirely from other
countries in the world. This was the reason why
Gandhiji said, India does not need the secular
tradition that is, artificially designed or man-
made device of tolerance created in the West.

The speaker pointed out three elements such
as religion, politics and culture to get a basic
consciousness on the tradition of secularism.
Religion is the cornerstone of secularism. The
answer to the question, whether one actually
believes in secularism depends on how one
understands one’s own religion. Many do not
believe in the concept of secularism except
that each individual uses it for their own selfish
interests. Two thousand years ago, values were
the life and soul of politics. Greeks believe that
it is not the teachers but the politicians who
should teach the universal values to the next
generation in the society. But today, politics
has become a place for the souls of darkness
without honesty to find their final refuge and in
such a political climate, secularism is unlikely to
survive. Culture is the essence of a way of life.

Day - 5 VMFT Newsletter

Necessity of
Time Suited
Education

Today teachers are neither able to impart jobs effectively without losing their self-
the same education, nor students are confidence.
able to acquire knowledge, as before
Day-4the Covid-19 situation. We cannot continueAlsopointed aboutthefourreportsreleasedby
commission of UNESCO which are considered
with the ways of the educational structure

that we have established and therefore as models on a global scale, Learning to be:

have to move to a new system. With the The World of Education- Today and Tomorrow

objective, to throw light on the fact to adapt – Faure Report(1972), Learning the Treasure

the changes happening in the field of science Within -Delors Report(1996), Rethinking

and technology throughout the world, a talk Education: Towards a Common Good (2015),

was organized on the subject “Necessity of Education in Post Covid World(2020) which

Timely Education” at Foundation Hall on 28 highlighted the four core issues fundamentally

October 2021. Former Director of Science such as ‘Learning is a lifetime process’ and

and Technology Council, Prof.V.K. Damodaran four pillars of education ‘to know’, ‘to do’, ‘to

gave a detailed presentation of the subject. live together’, and ‘to maintain self’. We need

Former Joint Registrar, Kerala University, Shri. to take education through these four areas.

A. Abdul Kalam gave the welcome address in Whatever the problem, if these components

the meeting presided by Secretary of Kerala are not addressed, the solution will not be

Academy of Science, Dr. K.B. Ramesh Kumar. permanent. Vakkom Moulavi Foundation

Chairman A. Suhair, Secretary Dr. Kayamkulam

As time goes on, we can make higher Yoonus, Shri.Ayoob Khan also spoke in the

education possible only if the teachers meeting.

increase their own standards.

This is applicable for parents

too, as parents failed to

understand the mindset

and the level of knowledge

of their children. Another

aspect of timely education

is related to occupational

skills. So, there is a need for

educational curriculum to

be updated at pace with the

rise of skill levels in jobs,

so that the children can do

42

VMFT Newsletter Day - 6

Women in Today, in this Covid era digital
Digital Era power applications leaped
five years ahead. But there is
Sixth Day Talk as part of Renaissance Week still a gender gap in the case of
Programme was organised on “Women mobile accessibilty in Kerala.
in Digital Era”. It was led by Smt.Sarada There are different mobile
Jayakrishnan, Chairperson IEEE Kerala Section, applications available now
Deputy General Manager, Terumo Penpol Ltd. to set up a social community
at Foundation Hall on 30 Oct 2021. The meeting that are targeted to launch
was presided by Dr. Arifa Sainudhin, President a new project or idea and
of Thiruvananthapuram Womens Muslim develop its marketing system
Association. The uniqueness of 21st century and thereby become a
is that it is a ‘knowledge-based economy’. The successful entrepreneur. The digital era has
expression meant greater dependence on thus paved a way for getting equal employment
knowledge, information and high skill levels, opportunities for women. ICT has helped
and the increasing need for ready access to many talented women to share their thoughts
all of these by the business and public sectors. and opinions to a large audience even while
The 21st century shifted to a new economic engaging in the household chores.
domination of information technology known
as the ``Digital Era” where we need intelligence For the past two years, many women are seen
and not muscle power. She pointed out that we to be working in the digital field. She remarked
have we entered into the world of technology that we can work very safely in the digital area
which is gender neutral. if we act prudently, vigilantly and precisely
in accordance with the rules of the ICT. The
greatest factor while stepping into the digital
economy with digital devices today would be
the cooperation of everyone. Women are able
to successfully take forward that cooperation.
She concluded the talk stating that women
should make use of all the existing facilities and
institutions in Kerala today to learn about digital
aspects and come forward. Sreena Vadakkethil,
Jacintha Morris, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation
Chairman A. Suhair, Secretary Dr. Kayamkulam
Yoonus spoke in the programme.

43

Final Day VMFT Newsletter

Relevance of Vakkom Moulavi’s Ideas
in Shaping Modern Kerala

With the commemorative meeting
of Vakkom Moulavi on his 89th
death anniversary, and subsequent
discussion on the topic ‘Relevance of Vakkom
Moulavi’s Ideas in the Journey of Modern
Kerala’, Vakkom Moulavi Renaissance Week
Programmes ended up at Foundation Hall on
31 October 2021. Prominent people from the
fields of journalism, social work, education and
reform shared their ideas in the discussion.
The participants pointed out that the ideas put
forward by Vakkom Moulavi are very relevant
in the fields of journalism, modern education,
religious reform, women empowerment, inter-
religious and inter-communal revival even
today, and therefore the Kerala community is
replicating these ideas.

