Minutes - OBA EC, SSKZM, 16-08-2008

Minutes Of Meeting - 1 ST OBA Executive Committee meeting held at SSKZM on 16 August 2008 AT 1630 hrs

1. The following attended the meeting:-

SSKZM
(a) Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
(b) Lt Col MC Thomas, Registrar and Old Boy (1260/ 1982).
(c) Lt Col K Raghu, Headmaster.
(d) Mr. K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM.

OBASSKZM
(a) Captain Louis George Meprath (642/1972), President.
(b) Col Nietzsche Balan (928/1979), Vice President
(c) Mr. Sanu George, (1378/1983), Vice President
(d) Mr. G Jayakumar (892/1979), Treasurer.
(e) Mr. Raj Kumar S (2569/1995), General Secretary
(f) Cdr Rajeev Maroli, Joint Secretary (954/80)
(g) Mr. Ajith Prabhakar (782/77), EC Member 1976-80

2. The points discussed are as shown below:-
(a) Welcome address by President, OBASSKZM.
(b) Address by Patron, OBASSKZM.
(c) Projects at SSKZM - Gurudakshina.
(d) SAF - Helping cadets.
(e) High Fees paid by cadets.
(f) Computerisation of all OBA records.
(g) Membership to XII th standard Cadets on the eve of passing out of SSKZM.
(h) Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2012.
(i) OBA Assets.
(j) Role of OBA - what should OBA do?
(k) Batch reps / Chapter reps
(l) OBA EC Spokesperson.
(m) Revenue by means of advertising on our site, google adsense to start with.
(n) OBA Chapters around the globe.
(o) Use of OBA name for collecting funds.
(p) Helping Alumni.
(q) Projects outside SSKZM by Alumni
(r) Prizes distributed during Commemoration Meeting.
(s) EC Mailing list.

Welcome Address by President, OBASSKZM

3. The meeting began at 1630 hrs by observing a minute's silence in memory of the dear departed Alumni. Thereafter, the President in his address welcomed the gathering and thanked Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM, Lt Col MC Thomas, Registrar and Old Boy (1260/1982), Lt Col K Raghu, Headmaster and Mr. K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM and the OBAEC members for taking pains
to be present for the EC meeting on a Saturday afternoon.

4. The President informed that the OBA would continue to work in synergy(as was already being done) with the School authorities for the development of the cadets. Address by Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM

5. The Principal stated that he was very happy to be associated with such a vibrant OBA and he thanked the Alumni for the same. He briefed the gathering on the happenings at SSKZM during the last few months. The following significant points were brought out:-

(a) Prizes won by Cadets. SSKZM Cadets participated in a cultural festival held at the TVM International School. They won prizes in Malayalam Declamation (I st) and in Science as well as Mathematics Quiz (II nd as well as III rd prizes for both). In addition, the Cadets won the II nd and III rd prizes for Ramayana recitation and Quiz conducted by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, TVM.

(b) South Zone Championships. SSKZM won the III rd place overall in the SZ Championships.

(c) NCC Camps. Cadet Mukul Narayan Chaubey (Roll No. 4389) of the present X th standard was adjudged 'Best All Round Cadet, Kerala' in the RD NCC Camp held during Jan 2008 and received the Chief Minister's Gold Medal.

(d) Independence Day Parade. The SSKZM contingent (XI th and IX th standard cadets) was adjudged 'Best (non-police) Contingent' during Independence Day parade 2008 held at TVM.

(e) Inspections. The School was inspected by Air Vice Marshal SC Mukul, AVSM, VM, VSM, AOC - in - C, HQ SAC and Chairman, LBA on 04 Aug 08. Colonel RS Nehra, Inspecting Officer from Sainik School Society also inspected the School from 08 to 10 Aug 08. Both the senior officers have given glowing reports about the various aspects and spick-and-span appearance of SSKZM.

(f) Principals' Conference at Delhi. In the recently concluded Principals' Conference (held at Manali from 19 May to 21 May 08), the RRM remarked that the Sainik Schools in the country were doing a wonderful job and commended all the Principal as more than 40 % of the NDA cadets were from Sainik Schools across the country. RRM also indicated that more Sainik Schools are likely to be set up in states like Chhatisgarh. In all such cases, the Ministry of Defence is requesting these State Govts. to sign a MoU with the MoD before permission is given for setting up the Sainik School. This is to ensure that the states do not neglect the Sainik Schools in the long run.

(g) Voluntary retirement of Mr. SB Sasikumar. Shri SB Sasikumar who was one of the most inspiring and loved teachers, left SSKZM in June 2008 to take over as Principal, International School at Thodupuzha. Principal stated that SSKZM's loss would be Thodupuzha's gain.

(h) School Magazine 2009. Principal stated that he had received large number of requests for the School Magazine printed in March 2008. As the requests were received late, it was not feasible to send the Magazine to all. Alumni are requested to inform SSKZM well in advance, if they require the copy of School magazine 2009 which would be printed in March 2009. The cost would be around Rs. 150/- per copy (including cost of dispatch in India).

