Mullanchery M. Velaian

Mullanchery M.Velaian is a social worker born in Mullanchery which is in kanyakumari district. Mullanchery 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 become a mechanical draftsman in Government organization. Then he did Master of Arts from Madurai Kamaraj University and Master of philosophy from Alagappa University.Before joining in Government organization he went to Chennai and worked in a private company. Due to the affection towards his village people, he came back to his village. In 1984 become draftsman in Government organization by which his family financial status went up. After his office work he used to voluntarily indulge in activities like organizing temple festivals, upgrading youngsters, child care, and many other social activities. He also involved in public speaking and used to encourage others in 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 and were a revolution in 1988. This was done before the implementation of Arivoli program. At the last day of the camp procession was held between Karavilagam and Illavuvilai comprising of women and youngsters insisting on the importance of education. This was conducted with the help of students of teacher training institute of Kollamkodu.

Medical camp

Free medical camp, eye care camps, village care camps etc were organized by him to improve the health of people. Classes were conducted for school drop outs and were encouraged to pass eighth standard.

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 [...] Addiction Movement

He realized that many other villages also face the same problem. Hence he initiated a campaign named Anti [...] 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, November 14 children day is celebrated every year by conducting cultural programs, science exhibition etc. In addition to the anti [...] campaign, he organized Science exhibition. In 1999 he first organized a District level science exhibition in Kanyakumari district. Science Exhibitions are being conducted at district level in Marthandam, Munsirai, Thuckalay, Padanthalumoodu and Nagercoil. And it still continues.

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 Headmaster of Kanyakumari district. In this 650 Headmasters of various schools were participated.

He organized a camp for Science teachers on “Science for the Young Generation”

Kumari Arivial Peravai [Kumari Science Forum]

To do these science activities he formed an organization named Kumari Arivial Peravai 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, 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 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 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.

Awards

Without exposing himself to any organizations for any awards, he continues to do social work.

• “Kalaivanar Award” from Kanyakumari Drama association as reorganization for his talent in play writing.

• “Youth care taker-Kamaraj award” from Tamil Allayam for Guiding Youngsters in right path.

• “Best Social Worker Award” from Rotary Club of Marthandam for his involvement in social work.

• Indian Medical Association felicitated him with “Best Citizen Award”

• Nehru Yuva Kendra under Ministry of Human Resource Development (India)

gave him the “Best Youth Award” 

Literature work

More than 20 plays are there to his credit. A Drama book named “Puthiya Vidiyal” was published. Three science magazines and a Spiritual magazine were published by him so far. A book on “Valviyal” is about to get published. A book named “Indian Space History” is under the approval of the concerned department.

Without seeing caste, religion, creed and language he worked only for the development of the people, protection of the nature and humanity improvement and also develops national pride among people. Mullanchery M Velaian Involved continuously in these activities and still his works continues.

References

• Dina Thanthi Nagercoil Edition 29 January 1994
• Dina Malar Nagercoil Edition 24 January 1994
• Dinakaran Nagercoil Edition dated 1 February 1992
• Dinakaran Nagercoil Edition dated 22 January 1994
• Kumari Arivial Peravai[Kanyakumari Science Forum] List of activities organised by him.