Prof. M. K. Abdul Majeed, Shri. Nasar Kadayara,
Shri. P. M. Pareeth Bhava Khan, Er. B. F. H. R.
Bijili Prof. Sasi Kumar, Shri. Sainudheen Varkala,
Shri. Firdouz Kayalpuram, Prof.Viji, Smt. Jacintha
Morris, Shri. M. Mehaboob, Shri. Noushadh
Kaipadi, Shri. Vasudevan, Shri. M. KabirKutty,
Shri. Ayoob Khan, Smt. Zeenath Hassan
took part in the discussion. In the meeting
presided by Prof. V. K. Damodaran, President
of VMFT, Chairman A. Suhair and Secretary Dr.
Kayamkulam Yoonus conveyed about the future
activities of VMFT. It was decided to widely
observe the 149th birth anniversary of Vakkom
Moulavi in 2022 in the meeting.

44

VMFT Newsletter VM Memorial Lucture

Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture

at Arabic Department, University of Kerala

The Arabic Department, Kerala University among them is the conceptual relationship
organised the Fifth Vakkom Moulavi reform has with modernity. The conflict over
Memorial Lecture on 19 November 2021 modernity has become more intense now with
on the topic Ambivalence of ‘Islamic Modernity’ the spread of Salafism that exacerbated tensions
in Kerala. The programme was inaugurated by associated with the relationship between
Prof. (Dr). R. Vasanthagopal, Director of School religion and modernity. The politics of the Salafi
of Distance Education, University of Kerala. movement has to be analysed nationally and
Prof. M. H. Ilias, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences not with respect to regional levels alone.
& Ex-Director, School of Gandhian Thought and
Development Studies, MG University, Kottayam Chairman, Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust
delivered the lecture. Dr. Thajudeen A.S, Head Er. A. Suhair said that the subject is very deep
of the Arabic Department gave the Presidential and requires continuous debates to get a
address in the meeting. proper understanding of it. He further added
that Vakkom Moulavi Foundation is willing
Prof. Ilias presented about the trends and to collaborate with the Arabic department
movements that are articulated against many to organize more discussions and webinars
of the concepts, sensibilities and practises involving larger audiences to get an insight into
associated with the idea of Islamic Modernity the ideologies and divisions in the community.
in Kerala. Many aspects of Islamic reform are Muhammad Aslam K conveyed a vote of thanks.
problematized by these movements and key

45

SYJC Meeting VMFT Newsletter

SYJC Meeting: What Journalism Students
expects from SYJC Activities

Secretary of VMFT, Dr. Kayamkulam Yoonus gave a welcome address in the meeting held under the
auspices of Svadeshabhimani Young Journalist Club (SYJC) at Foundation Hall, on 27 November
2021. In the introductory speech Chairman of VMFT, Er. A. Suhair conveyed about the aims of
Vakkom Moulavi Foundation through initiating SYJC. Well known journalist and writer Shri. C.Rahim
delivered a talk on the subject ‘Opportunities and Crises in Media’ to the journalism students.

After the talk , students shared about their present requirements in media studies that need a support
from VMFT in the discussion. About twenty-five students along with faculties from various colleges
in Trivandrum namely Mar Ivanios College, Christ Nagar College, Maranalloor, AJ College of Science
& Technology, All Saints College, Institute of Keltron actively participated in the discussion. Secretary,
VMFT announced the nominations of the following persons for leading the activities of SYJC.

1. Dr. Sajitha Bashir (VMFT Trustee) - Chairperson
2. Smt.Deepamol Thomas (Asst.Prof, Mar Ivanios College, Dept.of Journalism) -Vice Chairperson
3. Shri.C. Rahim (Journalist) - Advisor

Student Representatives:-

Aravind, Gouri Krishna (Mar Ivanios College), Nithya. V, VishwaLakshmi (Christ Nagar College),
Amal O L Nair (AJ College of Science & Technology), Swathy Lekshmi (All Saints College), Munavvir. N
(Institute of Keltron), Gokul Gopan (LISSAH College, Kozhikkode), Govind (College of Engg, Attingal).

Prof. Deepamol Thomas gave the concluding remarks in the meeting. The meeting ended with vote of
thanks by Lakshmy.R, VMFT.

46

VVMaFkT kNeowmsletteMr uhammed AbdulKhader Moulavi

(1873 - 1932)

A visionary social reformer and educationist, a prolific writer and fearless journalist, a noted scholar
and linguist and, above all a patriot, Vakkom Muhammad Abdul Khader Moulavi (1873-1932)
occupies a unique place in the modern history of Kerala.
Vakkom Moulavi was a product of the Indian renaissance of the early 20th century which produced
many great people in all fields. He commenced his literary work with the publication of the Malayalam
journal ‘Swadeshabhimani’ (Patriot) in 1905, just over half a century after the suppression of the
First War of Indian Independence. At a time when there was not a single Malayalam journal with
such a provocative name and avowedly nationalist outlook, the publication of ‘Swadehsbhimani’
reflected the all -round awakening of the people of Kerala.
The first issue of the journal (19 January 1905) proclaimed as its policy that “our objective is the
welfare of the people and we will always bring to light the grievances of the people whatever may
be the consequences”. Together with his editor, Ramakrishna Pillai, who joined the journal one year
after it began publication, Vakkom Moulavi continued his struggle for the rights of the people and
came to symbolize the national aspirations of the common man. The journal had to cease publication
in 1910 when the ‘Swadeshabhimani’ press was confiscated and the editor exiled, but in its brief
life, it had succeeded in setting a progressive trend in journalism. Vakkom Moulavi continued his
activities through a series of other publications and books, striving to build an egalitarian society
sacrificing his entire wealth in the process.

47

Publications of VMFT Newsletter

Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust

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Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust

Vakkom Moulavi Road, Thekkummoodu, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 035

Ph: 0471- 2304051, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vmft.org

vakkom moulavi foundation trust

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