"Swachh Bharat 1983": 40 years ago in Calicut.

This archived image captures a cherished memory from Calicut Medical College, 1983-1984. During this time, I was bestowed with a memento by Prof. Anna Mani, the Head of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, who also served as the NSS Program Officer at Calicut Medical College. I held the role of NSS secretary and played a pivotal role in organizing a 10-day NSS camp. As NSS volunteers, we conducted a survey through village home visits in Perumanna Panchayat. This survey revealed that hookworm infestations were a significant healthcare concern in the village, alongside inadequate sanitary facilities.With the dedication of the NSS camp, we constructed 15 latrines within the village to address the sanitation issue. Dr. Anvarudheen MN recognized my potential as the NSS secretary and directed me towards the 10-day camp. Evidently, this marked a groundbreaking occurrence, likely being the inaugural instance of a 10-day NSS camp in the history of the medical college.During our campaign, Prof. CK Jayarm Panicker, the Principal, graced us with his presence on one of the camp days in the village, providing us with inspiration and encouragement. The survey saw active participation from approximately 75 medical, dental, and nursing students. Thus, our "Swachh Perumanna" mission was launched four decades ago, etching a meaningful chapter in the history of our institution.

The world of creation ....An exciting experience

I recently visited Mahabalipuram with my family and a few of our batchmates, and it turned out to be a fantastic trip overall. The main entrance to the sculpture city, Mamallapuram, is adorned with marvelous sculptures and statues. Mahabalipuram is renowned for sculpting nearly all the deity figures from the Indian pantheon. The streets are lined with stone artworks and skillfully crafted sculptures. During my morning walk, I strolled through a village where these captivating statues were in the process of creation. The experience was truly remarkable. Observing the depiction of various Gods and Goddesses taking shape before my eyes was truly exhilarating.

The sight of the colossal stones waiting along the streets to be transformed was awe-inspiring. Numerous statues caught my attention, with Ganapathy prominently displayed among them. The factory showcased various forms of Ganesha sculptures. Interestingly, there is a substantial ongoing debate about Ganesha in Kerala. Regardless, I seized the opportunity to take a selfie with the captivating "Myth or Truth."

Selfie with Ganapathy

Mahabalipuram is renowned for its monolithic sculptures, which stand as a testament to its artistic brilliance.

Pancha Ratha at Mahabalipuram

https://drvenu.co.in/2023/08/29/pancha-ratha/(opens in a new tab) 

Incredible India -

I had visited Mahabalipuram twice before, in 2005 and 2009. This is my third visit, along with a few of my batchmates. This time, one noticeable difference was that all the essential tourist destinations had been maintained cleanly and neatly. Here is one such destination

Pancha Ratha,

located in Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu, India, is a remarkable example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. Here's a brief overview:

1. **Name Origin**: "Pancha" means five, and "Ratha" means chariots in Sanskrit. So, "Pancha Ratha" translates to "Five Chariots". These structures are named after the five Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

2. **Architecture & Significance**: These are not temples but architectural prototypes or models. Each of the five structures is carved from a single, long stone or monolith. These structures are unfinished but provide significant insight into the architectural practices of the time.

3. **Individual Rathas**:

- **Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest of the five and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

- **Bhima Ratha**: Rectangular in shape and dedicated to Lord Ananta.

- **Arjuna Ratha**: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it resembles the Dharmaraja Ratha but is smaller.

- **Nakula Sahadeva Ratha**: This is a simple structure dedicated to the gods Indra and Apsaras, with an elephant sculpture nearby.

- **Draupadi Ratha**: The smallest of the rathas, it resembles a village hut dedicated to the goddess Durga.

4. UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Pancha Ratha, along with other monuments in Mahabalipuram, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, under the group "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram".

5. Tourist Attraction:

Today, the Pancha Ratha serves as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to appreciate its intricate designs and the history it represents.

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Central park -Jaipur / Vande Matharam

Central park : Jaipur

https://drvenu.co.in/2023/08/31/rich-of-oxygen-in-the-middle-of-city-incredible-india/(opens in a new tab) 

Old memories/A day with Ramkumar Family at Pondi

We the batchmates/Unit mates/Body mates of 25 batch /V series