A BRIEF SELF INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SELF INTRODUCTION

I was born in my tharavaadu (ancestral home), a Grand Old Kavannayil tharavaadu at Thelakkad, 12 km from the Perinthalmanna city, as the youngest of eight children’s of Kavannayil Cheriya Muhammed, an agriculturist, and Kottarayil Nafeesa, a housewife. I hail from mediocre peasant family. My Grandfather (Kavannayil Moidu) was a respected Landlord in our village. My Grand mother (Fathima w/o Moidu), was a saintly character, gentle and devout, and left a deep impress on my mind. I was born on 10 May (Friday) 1986 at half-past nine in the morning, but my relative, who accompanied me on my first day in school, did not know my actual date of birth, and arbitrarily chose 10 January 1985 for the records; later chose to let it remain official.

My Family

I had four sisters: Fathima, Jumaila, Mariya, and Sujeera and three brothers: Abdul Kadhar , Anwer Hussain, Muhammed Shareef.

A Story of Childhood Heart Problems

At first, my childhood was just like any other kid's. I went to school, played games at recess, and was just as active as any other child. Unfortunately, when I entered the fourth standard, I began to realize that it was becoming harder and harder to play the games with other kids. 

When I tried to run it was hard to breathe. When I tried to climb the stairs, I would wheeze. Just chasing my friends in the yard became a chore. My parents soon realized that there might be something wrong with me, so they took me to doctor. My doctor diagnosed me with childhood cardiac diseases; my life was never going to be the same. 

The Effects of Childhood Cardiac Diseases When I was first diagnosed I didn't think anything of it. I thought that just taking tabulates from my doctor would help me if I had problems breathing; unfortunately I was way off base. I was a kid and I didn't have the capacity to understand how serious my condition really was. 

I didn't understand that having childhood cardiac diseases was going to keep me from running and playing. I didn't understand that normal daily activities could kill me. I was truly ignorant of all the complications of my childhood diseases.   

Gradually, I was able to fully comprehend the enormity of my condition. I restricted myself to doing only the basic things, and I grew depressed because of it. 

Taking My Life Back From Childhood Diseases  Childhood diseases became my crutch. I used it as an excuse to stay indoors. I used it as excuse to not participate in PE. I used it as excuse to skip the prom and stay home. My disease was more life threatening than it was supposed to be, because I allowed it to slowly sucks the life from me. My friends began to leave me, and I became a loner. I stayed in my room and only left to eat. This situation had a great impact on my life. Some of my classmates and teachers at my schools and colleges have even asked me if there is something wrong, do I need to talk to somebody because I am such a quiet person, and I don't really have any close friends .Nobody try to understand me, but everybody blame me.  I used to (and sometimes still) feel like I should be apologizing for myself, but I'm starting to understand that quiet does not equal bad. A lot of people have imposed that belief on me, and to be honest. As a teen, others would have described me as an introvert.

In 23 January of 1996, my father died. I was devastated. He was the only one who had been there for me through my depression. It hit me then that I was using diseases, and my father, as a crutch to feed my depression.  

I had allowed my childhood diseases to rob me of my childhood, and I wasn't going to continue on that path to destruction.

I still remember that day; in 25 April of 2001 at 8.30 am I underwent a major cardiac surgery in AIMS Cochin, which helped me to erase my health problems. Thank god...

When people hear about childhood diseases, they only think about the physical problems associated with the disease. No one thinks about how mentally damaging it can be to a kid. 

If your child or the child of someone you love is diagnosed with diseases, make sure you find someone who can help them cope with the disease. Childhood diseases is not an excuse to give up on childhood, it is a reason to live your childhood fully. 

A CAMPHOR-SCENTED MEMORABILIA

January 23, 1996 morning I wake up by hearing a crying sound of my mother and our farm workers. At first I didn’t understand what’s the wrong with them is, but later, I received the horrible news that my father had past away.  I knew that my father was sick, and he unfortunately had two cardiac arrests. At the age of ten I lost my father and I became orphaned.