6. The OBAEC congratulated the Principal and his team for the excellent all-round show by our cadets. The agenda points were thereafter taken up for discussions.

7. Projects at SSKZM - Gurudakshina. The EC discussed in detail regarding the procedure for finalising Projects to be undertaken at SSKZM. Projects at SSKZM by Chapters / Groups / like minded Alumni should continue. All such projects should initially be discussed with SSKZM by the respective Alumni, so that it is established that Alumni are giving something to SSKZM which SSKZM requires. Once the matter has been initially sounded to SSKZM, Alumni should approach the OBA EC for taking up the matter with SSKZM and working out the way ahead. Projects that would be taken up at SSKZM could be finalised in this way. Principal intimated that it was his endeavour to get maximum work done by the State Govt. He promised that, wherever the State Govt could be asked to take up Projects at SSKZM, it would be his top priority to request the State Govt to do so. Only such works that the State Govt. would not normally undertake should come as projects from OBA side.

8. Students' Aid Fund (SAF). The President intimated that the existing procedure of identifying SAF beneficiaries by the School Authorities was adequate. The amounts given to each cadet under this scheme was initially Rs. 1000/-. Last year, this was raised to Rs. 5000/- (for 05 cadets). This year, it is planned to give Rs. 5000/- each to 07 cadets. However, this could be enhanced on a case-to-case basis. Shri Jayakumar, Treasurer OBASSKZM indicated that an amount of approximately Rs. 71,000/- was left over from the funds contributed by Alumni for the Harshan Memorial BUST. As decided earlier, this money has been transferred to the SAF. In addition, there were discussions held on the proposals by a few of our Alumni that they were willing to sponsor the complete fees of deserving cadets right from class VI till they are gainfully employed. The decisions taken are as under:-

(a) At present, the full fees for a year is Rs. 43,400/-. The State Govt reimburses only Rs. 14,000/- and MoD gives Rs. 2000/- (in some cases where MoD scholarships are eligible, the amount is Rs.10,500/-). Cost of messing is around Rs. 12,980/- per year
(Rs. 44/- per day). Cost of uniforms, books etc. would be extra. In short, a full scholarship holder would still have to pay around Rs. 25,000/- per year. The EC was of the view that this is the group (i.e. full scholarship holders) which the Alumni must help. At present, full scholarship holders are around 250 cadets approximately.

(b) Alumni desirous of helping such cadets would be required to contribute about Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- per year. However, the EC was of the opinion that sponsoring right from Class VI till the cadet was gainfully employed may not be a good idea. This is because the parents' income may change every year. A cadet may no longer be eligible for scholarship if his parents' income increases beyond the exemption limit. In addition, if the cadet does not exhibit good potential, the necessity of funding him would need to be reconsidered. Considering all these facts, the EC decided that it would be better to contribute to the SAF rather than sponsoring individual cadets. However, in case any Alumnus is still desirous of sponsoring individual cadets, the EC has no objection. It was recommended that such sponsoring should be on a yearly basis only.

(c) In addition to the above, Shri Rajendran intimated that the cadets join in VI th standard. It therefore becomes very difficult for the House Masters and School Administration to identify suitable candidates from VI th standard. OBA EC therefore recommended that it would be better to start such scholarships from VII th standard, as SSKZM would get a fair picture of the background of the cadets once they have spent an year in SSKZM.

9. High Fees paid by cadets. Fees paid by parents are very high (around Rs. 44,000/-). Shares of State Govt and MoD are very meagre. As a result, even a full scholarship holder's father / mother pay around Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- as fees. Poor but deserving children are thus deprived of good education, as their parents are unable to afford the high fees!! Salaries of teachers and other Staff and pensions are paid out of the fees paid by the Parents. This is the problem faced by most of the Sainik Schools in India. The Tuition Fees are expected to go up once the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations are implemented. It was the general opinion that the salary and pensions of the Staff should be paid either by the State Govt. or the Central Govt. This burden should not be placed on the poor parents. The EC decided that the OBA would extend all support to the Parents' Association in taking up the matter with appropriate authorities.

10. Computerisation of all OBA records. It was decided that OBA should computerise all its records- Circulars, Bulletins, Magazines (School+ Magazines / Souvenirs issued by various batches), accounts, photographs etc. to be computerised. Outsourcing may be resorted to. This point is also covered under 'Golden Jubilee Celebrations' .

11. Membership to XII th standard Cadets on the eve of passing out of SSKZM. At present, cadets who pay Rs. 500/-, are enrolled as life members of OBA just before passing out (as against Rs.1000/- for normal life membership). This is a totally voluntary contribution by the cadets. EC discussed whether we continue with this system or whether we should resort to Student Membership i.e. once students pass out of the school, they should be enrolled as 'Student Members' only. When they start earning, they could be enrolled as 'Life Members'. Shri K Rajendran clearly stated that this was purely a voluntary payment and no cadet was forced to take membership on passing out. He further stated that last year, XII th standard cadets had approached him and requested to be enrolled as life members of OBA. This indicated the keenness of the cadets to enroll as OBA life members. The EC decided to maintain status quo i.e. to continue with the practice of enrolling cadets on the eve of passing out as Life members of OBA on payment of Rs. 500/-.

12. Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2012. Preliminary discussions were held. It was unanimously agreed that the School's Golden Jubilee Celebrations must be conducted on a grand scale. The EC decided the following:-

(a) As a first step, OBA and SSKZM are to undertake a joint project to digitise all records - Circulars, Bulletins, Magazines (School+ Magazines / Souvenirs issued by various batches), accounts, photographs etc. Alumni are therefore requested to forward any such articles in their possession to OBA / SSKZM. It would be preferable if the Alumni forward a scanned copy of the documents they have with them (to avoid loss of these invaluable documents in case these are sent by normal post). More details of how to go about this mammoth task could be obtained from Shri Rajkumar (General Secretary OBASSKZM) who has volunteered to be the OBA rep in this mega project. SSKZM would also be nominating a rep for this purpose.

(b) Alumni to be requested to forward suggestions on conduct of 'Golden Jubilee Celebrations' . Once suggestions are received from Alumni, OBA EC and SSKZM would work out the way ahead.

(c) Sponsoring batch for OB Day 2012 i.e. 1987batch is also to be actively involved in these activities.

13. OBA Assets and Role of OBA - what should OBA do? It was suggested by some Alumni that OBA should be a powerful pressure lobby. One of the major factors for achieving this is that OBA should have financial strength - need not be cash, but it should have assets in the form of land or buildings. So, should OBA own assets? It could be land or building (office space or anything). This should also be linked to the 'Role of OBA'. Considering all the factors above, what should be the role of OBA was discussed in detail by the EC. Should we go all out to increase Assets and to take on additional responsibilities? The EC was of the view that the OBA as a group should limit the main OBA activities to organising OB Day, coordinating Projects at SSKZM, Students' Aid Fund etc. so that we remain focused on core issues. Rest of the activities could be delegated by the main OBA to be conducted by Chapters / batches / like minded Alumni. It would be better to remain a manageable entity (with sufficient funds) than to grow into an unmanageable entity that would give rise to associated problems. The EC also decided that it would request Alumni who have prior experience in Managing Projects to forward a Project Report for buying of land + constructing of a building / buildings for OBA that would serve as guest house, office, Multipurpose hall etc. Project report is to include ideas for generation of funds, income tax and other Govt regulations to be followed, maintenance of such assets once construction is complete etc. Alumni volunteering for this task may forward their details to General Secretary.

14. Batch reps (e mail id) / Chapter reps (e mail id). E mail ids and contact details of batch representatives (1965 to 2008) should be available with OBA. Similarly, details of Chapter members (all over the globe) should also be available with OBA. This is for ease of networking. Shri Rajkumar (General Secretary, OBASSKZM) was requested to inform Alumni accordingly. Batch reps + Chapter reps are also requested to contact Gen Sec (at least two members each).

15. OBA EC Spokesperson. EC decided that the official statements of the EC will be made by the President or any other EC member on behalf of the EC as nominated by the EC. In such cases, the member will state that it is on behalf of the EC or the statement has the approval of the EC.

16. Revenue by means of advertising on our site, google adsense to start with. Suggestions have come that our mail site could be used to generate huge amounts of revenue. Gen Secretary was requested to get more suggestions from Alumni on how to proceed ahead. How do we go about it? What about the legality of these schemes? What about Tax issues? What about Security issues?

17. OBA Chapters around the globe. These should be strengthened. Alumni visiting these places must be taken care of. Chapter get-togethers must be organised. All these activities must ultimately lead to a stronger OBA. These Chapters must have their own elected representatives who would look after the Chapter. Funds for running such Chapters efficiently should be generated by the Chapters themselves.

18. Use of OBA name for collecting funds. EC decided that Chapters / batches and other Associations of groups of Alumni (of SSKZM) should not resort to collect funds in the name of OBASSKZM. It should be clarified to the members that funds being collected are for use by Alumni of that Chapter/group / batch only.

19. Helping Alumni. Members were of the opinion that Alumni are generally reluctant to approach OBA for help (especially financial help). It may be better if the individual batch-mates work out some schemes to help their batch-mates, who are in need of help (could be financial, psychological etc.).

20. Projects outside SSKZM by Alumni. EC members' views were that It should be left to the discretion of the Alumni of the various Chapters / batches / groups etc. to initiate projects outside SSKZM viz. Kazhak's Clubs at various places, Old Age Homes (for Alumni), Children's Shelters, Guest Houses, New School(s) etc. Once again, the cardinal rule should be that no funds should be collected in the name of OBA for projects which have not been put up for approval of the EC.

