College Day Celebration at Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Training College, Kottarakkara

The vibrant campus of Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Training College, Kottarakkara, was set ablaze with enthusiasm and excitement on the 28th of March, 2025, as the institution celebrated its much-awaited College Day. Organized by the Nitara College Union, the event was a grand showcase of talent, unity, and festivity.

A Day of Celebration and Camaraderie

The College Day celebrations provided a platform for students, faculty, and staff to come together, rejoice, and create lasting memories. The event was meticulously planned and featured a series of cultural programs, performances, and activities that highlighted the creativity and dynamism of the students.

A.H.A.A.N – The Musical Extravaganza

One of the major highlights of the evening was the electrifying performance by the A.H.A.A.N Music Band at 2 PM. The band captivated the audience with their sensational music, engaging rhythms, and dynamic stage presence. The energy in the auditorium was palpable as students swayed to the beats, sang along, and immersed themselves in the soulful and energetic performances.

Unity Through Festivity

College Day is not just an event; it is a tradition that fosters a sense of belonging among students. It is a time to reflect on the academic year, celebrate achievements, and look forward to future aspirations. The collective participation in organizing and executing such a grand event further strengthened the bond among students and faculty.

Reflection 

The College Day celebration at Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Training College, Kottarakkara, was a spectacular success, leaving everyone with unforgettable moments and a renewed spirit of togetherness. The Nitara College Union deserves applause for orchestrating such a fantastic event. As the night ended with cheers and applause, the echoes of music and laughter lingered, marking another milestone in the vibrant history of the college.

 Community service At Ashraya sanketham kalayapuram Day 5

On 18/03/2025, we reached Ashraya at 9:50 AM for the fifth and final day of our visit. The atmosphere was lively, as everyone was prepared to make the most of the concluding day of the program.

From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, we prepared for the debate session scheduled for later in the day. We discussed our points and structured our arguments to ensure a confident presentation. After that, we helped in cutting stickers for badges, which were to be used during the closing ceremony. This task allowed us to work together and enhance our teamwork skills.

Next, we engaged in a gardening activity. We planted new saplings and cleaned the garden area, which gave us a sense of satisfaction and contributed to the upkeep of the Ashraya premises.

From 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, there was a cultural program presented by the students of Vijaya Nursing College. The event began with a welcome speech by Mr. Kalayapuram Jose, who highlighted the importance of such community engagement programs. The students performed various entertaining and creative acts, which were well-received by the residents and guests. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Varghese Kurien, who expressed gratitude for the participation and efforts of everyone involved.

After the cultural program, we had lunch. The meal provided a relaxing break and allowed us to reflect on the morning's events.

In the afternoon, we assembled in the general hall for the debate session on the topic All Pass in Exams. The debate was engaging and well-participated, with both sides presenting strong arguments. The session encouraged critical thinking and active participation among all the students.

At 4:00 PM, certificates were distributed to all participants as a token of appreciation for completing the five-day workshop. It was a proud moment for everyone, as the certificates symbolized our hard work and the valuable experiences gained during the program.

The day concluded with tea and snacks, which gave us an opportunity to relax and share our thoughts about the overall experience. We departed for home, feeling accomplished and grateful for the meaningful experiences and lessons learned throughout the five days at Ashraya.

Conclusion

The fifth day at Ashraya marked a successful conclusion to the five-day workshop. The debate session, cultural program, and certificate distribution created a sense of achievement and closure. The teamwork, creativity, and interpersonal connections developed during these days reinforced the importance of community service and collective responsibility. The experience at Ashraya left a lasting impact on all of us.

 Community service At Ashraya sanketham kalayapuram Day 4

On 17/03/2025, we reached Ashraya at 9:45 AM for the fourth day of our visit. Our teachers, Vismaya Thomas and Dr. Praveena, were present to observe and guide us throughout the day. Their presence motivated us to carry out the day’s activities with focus and enthusiasm.

At the beginning of the day, our teachers instructed us to divide into two groups. One group went to the second floor, and the other group went to the first floor of the female ward for bed-making. This activity helped us learn the importance of teamwork and care in maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for the residents.

After completing the bed-making activity, we were asked to prepare for the cultural program. 

The cultural program began at 12:00 PM with a welcome speech by Kurien. Various students performed different programs, which made the event lively and entertaining. In between the performances, Kalayapuram Jose gave an inspiring speech that encouraged both the residents and the performers.

I also participated in a group song with my peers, which was well-received by the audience. The program concluded at 1:30 PM, leaving everyone in high spirits.

After the program, we had lunch. Today’s lunch included chicken curry, which everyone enjoyed. It was a relaxing and enjoyable meal that gave us time to reflect on the day’s activities.

Following lunch, we prepared for tomorrow’s debate. We discussed the assigned topics and shared ideas, which helped us gain clarity and confidence for the upcoming session.

At 3:30 PM, we concluded the day with snacks, which gave us a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. After that, we departed for home, feeling accomplished and satisfied with the day’s work.

Reflection 

The fourth day at Ashraya was a blend of service and cultural engagement. The bed-making activity reinforced the importance of teamwork and care, while the cultural program allowed us to express creativity and bring joy to the residents. The preparation for the debate helped us sharpen our thinking and communication skills. The positive response from the audience and the guidance from our teachers made the day fulfilling and memorable.

