Mullanchery M Velaian

Mullanchery M. Velaian (Tamil: முள்ளஞ்சேரி மு. வேலையன்) is a social worker from Tamil Nadu, India. He was born Mullanchery in Kanyakumari district. He is the founder of the Kumari Arivial Peravai (Kumari science forum). He has also written plays.

Early life

Mullanchery M Velaian also had the common education like every others from his village. He was concerned about the village people and with endless efforts he came out with solutions for their problem. At the age of 13 he had learnt “Kambu Kaliyal”. His passion towards plays and dramas brought out the writer in him at the age of 17. The play “Thaimel Aanai” highlighted the problems and difficulties faced by common people. Being too young to be a writer, it took some time for the people to acknowledge his play. He had presented more than 20 plays which had good response .At the age of 11 he had facilitated and welcomed Perunthalaivar Kamaraj who came to his village.

Career

He completed ITI and worked in the private sector in Chennai until 1984, when he joined a government organisation^[which?] as a draftsman. This job improved his financial position and he went on to obtain a MA from Madurai Kamaraj University and a MPhil from Alagappa University. He returned to his home village and in his spare time became involved in voluntary work such as organizing temple festivals, youth development and child care. He undertook public speaking roles and encouraged others to do the same.

Social involvement

It was his idea to form an organization to develop his village. He gathered people, youngsters and women and formed “Village People Association”. Being a government servant he mingled with the people and was responsible for developments like roads, entrepreneurship, and care for youngsters. He never accepted donations or rewards and spent money from his own pocket and still leads a very simple life.

Village People Association

The first step was the development of Mullanchery road which was in 1985 and then Kollakudi Villai road in the same year. This was done with the help of village people.

Literacy development

In these program nine wards of Nallor panchayat was concentrated and the main aim was to make people capable to sign at least. A camp was conducted and around 950 people were educated. This was a revolution in 1988. This was done before the implementation of Arivoli Iyakkam (the Literacy Movement). At the last day of the camp, a procession was held between Karavilagam and Illavuvilai consisting of women and youngsters insisting on the importance of education. This was conducted with the help of students of teacher training institute of Kollamkodu.

In addition to that, classes were conducted for school drop outs and were encouraged to pass eighth standard.

Medical camp

Free medical camp, eye care camps, village care camps etc were organized by him to improve the health of people.

Industrial development

A tailoring institute was formed to train the ladies and make them empowered. Rope weaving was taught to household ladies. For youngsters’ technical training was given on radio and television repair for 2 years by Nehru Yuva Kendra. Every year sports day, Independence Day, Republic day celebrations were conducted and still continues. He helped to organize Hindi classes, kinder garden schooling, basic law education etc. Collectors, government officials, doctors, professors, etc. used to participate in these celebrations at Mullanchery.

District level elocution, essay writing, poetry writing, drawing, dance competitions were organized by him successfully. This helped the youngsters to upgrade their knowledge also helped to build up their confidence. Due to continuous effort of Mullanchery M. Velaian education and industrial growth of Mullanchery was improved. The threat to the growth of Mullanchery was production of Arrack which spoilt the youth. So he formed an association to give awarenss to people about its effects and to give protection to those who give up arrack production. People were gathered to ask government to take legal action against arrack production.

Initially people, who were unable to realize the benefits of his activities,were creating problems to him. Due to this he suffered financially as well as mentally. Some tried to attack physically and also tried to create problem at his work place. But the goodwill, punctuality, honesty and hard work at his work place saved him. Some well-wishers and Mr.N.Dennis (Ex. Member of Parliament from Nagercoil) gave support and ensured safety.

Anti Drug Addiction Movement

He realized that many other villages also face the same problem. Hence he initiated a campaign named Anti Drug Addiction Movement. The professor of Nagercoil Hindu College Dr.Sreekumar and Palm Workers Development Association coordinator Mr.Edwinzam gave support to his ventures.

• He organized a cycle rally from Kaliyakavilai to Nagercoil against Alcohol Usage.

• He organized a procession along the coastal side from Kollamkodu to Kanyakumari.

• Also every year June 26 The World Anti Alcohol Day is celebrated by conducting elocution competition and rallies in Kanyakumari district.

• Seminar, debates and camps were conducted at all villages in Kanyakumari district. This brings some awareness among the people.

Thought of development

In order to enhance intellectual thinking among youngsters, he organized science exhibition, scientist student interaction program, science tour, science camp and cultural programs. In 1999 he first organized a District level science exhibition in Marthandam then in Munsirai, Thuckalay, Padanthalumoodu, Nagercoil and it is keep going.

Realizing the weakness of village schools he conducted a seminar for headmasters on “the look of education in the 21st century”

He organized a computer training program for 650 school headmasters of Kanyakumari district^[when?], as well as a camp for science teachers based on the theme of “Science for the Young Generation”.

Kumari Arivial Peravai [Kumari Science Forum]

To do these science activities he formed an organization named Kumari Arivial Peravai^[1] in 2003. Many teachers from various schools are voluntarily involved in the forum because of the activities.

He organizes many programs like Science exhibition, Scientist students interaction, Science Camp,^[2][3][4] Science tour etc. This helps the students in improving their knowledge.

According to the performance “Best Teacher Award” is given to 8 teachers every year. This award is given to physically challenged^{[clarification needed]} schools.

The Students of Kumari District were called and topics were given on scientific problems faced and were asked to give solutions. Every year he conducts young scientist program^[5][6] for school students.

Gandhism

His passion for Gandhism is the reason for involving himself in social work. Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations are organized by him at schools and colleges every year.

Literature work

More than 20 plays are there to his credit. A Drama book named “Puthiya Vidiyal” was published. Three science magazines^[7] and a Spiritual magazine were published by him so far.

References

1. ^ [1] News in dinamani about Young Scientist program of KAP
2. ^ [2] News in dinamani about Science Seminar for school students
3. ^ [3] News about seminar in water
4. ^ [4] Program about Bio diversity Camp
5. ^ [5] News Published in The Hindu newspaper about the Young Scientist program of Kumari Arivial Peravai
6. ^ *[6] News in dinamani about Young Scientist program of KAP
7. ^ [7] Climate change and its impact a book published by Mullanchery M Velaian (KAP) which was in library catalogue of specialized library of Climatic Change