A Day of Joy and Sorrow at Mandiram

Community Service day -III

Our third day at Jubilee Mandiram began with the news that the residents had gone on a special tour. This outing had been eagerly anticipated by them, and though we were unable to accompany them, we could sense their excitement through the stories shared by the staff. It was heartwarming to know that the institution arranges such trips to bring joy and variety into their lives, allowing them to experience the world outside their usual surroundings.

However, amidst this excitement, a moment of deep sorrow also struck the Mandiram. While the residents were away, one of the elderly men, referred to as Appachan, passed away. His wife, who also resides at the Mandiram, suffers from dementia and was unaware of what had happened. The grief among the other residents was evident, as they processed the loss of someone they had lived alongside for years. The air was heavy with emotion, and we witnessed the deep bond that the people at the Mandiram shared.

Despite the sadness, we continued our activities for the day. In the morning, we visited the hospice section, where we spent time with the bedridden residents. These interactions were always special, as each Ammachi had stories to tell, emotions to share, and experiences that gave us a new perspective on life. One particularly touching moment was when Chinnu Ammachi sang for us—her voice carried a depth of emotion that filled the room with warmth. These moments reminded us of the resilience and spirit of the elderly, who found ways to express their feelings despite their challenges.

After our time in the hospice, we headed to the kitchen to assist with meal preparations. Cooking and serving food had become a familiar part of our daily routine, and we were happy to contribute in any way we could. We worked alongside the kitchen staff, helping with tasks like cutting vegetables, preparing ingredients, and ensuring the meals were ready on time. By noon, we served lunch to the residents, ensuring they were well taken care of. Although the atmosphere was still tinged with sadness due to the loss of Appachan, the Mandiram community stood strong together, providing comfort and support to one another.

The day was a mix of emotions—joy, grief, and a sense of service. Witnessing both the excitement of the tour and the sorrow of loss on the same day made us reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Our experience at Jubilee Mandiram was becoming more than just an academic requirement—it was turning into a journey of learning, compassion, and human connection.

Serving with Purpose: Learning, Helping, and Growing at Jubilee Mandiram 💙🙏

 Community Service Day - II

Our second day at Jubilee Mandiram was another deeply engaging and meaningful experience. One of the unique aspects of this institution is its self-sustaining approach, where essential cleaning products like comfort cleaner, dish wash, hand wash, Harpic, and Lizol are made in-house with the active involvement of the residents. We participated in this process, helping to transfer these products into bottles, ensuring they were ready for use. Seeing the residents so involved in maintaining their environment with such dedication was truly inspiring.

Beyond this, we assisted in cleaning jackfruit, a task that required teamwork and patience. The kitchen was another area where we actively contributed—helping the staff prepare meals and serve food to the residents. It was heartwarming to be part of their daily routine and witness the strong sense of community that keeps the Mandiram running smoothly. Despite being physically tiring, the experience was fulfilling, reinforcing the value of service and hard work.

A highlight of the day was the Dialysis Day Celebration at the unit, where a cake-cutting ceremony was held to appreciate the significance of the service provided. The event brought joy to the patients and caregivers, reminding us of the invaluable work being done for those in need. It was a touching moment that deepened our understanding of the institution’s role in providing care and support.

As the day wound down, we spent leisure time with the elderly residents, watching TV together and sharing moments of laughter and relaxation. These simple yet heartfelt interactions added warmth to our experience, making us feel more connected to the people we were there to serve.

Throughout the day, we were observed by our teachers, Shijini Miss and Smitha Miss, who guided and encouraged us in our participation. Their insights helped us reflect on the significance of empathy, teamwork, and community service. This second day at Jubilee Mandiram strengthened our bond with the residents and filled us with a sense of purpose, making us eager for the days ahead.

A Day of Compassion: Connecting, Serving, and Learning at Jubilee Mandiram ❤️🙏

Community Service Day - I

                                           

Rather than the B.Ed. curriculum’s 10-day tour, our group of eight embarked on a meaningful journey at Jubilee Mandiram, Kottarakara. On the first day, we familiarized ourselves with the surroundings, taking in the serene and welcoming atmosphere of the place. The institution is a haven for the elderly and the needy, offering essential services, including a dialysis unit managed by two technicians and a full-time doctor. The space is thoughtfully divided into two sections—one for bedridden patients receiving hospice care and another for those who are still active and contribute to daily chores.

                    Our first interaction was with the residents, whom we fondly called Ammachis(grandmothers) and Appachans(grandfathers). We had heartfelt conversations with Princy Chechi who had been on a wheelchair since an accident 12 years ago and was at Jubilee Mandiram since then, Chinnu Ammachi who loves to sing many devotional songs, Baby Ammachi who loves to interact with others, and Podi Ammachi who remains silent most of the times, among others. Some of them had no family to care for them, making our visit even more significant. They shared memories of their native places, friendships, and past lives, filling the air with nostalgia and warmth. It was a touching experience to listen to their stories, which spoke of resilience, longing, and an appreciation for companionship.

Beyond conversations, we also actively took part in the daily routines of the Mandiram. The residents who were physically able assisted with various tasks like watering plants, maintaining the surroundings, and chopping vegetables. 

                   We joined in by helping to clean tapioca, a task that, despite minor injuries, everyone contributed to with enthusiasm. Additionally, we assisted in serving food at the community mess and cleaning the kitchen, ensuring that mealtime was smooth and enjoyable for all.

The day ended on a heartwarming note as we spent leisure time with the elderly, sharing laughter, stories, and simple joys. Their smiles and affectionate words reminded us of the importance of kindness and service. It was a truly enriching experience that left a lasting impression on all of us, setting the tone for the rest of our stay at Jubilee Mandiram.