21. Prizes distributed during Commemoration Meeting. Members felt that more than a hundred prizes were distributed by the OBA on OB day (during the Commemoration Meeting). This tended to be a very boring affair, often resulting in Alumni as well as others to leave the Auditorium midway through the Prize Distribution. It was decided that Prizes for classes VI, IX, X and XII would continue to be given on OB Day during the Commemoration Meeting. All other prizes would be distributed on other suitable occasions like Annual day etc.

22. EC mailing list. EC decided that in addition to the elected EC members, any Alumnus holding the post of Principal, Headmaster or Registrar would also be included in the OBAEC mailing list, during their tenure at SSKZM.

23. The OBAEC also took this opportunity to welcome Lt Col K Raghu, the new Headmaster of SSKZM .There being no other points, the meeting was adjourned. It was decided that the next OBAEC meeting would be held in Dec 2008 / Jan 2009. After this, the EC members were taken on a tour of the newly inaugurated Multimedia Lab. Principal intimated that such a facility has greatly helped our dear cadets. More computers (internet cafe) would be housed in the proposed room under the Clock Tower.

Warm regards,

Rajkumar
2569/1995
General Secretary OBASSKZM

OBA Website http://www.sskzm.org
SSKZM website http://www.sainikschooltvm.org
OBASSKZM BLOG http://www.obasskzm.blogspot.com
Information could be posted on the BLOG by sending an E Mail to news@sskzm.org.

Minutes of meeting of the AGBM held on OB day 2008 (21-06-2008)

1. The agenda for the meeting was as under:-

(a) Silent Prayer in memory of our dear departed Alumni.
(b) Welcome by OBA President.
(c) Address by Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
(d) Presentation of accounts by Treasurer.
(e) Gradual switching to E mode-Payment of money to OBA accounts by cheque/electronic transfer.
(f) SAF.
(g) Any other items.
(h) Election of office bearers for 2008 - 2009.

2. The summary of discussions and decisions taken are as under:-

(a) Welcome Addressby Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972), President, OBASSKZM.
The President, OBASSKZM welcomed the Alumni who had come from far and wide for this reunion. He thanked the sponsoring batches viz. 1974 and 1983 batches for the wonderful arrangements made. He also thanked Col Ajit Kumar, the Principal, Lt Col K Raghu, the Headmaster and Lt Col MC Thomas, the Registrar for leaving no stone unturned in making OB day 2009 an enjoyable one. He also expressed the hope that the existing synergy between OBA and SSKZM would continue.

(b) Address by Col Ajit Kumar, Principal, SSKZM and Patron OBASSKZM.
Col Ajit Kumar in his address thanked the Alumni for donating various projects to School. For the first time in the history of the AGBMs (and thus indicative of the ever strengthening bond between the OBA and the School), Col Ajit Kumar gave a Power Point Presentation highlighting the activities of the School and the various infrastructure / other projects planned at SSKZM. This shows the great pains taken by SSKZM in keeping the Alumni abreast of the latest happenings. The Principal's statement that in X th standard (CBSE) exams, 100 % of the cadets passed with flying colours was replied with thunderous applause by the Alumni. The XII th standard results were also similar. The Principal stated that the OBA and the SSKZM would continue to work in tandem for the betterment of the quality of life of the cadets.

(c) Presentation of Accounts by the Treasurer. Treasurer of OBA.
Shri Jayakumar presented the accounts and the same was passed without any comments. The balance sheet will be uploaded to www.sskzm.org.

(d) Gradual switching to E mode-Payment of money to OBA accounts by cheque/electronic transfer.
The President intimated that Alumni should be requested to send in their contributions by cheque / e transfer. This was with a view to simplify transactions. Alumni were also requested to inform the Treasurer whenever they transferred money by e transfer, as tracking of this amount would pose a problem as details of senders are not known. The members agreed to this proposal and the proposal was passed.

(e) Students' Aid Fund (SAF).
The President informed the gathering that many of our Alumni were willing to sponsor needy cadets, right from class VI to Class XII and even after they leave School for College / NDA etc. i.e till they get gainfully employed. The members were of the view that the primary aim should be to strengthen the SAF and try to build a huge corpus so that OBA has enough funds to help needy cadets. At the same time, if any of the Alumnus is keen to help out a particular needy cadet right from class VI till the time he is gainfully employed, there should be no objection. However, emphasis should be on increasing the Corpus of the SAF for ensuring benefit to a wide range of cadets.

(f) Any other items

(i) Amendment to Bye Laws.
It was brought out by some members that the mandatory time period for serving as Joint Secretaries prior to contesting the post of General Secretary should be reduced to one year. The President also informed that the present bye law as such provides provision for the appointment of any candidate as General Secretary if there are lack of volunteers and if the GBM approves. The President stated that the matter will have to be taken up in the OBAEC and formally put up to AGBM in 2009 for amendment to Bye Laws.

