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Beloved Members of YMCA, Ernakulam

Greetings of the Season.

Tidings of joy alongside Aug-Sep festivity and celebrations.

Y M C A ERNAKULAM has gone

D I G I T A L

Herewith the first digital issue of our in-house magazine.

“Lord, we thank you”.

YMCA Ernakulam can thus be proud of being communicative

with its members promptly, regularly, online.

We have placed in circuit a CMS – Content Management System for ourselves.

Henceforth all members are integrated into our network covering e-mail, sms,

whatsapp and website.

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Every member on the roaster will stand to be informed of our activities and

updated of the events in the right time. Our Public Relation Committee, duly

supported by the Secretariat, takes over the responsibility (or is it a privilege,

better?) to keep inter & intra communication live, by and between ourselves.

The CMS forum becomes YMCA’s official communication source.

All digital means of communication shall be private and be privileged.

Our website shall have general info for public.

Classified information will go to Office Bearers, Board Members,

Various Committee members, Branches & Branch committees.

Thus we ensure that:

• All members are linked in

• All will get choice news and briefs via sms, whatsapp, e-mail, web site

• Communication will go quick and instant

• Communication costs become minimal

• Active participation of members should usher in.

Let’s keep our YMCA CLose to our bosoM.

And thus

help bring the shadow of heaven down into our midst

Let us stay united and BE blessed in the city

“thAt theY MAY be one” – John 17 : 21

For THE PUBLIC RELATION COMMITTEE

Adv. Joseph Kurien

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37th Ernakulam YMCA All Kerala Painting Competition

37th Ernakulam YMCA All Kerala Painting Competition was held on Saturday the 8th

of July 2017. Competition was held at YMCA Ernakulam, YMCA Palarivattom Branch,

South Branch YMCA, Edappally Branch YMCA and Thrikkakara Project Centre. Altogether

1000 children participated in the competition. Participants were grouped into 7 levels

according to their age.

37th Ernakulam YMCA All Kerala Painting Competition – Award

Presentation Ceremony

Award presentation ceremony of 37th Ernakulam YMCA All Kerala Painting

Competition was held on Saturday the 29th of July 2017. Mr. Sajeev.B. IRS, Deputy

Commissioner, Income Tax and renowned caricaturist and Mr. Unnikrishnan, Well Known

journalist and cartoonist were the chief guests. Dr. Mohan George Madhavamangalam,

chairman programme committee welcomed the gathering. Adv. Thomas Abraham, President,

YMCA Ernakulam presided over the function. Adv. Kurian George Tharakan, Hon.

Treasurer, N.V.Eldo, General Secretary spoke on the occasion.

YMCA, Road Safety Authority & Balarama Painting Competition

YMCA in association with Road Safety Authority & Balarama organized a Painting

Competition on 29th July 2017. Altogether 400 children participated in the painting

competition held at all branches of YMCA Ernakulam.

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Ardrakeralam Project – Awareness programme for the parents of special

children

As part of the Ardrakeralam Project we organized an awareness programme for the

parents of special children at YMCA Ernakulam on Friday the 4th of August 2017. Dr. B.

Muhammad Asheel, Executive Director, Social Security Mission, inaugurated the

programme. Mrs. Susheela Kuriachan, Resource person ‘Ardrakeralam’, Ernakulam District

took a session about the facility and privileges offered by Government agencies for the

welfare of mentally disabled children. A total of 300 parents and special school teachers

attended the programme. Mr. Baby.P.Kurien, Chairman, Chaithanya Special School,

Thrikkakara welcomed the gathering. Adv. Thomas Abraham, President, YMCA presided

over the meeting. Mr. Antony John, Bureau Chief, Malayala Manorama was the guest of

honour. CA. Paulson.K.P., Vice President, CA. John Lukose, Chairman, Executive

Committee offered felicitations. Mr.N.V.Eldo, General Secretary proposed vote of thanks.

Seminar on Brahmapuram Waste Management Plant

YMCA in association with World Malayalies Council organized a seminar on 5th

August 2017 on the new project to be executed at “Brahmapuram Waste Management

Plant”.

All Kerala Inter School Patriotic Song & National Anthem Competition

YMCA Inter School Patriotic Song & National Anthem Competition was held on 10th

August 2017 at the YMCA Ernakulam. There were separate competitions arranged for U.P.

& High School students. 7 schools participated in the competitions. The following are the

winners.