Enhancing Teaching Skills: Video Creation

Video Creation

As per the B.Ed. curriculum the first year students need to create a video album. our Mathematics Dept. consists of three groups. I belong to Group III along with Fejina, Shymol, Abhijith and Anjana. 

Team Members

Though it seemed hectic during the week, but it was rather fun and engaging. Sincere thanks must be said to Fejina and Abhijith for their timeless efforts. Thus we were able to submit the video on correct time. Hereby attach the video link.

സാധ്യതകളുടെ ലോകം

Empowering Minds, Building Futures

LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

A dynamic Life Skills Development Workshop was conducted at BMM II Training College, featuring Prof. E. K. Jijan, Assistant Professor at Mount Tabore College, Pathanapuram, as the resource person. The session engaged 109 students in an interactive and insightful learning experience, emphasizing essential life skills that contribute to personal and professional growth.

The workshop began by distinguishing between hard skills and soft skills, followed by an exploration of life skills as defined by the United Nations (UNO). Participants were introduced to core life skill strategies and techniques, with a focus on the difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop:

• Self-Awareness (Johari Window Theory)

• Self-Confidence (Game: Counting how many zeros can be written in 60 seconds, repeated thrice for improved accuracy)

• Communication Skills (Game: Writing a single word and speaking non-stop about it for a minute, exploring aspects like body language, space, and clarity)

• Problem-Solving (Game: Connecting 9 dots using four straight lines without lifting the pencil, promoting out-of-the-box thinking)

• Empathy (Game: Switching positions and shoes in a circular arrangement to understand different perspectives)

• Team Building (Game: ‘Train Game’ – racing while keeping a balloon between team members without using hands, enhancing cooperation)

• Stress Management (Discussion on stress hormones, the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, and the 4 A’s Strategy—Alter, Accept, Adapt, Avoid)

The session also included engaging communication-based activities, such as selling products in innovative ways and providing creative descriptions, reinforcing the importance of effective interaction.

Overall, the workshop was an immersive and hands-on experience, equipping students with practical tools to navigate both personal and professional challenges efficiently. Through well-structured activities and theoretical insights, students gained a unique perspective on self-improvement, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.

 

Empowering Minds: Insights and Strategies from the Stress Management Workshop

 STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

A Stress Management Workshop was conducted at BMM II Training College to help participants understand stress, its impact, and effective coping strategies. The session was led by Sreejith Nair, a Clinical Psychologist from IAFM, who provided valuable insights into stress management techniques and their importance, particularly in the teaching profession.

The workshop focused on educating participants about the science behind stress and how it affects the human brain. The session began with an exploration of the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, and brainstem, which are crucial in regulating emotions and stress responses. The resource person elaborated on the difference between the brain and the mind, helping attendees differentiate between physiological and psychological aspects of stress.

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to explaining the differences between worry, anxiety, and stress. Participants learned how these three states impact mental and emotional well-being and why recognizing them is vital for effective stress management. Additionally, the types of stress such as acute, chronic, and workplace stress, along with their corresponding stressors, were discussed in detail.

The session shed light on the negative effects of stress on physical, emotional, and psychological health. Chronic stress, if left unaddressed, can lead to severe health complications such as hypertension, anxiety disorders, and burnout. Recognizing the early signs of stress was emphasized as a crucial step in preventing these adverse effects. The importance of stress management was highlighted, particularly for educators who often face demanding workloads and high expectations.

To help participants cope effectively, the workshop introduced various stress management mantras and practical strategies. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, time management, and relaxation techniques were demonstrated and practiced during the session. The interactive nature of the workshop ensured that participants could actively engage in these exercises and understand their benefits firsthand.

The workshop was designed to be highly interactive and engaging. A PowerPoint presentation was used to visually support the discussions, making the content more accessible and comprehensible. The Resource Person also shared his experiences with the students validating each of the circumstances, which made the session more interactive.

The Stress Management Workshop at BMM II Training College was a highly insightful and impactful session for all attendees. It provided a well-rounded understanding of stress and equipped participants with practical strategies to manage it effectively. The interactive format ensured that participants remained engaged and could apply the learned techniques in their personal and professional lives.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, it is recommended that similar workshops be conducted regularly. Stress management is a crucial skill for maintaining mental well-being and resilience, especially in high-pressure professions such as teaching. Organizing periodic sessions will help reinforce these techniques and provide continuous support to educators and students alike.

Observing, Critiquing, and Growing: A Path to Better Teaching

 CRITICISM PHASE - I ( DAY -3)

          On the third day of the Criticism Class at BMM College, I took on the role of an observer for Sherin’s Mathematics class. This experience allowed me to closely analyze the teaching methods, content delivery, and student engagement strategies used in the lesson. Observing the class helped me understand the importance of clear explanations, effective use of teaching aids, and maintaining a smooth flow in the session. It also provided valuable insights into how students responded to different approaches, which would be beneficial for my own teaching practice.

Later, I participated as a peer critic for Sheba’s class, where I carefully evaluated her lesson structure, clarity of concepts, and interaction with students. Providing constructive feedback required me to assess the strengths of her teaching while also suggesting areas for improvement. Engaging in this process helped me develop a critical perspective on effective classroom management and instructional techniques. The peer criticism session encouraged reflective thinking, allowing both of us to enhance our teaching skills through mutual learning.

Overall, the day reinforced the importance of observation and peer evaluation in professional development. Watching and analyzing different teaching styles provided a deeper understanding of what works best in a classroom setting. The experience of being both an observer and a critic allowed me to refine my own approach, preparing me for the challenges of real classroom teaching.