 Community service At Ashraya sanketham kalayapuram Day 3

On 14/03/2025 , we reached Ashraya at 9:45 AM for the third day of our visit. Our teachers, Arun and Shijini, were present to observe and guide us throughout the day. Their presence motivated us to approach the day with enthusiasm and responsibility.

From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, we were assigned to arrange the library. We worked together to organize the books and clean the shelves, ensuring that the library was neat and well-arranged for the residents' use. This activity helped improve our teamwork and organizational skills.

From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we had the opportunity to teach the students at Ashraya. We focused on engaging them with simple yet informative lessons, encouraging them to participate actively. The students responded enthusiastically, which made the session productive and enjoyable.

Today’s prayer session was held from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM as lunch was delayed. The extended prayer session created a calm and peaceful atmosphere, allowing everyone to reflect and connect spiritually. After the prayer, we had lunch.

At 2:45 PM, we gathered in the general hall for a group activity session. We organized various activities to engage the residents, encouraging them to participate and interact with one another. The session was lively and filled with energy, making it enjoyable for everyone involved.

At 3:30 PM, we were served tea and snacks, which gave us a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s activities. After that, we departed for home, feeling accomplished and satisfied with the day’s work.

Reflection 

The third day at Ashraya was focused on both service and learning. The library arrangement and teaching sessions strengthened our sense of teamwork and responsibility, while the extended prayer session provided a moment of peace and reflection. The positive response from the students and the guidance from our teachers made the day meaningful and rewarding. The group activity session and the opportunity to unwind with tea and snacks at the end of the day added to the overall sense of fulfillment.

Community service At Ashraya sanketham kalayapuram Day 2

On 13/03/2025, we arrived at Ashraya at
10:00 AM for the second day of our visit. Our teachers, Vismaya Thomas and Sithusha, were present to observe and guide us throughout the day. The day began with a reflection session during the orientation class led by Shanthakumar Sir. He encouraged us to reflect on our previous day’s experience and share our thoughts. This helped us identify areas for improvement and motivated us to engage more effectively with the residents. Shanthakumar Sir also instructed us to prepare for a debate on the topics of mobile usage, all-pass in exams, and ragging, setting the tone for a thoughtful and engaging day.

At 10:30 AM, we were divided into two groups—one group went to the male ward and the other to the female ward. In the male ward, we interacted with several residents. We met Gopalakrishnan from Kizhakkekallada and Sukumaran from Elamad, Kottarakkara, who requested us to sing a song. We also met Krishna Kumar from Thrikkannamangalam, and Satheeshkumar from Alappuzha, a B.Com graduate, who engaged us with general knowledge questions and demonstrated yoga poses. Kunjumon from Ayoor shared stories about his family, which gave us a glimpse into his life and personal experiences.

At 11:00 AM, we gathered in the general hall for a group activity session. We were divided into three groups and conducted various activities to engage the residents, including ball passing, musical chairs, singing, dancing, action songs, and simple exercises. The residents actively participated and seemed to enjoy the session.

From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, we participated in a prayer session. I also joined other students in singing a prayer song, which created a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. 

After the prayer, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, the manager, Varghese Kurien, gave a welcome speech for our teachers and provided a brief talk about the Ashraya community and its mission.

Following the speech, we had lunch. After lunch, we visited the female ward, where we met Shanthamma from Nediyavila and Naseela from Nilamel. They shared their life experiences and spoke to us about their daily routines.

At 3:00 PM, we were assigned to clean and arrange the library. This activity helped us contribute to the upkeep of the facility and allowed us to work as a team. By 3:30 PM, we had a concluding reflection session led by our teachers, Vismaya Thomas and Sithusha. They encouraged us to share our thoughts on the day’s experience, which helped us process our learnings and understand the emotional impact of the visit.

 Community service At Ashraya sanketham kalayapuram Day 1

On 12/03/2025, we visited Ashraya as part of our community outreach program. We arrived at 9:30 AM and were warmly welcomed by the staff and residents. The program started with a small speech by Kalayapuram Jose, who shared inspiring words about the importance of supporting the elderly and understanding their needs. After the speech, we had a brief conversation with the administrative officer, who gave us an overview of the functioning and management of the facility.

Following this, we had a meeting with the social worker, who provided us with insights into the challenges faced by the residents and how Ashraya is working to address them. We were then introduced to our mentor for the visit, Remya Vimala, who guided us throughout the day and ensured that we were comfortable during our interactions with the residents.

Next, we visited the female ward, where we spent time talking to the residents. They shared their life experiences, and we could sense how much they valued having someone to listen to them. 

From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, we participated in a prayer session with the residents, which created a peaceful and positive atmosphere.

After the prayer session, we had lunch, which gave us an opportunity to reflect on the morning's experiences. In the afternoon, 

we visited the male ward and met several inmates. We interacted with Krishnan Kutty from Pattazhy, Thankappan, Gopalakrishnan, Rajan from Ganapathy Temple in Kottarakkara, Mohanakrishnan from Pujappura in Trivandrum, and Chandran. They shared stories about their lives, and we were touched by their openness and the warmth with which they welcomed us.

The visit to Ashraya was a meaningful and eye-opening experience. It gave us a deeper understanding of the emotional and social needs of the elderly. The interactions with the residents highlighted the importance of compassion and support, leaving a lasting impact on all of us.