Patriotic Song, High School - St. Thomas, Perumanoor

Patriotic Song, U.P. - St. Thomas, Perumanoor

National Anthem, High School - Marthoma Public School

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National Anthem, U.P. - St. Thomas, Perumanoor

YMCA President Adv. Thomas Abraham gave away the prizes and cash awards to the

winners. Dr. Mohan George Madhavamangalam, Chairman, Programme Committee,

welcomed the gathering.

YMCA Active Members Conclave & Felicitating Ms. Ann Mary George

Under the auspices of Religious Work Committee, we organized YMCA Active

Members Conclave on 11th August 2017 in order to redefine the relevance of YMCA

movement according to the fast changing social and economic scenario. During the function

we honoured Ms. Ann Mary George (Former Uni-Y President), who secured 123rd rank in the

Indian Civil Service Examination. H.E. Dr. Kuriakose Mar Theophilose, Resident

Metropolitan, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary inaugurated the conclave.

Adv. Thomas, Abraham, President, YMCA Ernakulam presided over the function. Mr.

Oommen Johnson, Chairman, Religious Work Committee welcomed the gathering. Dr.

Cherian Varghese, Former Chairman, Union Bank of India deliver the keynote address. Prof.

Joy.C. George, Chairman, YMCA South West India Region took a session on “Redefine the

role and responsibility of YMCA Movement”. Former Presidents Adv. Mathews Jacob,

Babu.C. George, Cherian Varkey, Adv. Abraham Vakkanal also spoke about “Journey to the

centenary of YMCA Ernakulam”. Mr. N.V. Eldo proposed vote of thanks. A good number

of people attended the programme.

22nd Annual Conference of Retired YMCA Secretaries

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Our YMCA was privileged and honored to host the 22nd Annual Conference of

Retired YMCA Secretaries from 17th to 19th August 2017. The theme for the conference was

“Retired life – a time for remaking and rejoicing in the lord”. Altogether 22 retired YMCA

secretaries with their spouses attended 3 days conference. Hon. Mr. Justice J.B. Koshy (Rtd),

Chief Justice, Patna High Court inaugurated the conference. Capt. Verghese Kuruvilla

delivered a keynote address. Mr. T. Thomas, President, IFYR presided over the meeting.

Adv. Thomas Abraham, President, YMCA Ernakulam, Mr.Cherian Varkey, Former Member,

Executive Committee, National Council of YMCAs of India were the guest of honors. Mr. S.

Sircar, Secretary, IFYR proposed vote of thanks. Mr. Samuel Patro, Former General

Secretary, Cuttack YMCA took a session on “remaking and rejoicing”. Along with the

conference we organized our breakfast prayer fellowship meeting. Mr. P. Michael Vetha

Siromony IAS, Former additional chief secretary, Govt. of Kerala & M.D. Market Fed was

the speaker. All secretaries were taken to all our branches and projects. They were also

taken to Fort Kochi for sightseeing. The conference concluded on 19th August.

Onam Celebration of Kidney patients were held in association with

Jeevadhara Renal Care Foundation

Onam Celebration of Kidney patients were held in association with Jeevadhara Renal

Care Foundation on 25th August 2017. P. Rajeev, Former MP inaugurated the programme.

Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan, Former Chairman, PSC, was the guest of honour. Adv. Thomas

Abraham, President, YMCA Ernakulam, Adv. Sivan Madathil, Sabu Jose were spoke on the

occasion. Jeevadhara Renal Care Foundation donated 200 dialysis coupons to 50 kidney

patients.

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YMCA Onam Celebrations

YMCA organized Onam Celebration in association with Y’s Men’s Clubs of District

II, MWIR, on 27th August 2017. The programme commenced with the Athappookkalam

Competition. The members of YMCA and Y’s Men’s Clubs actively participated in the

competitions like Onappattu, Maveli Competition, Thiruvathirakali. Mr. Jacob Punnoos IPS

(Former DGP) was the chief guest and inaugurated the celebrations. Adv. Thomas Abraham,

President, YMCA Ernakulam, presided over the function. Dr. Mohan George

Madhavamangalam, Chairman, Programme Committee gave Onam greetings. Ym. A.K.

Geevarughese, Dist Governor, Y’s Men International, District II welcomed the gathering.

Sri.N.V.Eldo, General Secretary proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was followed by

delicious onasadhya. Special prizes were given to best dressed man, lady, kumaran, kumari

and couple.