(ii) Dissemination of Information.
A few members were of the opinion that all important circulars and other information should be posted on the website (http://sskzm.org) in addition to posting on mailing list. The GBM agreed to the proposal. It was decided to use the sskzm.org website, BLOG ( http://obasskzm.blogspot.com ) as well as group mails for dissemination of information.

(g) Election of New Office Bearers.
Shri TK Chandramohanan (64 / 1968), the senior most Old Boy present, conducted the elections. The following were elected as OBA Office Bearers for 2008 - 2009 by the General Body:-

President: Louis George Meprath (642/72)
Vice President: Nietzsche Balan (928/79)
Vice President: Sanu V George (1378/1983)
General Secretary: Rajkumar S (2569/95)
Joint Secretary: Rajeev Maroli (954/80)
Joint Secretary : Ashok N (1164/82)
Treasurer: Jaya Kumar G (892/79)


Batch Representatives
1965-70 Hari Prasad A (144/68)
1971-75 Ajith Kumar J (418/72)
1976-80 Ajith Prabhakar (782/77)
1981-85 Naushad A (1484/84)
1986-90 Thaju U (1643/86)
1991-95 Padmaraj T R (2298/93)
1996-00 Sunil Jose Gregory (2731/97)
2001 onwards Ashish Bens (3393/02)


(h) The members thanked the outgoing OBAEC members for their valuable contributions to the OBA.

(i) OB Day 2009 (20 June 2009) will be sponsored by the batch of 1984.

There being no other points, the meeting was adjourned.


(Rajkumar S)
2569/95
General Secretary
OBASSKZM
29 June 2008

OB DAY HELD ON 21.06.2008

A message from the President, OBA SSKZM.

Dear Alumni,

I am writing this to thank the Alumni who attended the OB Day functions on 21.06.08 and making it a grand success.

The minutes of the meeting of the AGBM held and the list of new office bearers would be separately circulated.

I would like to thank Shri Rajookrishnan, Vice President OBASSKZM who volunteered to step down this year due to his personal commitments. He has been the guiding pillar of the OBA EXEC Committee.

Similarly, I would like to thank Shri Jayshankar Warrier, outgoing General Secretary who also stepped down voluntarily. Shri Jayshankar Warrier inspite of his poor health coordinated all the activities of the OBA very well for the last two years.

Special thanks to Shri Haridas and 13 of his batchmates for sponsoring drinking water (mineral water) on OB Day.

The function began with a Guard of Honour at 0830 hrs by the SSKZM cadets to the Chief Guest Lt Gen SP Sreekumar PVSM AVSM ADC, SO-in-C followed by the 'Wreath Laying Ceremony'. Many senior Old Boys of the 1960s batches, 70s and 80s batches also attended the function.

This was followed by the inauguration of the Multimedia Lab by the Chief Guest who was instrumental in getting the computers from Army Headquarters.

After this the solemn ceremony of unveiling the Bust of Captain R Harshan , Ashok Chakra was done by the Chief Guest in presence of Harshan's father Shri Radhakrishnan Nair. I must mention here that the Alumni has been very generous in contributing for this noble venture.

The Harshan Pavilion in the Parade Ground was then inaugurated by Harshan's father. Mrs NJC Nair and son were also inviteees for this function.This idea of constructing a Pavilion was mooted by Harshan's batchmates - Sunil Gregory, Manu and others.

After this, the customary Cricket match (reduced to 10 overs), Basketball match, Volleyball match and Football match were played. The OBs won all matches except Cricket.

The AGBM was held therefater. There were not many points to be discussed. The Minutes of this Meeting will be circulated separately.

Lunch was held in two shifts - first shift for ladies at 1245 hrs - ladies and children were very Happy - also some enterprising Old Boys joined in the first shift (about 150 Old Boys only). I do not know the reason for this. Maybe they felt that the ladies and Children would leave nothing for the second shift.

However, the Registrar SSKZM took charge of the situation and thus there was ample food for the second shift also at 1430 hrs.

The career guidance counselling by Alumni was next. This was not carried out as expected as some OBs who volunteered to help did not turn up!!

The final event of the Day was the Commemoration Meeting and the GURUVANDANAM wherein the Masters (Retired as well as Present) were honoured by the sponsoring batch (batches of 1974 and 1983). Trophies and cash prizes donated by OBASSKZM were also distributed. In addition, SBI donated computers as well as cash prizes to SSKZM. This was due to the efforts of Col (Retd) Abraham K George (1970 batch).

The Chief Guest for this function was Lt Gen Sreekumar. In addition, we had a surprise guest - the Honourable member of Parliament Shri PC Thomas. Shri PC Thomas in his brief speech kept the audience spell bound by his narration of stories of the initial years at Pangode and Kazhakootam. Lt Gen Sreekumar in his speech exhorted the cadets to do well in their careers after leaving SSKZM and promised all help from the Alumni for this. Speeches were also given by Col Ajit Kumar Principal and Capt Louis George, OBA President.The Vote of thanks was proposed by Cdr R Maroli, the newly elected Joint Secretary of OBA.