He died from heart attack and after it happend I saw, my mother tries so hard to have her family together. But unfoundedly when my father past away, I saw a cleavage in my family after his death. Although I was too young to remember why this happened, I still don’t know today my mom won’t speak of it. This is defiantly a time in my life that was easy to remember and I know I possibly couldn’t have made up. I know because I see pictures and my family talks about these events and because I feel like a part of me is missing.

The death of my father has had a major impact on my life and our family. He was a very loving father. He was a hard working man, raised his eight children in a much disciplined way. It was from here that I learned much of his punctuality. I will miss his delightful candor and will remember the wonderful times we had together. Miss you and love you always... Your loving son.

Alma Maters

I had my early schooling in Thelakkad at the Government Lower Primary School, Puthanpalli (where I enrolled on 14 May 1990) and Kappu Government UpperPrimary School, Kappu. I walked to school for about 2 kilometres daily through paddy fields, and was often unable to reach before time. I completed my Secondary (SSLC) and higher secondary schooling from Government Higher secondary School, Vettathur. Though conscientious I was a "mediocre student" and was excessively shy and timid. I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration degree from MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad and Master of Business Administration from Dr.GR.Damodran Academy of Management Coimbatore.

My First Love

Yes, I remember my first love -- like it was only yesterday. It has been so many years, but I still remember what she looked like and how much I loved her. To this day, when I feel a little melancholy, I find myself remembering her face and her name. That's pretty amazing since I am soon going to be celebrate silver jubilee in my life

Life at MES

The very first day I came to my college by bus......Expected ragging but nothing happened… I entered into the class…I took my seat on the last bench ........I m comfortable with that….. Totally three sections are there in the class.... Boys are the protectors sitting on the right end and on the left end ........On the middle, obviously it’s the girls but only five...I made my seat on the left end of the section.....perhaps it provides a complete view of the entire class.....I am not interested to mention anybodies name here….but…our HERO!! The man with big planning in all….our commerce Association representative…Our Class representative…our tour coordinator …our gossip man…KSU member…. Negotiator… and our Lolan ….yes our all in all….. He was a good friend to me .  I admired all those wonderful qualities that made him the special person that he was. He had intelligence, wit, charm and a caring heart that made him a great friend.. … His passing is a terrible tragedy for all of us who knew him. .... I will cherish his memory for years to come…

I completed my MES college life in 2008. Everything is change now, some friends gone abroad; some are busy with their family and job. Right now I am in touch with my college friends through social networking sites.

Life at GRDAM

I am an MBA now; my college life was officially over …. I don’t know whether to smile or to feel sad…. But I choose to be happy.  

It was great experience being here…. Two years…. I learnt many things…. Now when I look back I feel….the changes… It’s the similar feeling I had when I graduated two years back… how time changes and how life keeps on moving without a pause…. People come… people go…. We laugh we cry…. Some really low moments…. Some really high…. Life is so beautiful in its own way….

In my last 2 years of MBA I met many people…. I was attached to many…. And worked and enjoyed with everybody I came across…. I discovered a different me…. More self centered, bad and self indulged me… And I improved as well in terms of public speaking, organizing, interacting, and communication and so on… 

All I can now recall is that first presentation when I was shivering with stage fear…. That first self introduction for fresher’s day    … those events senior’s organized …

I have learnt very good problem handling skills and stress management….. How to meet deadlines … by completing a week long assignment overnight… All those group tasks which compelled us to stay up all night with our gtalk on…. All those frequent semester exams….

These two years of my life were really good… I know what I have learnt….. I can sense the changes in me… I met some really great people…. I would not name all of them here but yes my Operation Management professor, Dr.B. Sudhakar had a great impact on me…. I still miss his presence every time I achieve something….

My internship (main project) was like a turning point which gave me a very good exposure and learning experience and I really appreciate my project guide,  she was not just a guide  but also a strict teacher who taught us all aspects of projects ….and a lessons…. 

Apart from these two people….. I met many who contributed to my life in one or the other way…. I was encouraged, appreciated, criticized and discouraged time to time…. But it always added towards my learning and helped me to learn and become better with every step…. I experienced peer pressure along the way but it didn’t stop me on doing what is right. I avoided vices, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, in my whole stay in College. I never regret on avoiding them.