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Inauguration of YMCA Social Service Projects & study materials distribution

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devan Ramachandran (Judge, High Court of Kerala) inaugurated

Ernakulam YMCA Social Service Projects

Edappally Branch YMCA

As part of extending our services in various part of the city, we commenced a branch

YMCA of Edappally. The building located at Edappally, is suitable for commencing a

student’s hostel. Our member Mr.C.M.Daniel, owner of this building offered us the building

having 3500 sq.ft. area for commencing the hostel. As on of now, 22 nos of students and

employees are staying in the hostel.

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Palarivattom Branch YMCA

Seminar On Seasonal Disease

Seminar on seasonal disease and prevention was held on 22nd July 2017 at YMCA Palarivattom Branch in association with Preingattu Residents

Association. Sri. P. T Thomas MLA inaugurated the function.Adv. Thomas Abraham, President, YMCA Ernakulam presided over the meeting. Adv. Sunny John Kilikunnel, Chairman, YMCA Palarivattom Branch welcomed

the gathering. Adv. V. K Minimol, Chairperson, Health Standing Committee Cochin Corporation , Adv. Anil Kumar, Presdent, Paringattu Residents

Association, Mr. Kuruvilla Mathews, Convenor, Programme Committee were felicitated on the occasion. Dr. Reshma T, Jeevanilyam Ayurveda Hospital, Thammanam led the class. Mr. N. V Eldo, General Secretary proposed vote

of thanks. Free Karkidaka Kanji were distributed.

Sri. P. T Thomas MLA inaugurating the seminar on seasonal disease

and prevention.

Distributing free Karkidaka kanji.

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Checkers tournament

Checkers tournament was held on 5th August 2017 at YMCA Palarivattom Branch.

Olympian Radhika Suresh was the Chief Guest at valedictory function. Adv. Thomas

Abraham, President, YMCA Ernakulam presided over the meeting. Mr. Mathew Mundatt,

convenor, Sports and Games welcomed the gathering. Adv. D. Pappachan Rtd. Judge

felicitated on the occasion .Mr. Manoj T Thomas, Branch Secretary proposed vote of thanks.

Mr. Mathew Kottukappally was the sponsor. Cochin Refinery school was the champion.

Winners of checkers Tournament

Independence Day celebration

Independence Day was celebrated on 15th August 2017 at YMCA Palarivattom

Branch. Adv. Sunny John Kilikunnel hoisted the flag and delivered Independence day

message. Mr. Vipin Joy sponsored Payasam.

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South Branch YMCA

Homeo Medical Camp

Dengue fever awareness and prevention camp conducted in association with

Kudumbasree 57 –Division and Homeo Dispensary Kadavanthara at YMCA South

Area Branch on 10th August 2017. Dr. Mary Janet, Chief Medical officer, Homeo

Dispensary, Kadanvanthara and Dr.Gigy Varghses, Chief Medical officer, Homeo

Dispencery ,Maradu led the class. The Camp was inaugurated by Mr.Johnson

pattathil, Councilor, 57-Divison, Cochin Corporation. Adv. Thomas Abraham, YMCA

President, presided the function. Mr.Saju Kurian Branch chairman welcomed the gathering.

Adv. Joseph C Varghese, programme convener felicitated. Mrs. Mary Louis CDS

Kudumbasree, Mrs. Sindhu Biju, ADS Kudumbasree, Kochi spoke on the occasion

N.V.Eldo General Secretary, YMCA proposed the Vote of Thanks. About 150 people

participated in the camp.

YMCA Inter School Karate tournament

YMCA Inter School Karate tournament conducted in association with the traditional

Shotokan karate Club-in on 12th August 2017. The tournament was inaugurated by Mr.Pream

Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kochi City. Adv.Thomas Abraham, YMCA

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President, presided over the function. Mr. Saju Kurian, Branch Chairman welcomed the

gathering. Mr. Liju Joseph Instructor of Karate School spoke on the occasion. Mr.N.V.Eldo

General Secretary proposed the Vote of thank

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District Inter School Checkers Championship

Cochin Refinery School Amblamughal became the champion in the District Inter

School checkers Championship organized by the YMCA South Area Branch on 12th August

2017. Bhavans Vidyamandir Girinagar was the runners up. Adv. Thomas Abraham, President

YMCA inaugurated the championship. Mr. Saju Kurian, Chairman presided over the

function. Mr. M. D. Antony, convener, Sports and games spoke on the occasion. Kerala’s

first chess Champion Adv. Thomas Mathew Kottakapally distributed the prizes to winners.