The function ended with tea and refreshments.

The OBA is thankful to Col Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM, Lt Col Thomas (Registrar), Shri Sarma (Senior Master) and all other members of teaching as well as non-teaching staff for the wonderful efforts put in to make the functions on 21.06.08 a grand success. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN. I am confident that this cooperation and Synergy between SSKZM and OBA would continue in the coming years also.

After the Old Boys' Day, I received an interesting feedback from a few families. They appreciated the efforts put in by all, OBA as well as SSKZM - like games for families , conducted tour, early lunch etc. However, they feel that there should be some organised programme (like GANAMELA) followed by dinner. This would be an occassion for Alumni to interact with each other and their families (and also to unwind after the running around at SSKZM the whole day).This need not be held at SSKZM. this could be held at Kazhakootam / Trivandrum.

May I request the sponsoring batch (1984 batch) to consider this event also whilst working out the Budget for sponsoring next year's OB Day (on Saturday 20 June 2009).

with warm regards,

Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972)
President, OBASSKZM

OBA Invitation 2008

The Principal, Members of Staff and Students of Sainik School, Kazhakootam invite you with family to attend the 39 th Reunion of Old Students (Samagamam 2008) at the School Campus on Saturday 21/06/2008

RSVP: Registrar, SSKZM
Phone: 0471 2418247
Mobile: 94951 51486

Revised visit programme to Sainik School Kazhakootam

Lt Gen SP Sreekumar, PVSM, AVSM, ADC SO-in-C & Senior Colonel Commandant
Chief Guest, 39th Reunion (Samagamam 2008)

0830h - Guard Of Honour Followed By Wreath Laying Ceremony
0840h - Homage To Sh VK Krishna Menon
0845h - Homage To Col NJ Nair AC, KC
0845h - 0855h Interaction with alumni
0900h - Inauguration of multimedia lab
0915h - Unveiling of Harshan memorial bust
0930h - Address to cadets and staff
1000h - Tea



39th REUNION PROGRAMME

0800h - Old students arrive in campus
0830h - Guard of Honour followed by Wreath Laying Ceremony
0900h - Inauguration of Multimedia Lab
0915h - Unveiling of Harshan Memorial Bust
1015h - Inauguration of Harshan Memorial Pavilion by Sh Radhakrishnan (Father of Capt HarshanR, AC (Posthumous)
1030-1230h - Festival Cricket Match
1130-1230h - Festival Basketball, Football and Volleyball matches
1030-1115h - Games for ladies and children
1115 to 1215h - Campus visit for ladies and children
1230h - Lunch for ladies and children
1245-1355 - Annual general Body Meeting
1400h - Lunch for Alumni, Masters & Class XIIth
1500-1600 - Career guidance for cadets
1630-1800h - Commemoration meeting & Guruvandanam
1830 - Departure of Alumni

39th Reunion Sponsored By 1974 & 1983 Batches
Harshan Memorial Pavilion Dedicated By 1997 Batch

Note:

1. School Bus to Thiruvananthapuram at 6.30 PM. Overnight accommodation is not available at SSKZM.
2. Registration fee for Alumni - Rs. 200/- (Rs. 50/- for Students who passed out after April 2003).
3. Please collect the OBA Badge from Registration Counters. Please wear the OBA Badge for all activities throughout the day.
4. Families are cordially invited.
5. Contribution to OBA/Students' aid funds will be accepted at the Registration Counters vide Cheque/DD/Cash (in favour of "OBASSKZM" payable at Trivandrum). Funds could also be transferred electronically to OBA account in advance.

OBA Awards - 2007 - part I

Following are the prizes given away during the commemoration meeting of OBA on 07/07/07. The prizes were given by Mr Raju Abraham (MLA) & Mrs. Ajit Kumar (W/O Principal, SSKZM). This post covers academic part, subsiquent posts will cover other awards.

