NATCON 2012 - Thrissur

Article  by Jc Sakunthala

 Program: NATCON 2012 

 Venue:  Thrissur, Kerala

 Date :  26 – 30 Dec  2012

 Wednesday, 26Dec 2012

Our very trusted KSRTC Volvo Multi Axle  bus safely dropped us at the God’s own country in the  morning.   The Hotel which had been booked with the help of NATCON Accommodation committee was nearby.  The rooms are clean and functional.

In the afternoon, we left for Guruvayur.  We had darshan at Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple and Mamiyur Siva temple. We also visited the Elephant camp nearby which houses around 66 elephants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punnathurkotta

Thursday 27 Dec’ 2012 is the NATCON inaugural day which was planned to be inaugurated by Chief Minister of Kerala.

We reached the venue Lulu Convention Hall which is  the  biggest Convention Hall of India.  We were amazed by the structure, the arrangements, and cleanliness.  The main hall can house more than 3500 and there are various other small halls, huge open space all around.

We finished all the registration formalities and proceeded to the main Hall. We were welcomed with a very cooling fruit juice with the touch of Kerala.

 I can write pages and pages of the visual and audio treat we underwent.  I happened to come across a promotion Video on youtube. This video which was uploaded 12 months ago was example how meticulous their planning was. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKzjsj03EIo

We were treated with Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, Oppana and medlee of all these.

 

On Friday 28 December, various training programs were held.  Our team participated in the Public Speaking competition on the topic of “Growing Together”.  This event had 4 judges, a time keeper and this was conducted by Jc SaiPrasad Naik (ND –Programs). This was the most memorable 4 minutes and it just flew.    While preparing for this, I was wondering that we spend most of the times speaking and how and what I am going to speak in those 4 minutes.  Thanks to the preparations and  guidance  from kindred spirits, we all did well.

In the afternoon, we attended the training on “Ideal Parenting”  by Jc Dr C J Jeyachander,  Jc Dinesh Shaw and Jc Hiren Mehta.

There were also various fun events and interesting programs like “Mummy and Me”,   “Jaycee Prince and Princess” and “Jaycee King and Queen” which provided opportunities to showcase their creative talents for family members of the JCI members too.

OYP and TOBIP ceremony was held in the evening.  OYP- Outstanding Young Persons awards were given to

Dr. D. Ramkumar, Nominated by JCI Pondicherry

Umesh Tilak Yadave, Nominated by JCI Nagpur Star

Deepakkumar Chandrakanth Shah, Nominated by JCI Anand

Dr Arvind Gopalrao Kulkarni, Nominated by JCI Marine Lines

Vinay Kumar R, Nominated by JCI Bangalore Golden Metro

 

TOBIP – Three Outstanding Business/Industrialist/Professional awards were given to

Sanjay Kumar Jain, Nominated by JCI Kashi Darpan

Chandrasekar Maeilanandhan, Nominated by JCI Erode Cauvery

Sanil Joseph, Nominated by JCI Madurai 

Saturday, 29 December  morning  had  various  training programs “Spark your spectrum” by Jc M A S Menon, “Dare to Succeed” by Jc K R Dhanalakshmi.   Our team participated in the “Debating Championship event”.  This event was moderated once again by  Jc SaiPrasad Naik (ND –Programs) who made the event even more enjoyable with his remarks and summary in between.   The team from JCI Panchkula who spoke for “Girls are superior to boys” came out as the winners.

In parallel, the “Dance Dance” competition,  finals of  “Jaycee Prince and Princess” and “Jaycee King and Queen” were in progress.

Saturday, 29 December evening, we all eagerly waited for the Award nite.  When we reached the main hall, there were men and women in their finest attire. The air was filled with excitement and various awards were expected to be announced.

The top ten JCI Chapters-

Outstanding United Nations Millennium Development Program , 
Outstanding Project in the business area
Outstanding Community Development Program
Outstanding Public Relations Program
Outstanding Membership Development Program
Outstanding Individual Development Program
Outstanding National Program Award
Outstanding Jaycee Week Award
Outstanding LOM Bulletin Award
Outstanding Junior Jaycee Wing
Outstanding Jayceerette Wing
Outstanding New LOM
Outstanding LOM and many more ....

After the welcome speech, PNP JCI Sen. Adv. Vaman Kumar recognized all those who contributed to the success of NATCON.

The NTTS graduate certificates were distributed to the successful participants.  We are extremely glad to see our President Dr C J Jeyachander receiving his NTTS graduate certificate

The event continued with the honoring of the runner ups and winners of various JCI awards.

 

General Assembly   was getting conducted on all days to conduct the serious business on JCI 2013 action plan, NP report, discussion on proposals from various chapters on policy changes, NGB selection and so on.

My impressions:

All the  programs/events  were a feast to our visual and auditory senses.  Our Kinesthetic senses were taken care by the warmth of the Jaycees of Kerala.  They went one step ahead not to leave out the gustatory functions.   We were treated with the very best Veg and Non Veg Cuisines of Kerala.  These were arranged in separate spacious halls.  There were multiple counters and we hardly ever felt the rush of the crowd.   Every minute details was taken care to the extent even the hand washes were sufficient in numbers along with the hand wash liquids!

At no point, we remained thirsty.   The water dispensers were arranged in many places.   

The city of Thrissur is beautiful with lots of tress and traditional houses.  Overall, this was one of best conventions I have ever attended.    Expecting the NATCON 2013 to be even better and hope to see you all there.