Mr. Saji, Assistant General Secretary proposed the Vote of thanks. Adv. Thomas Mathew

Kottakapally sponsored Rs.5000/ for the tournament.

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Independence Day Celebration

71st Independence Day was celebrated as usual. Adv. Jacob Mathew Palakunnathu,

former YMCA President hosted the flag and delivered the Independence message.

Seminar on Income Tax On NRIs/PRAVASI’s (latest law)

Seminar on NRIs/PRAVASIs (latest law) was conducted in association with World

Malayali Council (WMC) at YMCA South Area Branch on 30th August

2017.Mr.L.Kuriakose (IRS), Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Retd) inaugurated the

seminar. Adv. Thomas Abraham presided over the function. Mr. Saju Kurian, Branch

chairman welcomed the gathering. Adv. Joseph C Varghese, convener programme,

introduced the Chief Guest. Mr. Alex Koshy Vilanilam Founder Secretary & Former Globel

President WMC felicitated. Mr. G Surendranath Rao was the main speaker. Mr.PKG

Tharakn, Treasurer, YMCA Ernakulam proposed the Vote of Thanks.

Onasadya for Marginalized Children YMCA South Area Branch provided Onam sadya to the marginalized children at

Fisheries School Thevara on 31th August 2019. Mr. Saju Kurian, Chairman, YMCA South

Area Branch Sponsored the Onasadya.

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Thrikkakkara Project Centre

Dedication and inauguration of Boys Home study hall, Media room, sick

room, women’s hostel dining hall & switching on of floodlit at basketball

court

The blessing, dedication and inauguration of newly constructed Boys Home Study

Hall, Media Room, Sick Room, Women’s Hostel Dining Hall & switching on of Floodlight at

Basketball Court was held on 12th August 2017 at YMCA Thrikkakara Project Centre. H.G.

Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos, Metropolitan, Angamaly Diocese, Orthodox Church dedicated and

inaugurated the same. Mr. K. Kurian, Managing Director, Fragoman, Kochi switched on the

newly installed floodlit of YMCA Basketball Court. Mr. Baby.P. Kurien, Chairman,

Thrikkakara Project Centre welcomed. Adv. Thomas Abraham, President, YMCA

Ernakulam presided over the function. This project was executed under the CSR project of

M/s. Arpan Foundation (Fragomen, India). The meeting was followed by a grand Basketball

Exhibition match.

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Health check up for Boys Home and Chaithanya students

A full health check up for Boys Home and Chaithanya students was held on 17/08/2017. Doctors from Govt. Primary Health Centre, Thrikkakkara conducted the check up.

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day was celebrated in association with Y’s Men club Ernakulam South, Y’S Men club Cochin Corals held at Project Centre. Chaithanya students presented a march past and boy’s home students sang a patriotic song. Y’s members, women hostel students were participated. Breakfast was arranged on the celebration.

Breakfast Prayer every month @ Main YMCA

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Synopsis of the first message of the year 2017-18 - on June 17

Delivering message of the day from the Word of God, Captain Verghese Kuruvila did make an extraordinary feel for all, focusing on the ordinary passage of Psalms 23 which is on the lips of Bible lovers all times, all places and all history. Stressing on verse 4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I shall fear no evil; for thou art with me”, Captain took the group in a flashback to his yester years as a sailor along the endless oceans. “There were no GPS those youth days of mine. Sea was all that was there in all directions. Days were bright and sunny but nights were blinding. The Ocean gives no sense of direction and it was just looking at the twinkling stars up in the sky above to turn our rudder. Monsoon times and the rains, dark clouds and thunder, directionless lightning often blinding, the move was just a program of TRUST and trust alone. Every such night was a miniscule of a life cycle. Days to weeks to months, sailing seemed open ended. Times were such everyone on board longed to be home, safe and sound. Home sweet home filled everyone’s mind. As John Payne sang: “No more from that cottage again will I roam Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home Home, home, sweet, sweet home There’s no place like home, oh there’s no place like home Shepherd king David seems to have been craving similarly for His home, tired and lost in life’s frivolous journey but yet keeping his full Trust in almighty to finally reach his eternal abode. David had a crystal clear view of His Home above as he winds up the psalm saying “I shall dwell in the House of my lord for ever”. Be that we pass through hills and valleys rife with shadows of death or let it be sailing through roaring waves in stark darkness lost for direction, our Guide is in control; if only we trust.

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