Rank Holders

• Roll No:184 Maj PU Abraham Memorial Prize for first rank in Saink school entrance exam, Class VI - Roll No: 4715 Cdt. AKASH K R
• Roll No:447 Maj GS Satishchandran,SM Memorial prize for first rank in Saink school entrance exam Class IX - Roll No: 4728 Cdt. KIRAN V S
• Roll No:454 KA Latheef Memorial Prize for first rank in class VI 2006-2007 - Roll No: 4603 Cdt VISHNU DIVAKAR 592/600
• Roll No:444 Flt Lt S Vijya kumar Memorial prize for first rank in class VII 2006-2007 - Roll No: 4547 Cdt. HEMANTH P 588/600
• Roll No:437 Flt Lt G Padmakumar Memorial prize for first rank in class
  VIII 2006-2007 - Roll No: 4383 Cdt. SREERAJ S RAJEEV 635/650
• Roll No:1783 Prince Augustine Memorial Trophy and cash award of Rs. 400/- instituted by his classmates of 1987 batch for first rank in class IX 2006-2007 - Roll No: 4342 Cdt ADARSH MOHAN 516/550
• Roll No:304 Flt Cdt P Gopakumar Memorial Trophy & Roll No:1427 S. Gopakumar Memorial Cash award of Rs. 500/- Instituted by his classmates of 1983 batch for first rank in class XI 2006-2007 - Roll No: 4091 Cdt. DEEPAK SHARMA P 459/60
• Assam Regiment Trophy instituted by Roll No:168 Brig. NPK Kumar,VSM (Retd) & Roll No: 442/73 C. K. Vijayan Memorial award of Rs. 500 for Highest Rank Holder in Class X AISSE 2007 - Roll No: 4569 Cdt. JUSTIN JOSHUA 467/500
• Defence Minister`s Trophy instituted by late V. K. Krishna Menon, former Defence Minister of India & Roll No:442/73 C. K. Vijayan Memorial award of Rs. 1000 for Highest Rank Holder in Class XII AISSCE2007 - Roll No: 4271 Cdt. ANAND G KRISHNAN 451/500
• Kerala State Government Trophy & Roll No:890 Fg Offr B Shyam Kumar Memorial award of Rs. 1000 for Highest Rank Holder in the Entrance Examination for NDA 116th course, who joins the NDA in the first chance - Roll No: 3901 Cdt. MITHUN R

CBSE Subject wise endowments.

Class X AISSE 2007:
These prizes were given out of two endowments, to the students who obtain highest marks in various subjects in the AISSE:

1. In memory of Flt Cdt Varghese Cherian, Roll No:740, set up by his classmates of the 1976 batch
2. Endowment donated by late Lt Col BK Somaiah(Retd.) 1st Principal of SSKZM

• English: 4569 Cdt JUSTIN JOSHUA 90/100
• Hindi: 4569 Cdt JUSTIN JOSHUA 98/100
• Mathematics: 4173 Cdt ANUPAMA V KUMAR, 4501 Cdt SHAILESH JAYACHANDRAN, 4503 Cdt AVINASH STALIN 99/100
• Social Studies: 4484 Cdt JACOB JOHN, 4503 Cdt AVINASH STALIN 99/100
• General Science: 4182 Cdt JAYAKRISHNAN K V 94/100
• Malayalam: 4224 Cdt HARIKRISHNAN 97/100

Class XII AISSCE 2007
These prizes were given out of three endowments, to the students who obtain highest marks in various subjects in the AISSCE:

1. In memory of Flt Lt E Satish, Roll No:390, set up by his father Mr E Krishnan (Retd. Chief Engineer)
2. In memory of Smt.G M Subhalakshmi instituted by her son Late Mr. GM Chandrasekhar, Ex-Master, SSKZM
3. In memory of Roll No:442 C K Vijayan, set up his father Mr. P R Krishna Pillai

• English: 4054 Cdt VISHNU R C, 4061 Cdt ARUN A 95/100
• Mathematics: 4271 Cdt ANAND G KRISHNAN 97
• Physics: 4272 Cdt GEORGE THALEYATH 92
• Chemistry: 4272 Cdt GEORGE THALEYATH 92
• Biology: 3936 Cdt ALBIN KURIAKOSE 90
• Computer Science: 4271 Cdt ANAND G KRISHNAN 92

Special Prize for Mathematics
Late Sri. C.V. Sankaranarayanan(Ex-Master, Mathematics) memorial prize instituted by the batch of 1968.

1. Highest Marks in Mathematics Class X: 4173 Cdt ANUPAMA V KUMAR, 4501Cdt SHAILESH JAYACHANDRAN, 4503Cdt AVINASH STALIN
2. Highest Marks in Mathematics Class XI: 4091 Cdt. DEEPAK SHARMA

3. Highest Marks in Mathematics Class XII: 4271Cdt. ANAND G KRISHNAN

Minutes of meeting - 2nd OBA executive committee meeting

The second executive committee meeting of OBA was held at SSKZM on 30 Dec 2007.

The following Attended the meeting

From School

1. Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
2. Mr K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM.

OBA

1. Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972), President.
2. Dr Jayasankar R Warier (952 / 1980), General Secretary.
3. Mr G Jayakumar (892 / 1979), Treasurer
4. Mr Raj Kumar S (2569/1995). Joint Secretary
5. Mr U Thaju (1643/1986), EC Member (1986-90)
6. Mr P Premchandran Pillai (768 / 1977), Ex-General Secretary
7. Lt Colonel Rajesh K Nair (1039/1980), Ex- Registrar, SSKZM

The points discussed are as shown below

1. Welcome address by President OBASSKZM.
2. Address by Patron, OBASSKZM
3. Bust in honour of Late Captain Harshan, Ashok Chakra (2776 / 1997)
4. Students' Aid Fund
5. Pavilion Project of 1997 batch
6. OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day
7. Fees issue - contribution of State Govt. towards scholarships
8. Creation of blog
9. Any other points by the members

Welcome Address by President, OBA SSKZM

The meeting began by observing a minute's silence in memory of the dear departed Alumni. Thereafter, the President in his address thanked Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Mr K Rajendran and the OBA members for taking pains to be present for the EC meeting on a Sunday afternoon. The President informed that the OBA would continue to work in synergy with the School authorities for the development of the cadets.

Address by Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron,OBA SSKZM

The Principal briefed the gathering on the happenings at SSKZM. The following significant points were brought out:

1. Swimming Pool: The Swimming Pool construction though over; cannot still be utilised due to non-commissioning of the purifying plant and non -construction of the boundary wall. Without a proper boundary wall and a purifying plant, it would be unsafe to commission the Swimming Pool. Both these issues are being regularly taken up with the State Govt. The boundary wall would cost around Rs. 8.00 lakhs. The State Govt has not yet sanctioned funds for these
2. Computer Lab. A lecture hall has been converted into a Multi Media lab for use by the students. 36 networked computers with LCD projection systems etc will be housed in this hall with internet and digital display facility also provided. The computers promised during the visit of Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, the then Chief of the Army Staff during his visit to the School in Feb 2007 will also be housed in this hall
3. Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is functioning well. However, the proposal to construct an internet hub on the first floor has still not materialised due to lack of funding by the State Govt. In addition, the finishing touches to the Clock Tower are still awaited.
4. Annual Day / POP. All events like Annual Day / POP were well conducted. Alumni also participated in these events. The Principal was proud to mention that for the first time in the history of SSKZM, a girl cadet also took part in the Passing - Out - Parade. This is a great achievement for the School as well as for the Alumni, as the girl Cadet (Cadet Priyanka) is the daughter of Lt Col Rajesh K Nair, Ex-Registrar of SSKZM.

The agenda points were then taken up for discussions.

Bust in honour of Late Captain R Harshan (2776 / 1977) , AC by OBA SSKZM: The President intimated that a Bust of Late Captain R Harshan, AC could be installed in the second quadrangle of the School Main Building. The Principal kindly agreed to the request made by the OBAEC that the installation work should be taken up by SSKZM. Funding for this would be provided by the OBA. The work is expected to take about 6 to 8 months to complete at an approximate cost of Rs. 1.60 lakhs (inclusive of Bust and structure surrounding the Bust - similar to the existing Bust of Late Colonel NJC Nair, AC, KC in the first quadrangle). The President thanked the Principal for agreeing to take up this task.

Students' Aid Fund: The President intimated that the existing procedure of identifying SAF beneficiaries by the School Authorities was adequate. The amounts given to each cadet under this scheme was Rs. 1000/-. However, this could be enhanced on a case-to-case basis.

Pavilion Project 1997 batch: The President intimated that he is in regular touch with Mr. Sunil Jose Gregory (2731 / 1997) regarding the Pavilion Project. The present status is that fund collection drive from batch-mates is on in full swing. The construction activity is likely to be started in Feb 2007.

OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day: The President intimated that based on the feedback received from Alumni, the General format for conduct of the OB day would generally remain unchanged viz. Wreath laying, Cricket Match, GBM, Football / Basketball / Volleyball matches, Commemoration Meeting etc. The finer details like timing for the various events would be finalised in the next meeting. However, points brought out by Alumni like provision of Bottled water at vantage points, programmes for family members, more registration counters, counters for career guidance to be manned by Alumni from various fields etc. would be kept in mind for implementation during OB day 2008.

Fees issue - contribution of State Govt: Mr. Premchandran Pillai gave a briefing on the subject. The current rate of Tuition Fees is Rs. 40,180/- for all cadets. Of this, the Kerala State Government contributes only Rs. 14,000/- for a full scholarship holder. At present, a major part of this fees are utilised for payment of salary and pensions of the Staff. The Tuition Fees are expected to go up once the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations are implemented. It was the general opinion that the salary and pensions of the Staff should be paid either by the State Govt. or the Central Govt. The President intimated that the OBA would take up the matter at the appropriate forum at Delhi.

Creation of blog: The President informed that Mr. Raj Kumar (2569/1995), Joint Secretary has created a blog. Information could be posted on the blog by sending an E Mail to news@sskzm.org. The Principal also intimated that news items from SSKZM and photographs would be sent for inclusion. The President thanked the Principal for the same.

Any other points. Lt Col Rajesh Nair brought out the fact that there is a Master who retired prior to 1989 (i.e. before the pension scheme came into effect). He is not in receipt of any pension from SSKZM. Lt Col Rajesh was of the view that the OBA should consider giving a one - time grant to him as Gurudakshina. The President OBA requested the Principal to intimate how many Staff / Masters had retired prior to implementation of the pension scheme (indicating the date they joined SSKZM and the date they retired / resigned). The President opined that a decision on this point could be taken after the relevant information is obtained from SSKZM.

There being no other points the meeting was adjourned at 1730 hours.

Dr. Jayasankar R Warier, 952 / 1980
General Secretary, OBASSKZM
04 January 2008