I would love to mention the names of people who were always there for me… whether we talk daily or not and those who were always there for me as a life supporting system…. But I’ll not because I don’t want to hurt anybody my skipping their name by mistake…. those who are special for me know this and understand this….

I feel that I am kind of detached soul…. But still I miss people from my past…. Places… time… memories… tears and smiles…. I can relate to everything I left behind…. And touchwood I feel blessed because whenever I look back I find my people standing there for me…

Now, I am going to start with my professional life… I just wish all my friends and acquaintances all the best for their future endeavors… I hope to stay connected with you all…. God Bless you….

Facts About Me

1.     I love talking about politics and psychology

2.    I cry when I am angry and sick any time

3.    I don’t eat beef

4.    I am surrounded by great and lovely people, but I don’t feel good at many times

5.    I spend hours to read about psychology

6.    I like daydreaming

7.    My mother is the closest person in my life to someone who really understands me

8.    I absolutely love pets

9.    My favorite color is black

10.  I’ve been addicted to internet browsing

11.  I’m often too quick to drop everything and move on… I miss some of the old friends I’ve had

12.  I’m generally a pretty quiet person

13.  I’m always looking for ways to improve my social networking WebPages… even if I’m completely happy with it at the time

14.  I’m the first in my family to attend a college

15.  I’m a bit of a nervous Nelly. I worry about so many things I can’t control which is frustrating

16.  I speak a little bit only because I am a little introvert  

17.  I am a strong supporter of women's and sexual minority’s rights

18.  Politically, I would categorize myself as a believer of Socialism Democracy Secularism

19.  My life ambitions are to start business under my father’s name and write a book about our family history

20. I don’t have a best friend

21.  I don’t like sport. I don’t watch or participate in any sports.

22. I never smocked and drink in my life

23. I like to love and care my friends who loves and care me….I am very possessive

24. I tend to get nervous when other people blame me

25. I have not had a girlfriend.  Not in school, not after graduation, not ever.

26. I have a difficult time trusting people, but once trust is earned, I’m loyal to a fault. Once trust is lost, however, I can cut you off cold

27. I have issues with self-confidence, based on past failures and I do have a tendency to over-think

28. Most of my favorite movies are nostalgia—things I recall watching when I was child

29. I believe in religion and god. But did not pray everyday

30. I love being alone, I hate crowds, I hate standing up in front of groups, and I hate partying with strangers.

MY FAMILY HISTORY

 MY LEGACY 

Prepared By

Shameer babu K

Email: shameer4babu@gmail.com

PREFACE

You are cordially invited to join me in an extraordinary journey through our family's history over the past 250 years. Our family has its origin in Kerala, Southern India, but within the past few decades its members are propelled over the oceans.

As I write these lines, I revere the memories of my father Muhammed, and grandmother Fathima, who instilled a pride in me about our ancient family from my childhood.  I could remember many of these things today because my mother, Nafeesa who had a great ability to remember dates and facts, and she used to repeat these stories again and again when I was a child. 

Our family is indebted to Kavannayil Moidu, who about 100 years ago, recorded many things about the Kavannayil  family and kept it for the progeny. We are also grateful to Kavannayil Enadi who collected the data on our present family members.

This is my small effort to keep my roots alive. I am searching for more documents to get further information. I will try to add it later. Additions and corrections will be required as members contribute more details.  So please write to me, your comments, suggestions, and corrections.

Thelakkad

In the olden days Perinthalmanna was the capital city of Valluvanad, a princely state ruled by Valluvakonathiris, a suspected branch of the Pallava dynasty of the ancient Tamil kingdoms. The members of the royal families are divided among them and living in four Kovilakams, viz.Aripra, Ayiranazi, Kadannamanna and Mankada. The Thelakkad and near places are comes under the rule of Ayiranazi Kovilakam.

 “A road to the Eastward strikes off from the former in Vengoor Dasum 4.5 miles from Angadippoorum, it meanders ESE by Kuppel Angady in Vellatoor Dasum, Passes through Alunellor and Kotapudeum Dasums,……….”  (A Descriptive Memoir of Malabar Page: 165-166 Chapter Ward and Conner, Published in 1906 by Govt of Kerala) It gives a clear picture of this area in 1824

 These places are governed by Nattu Mooppans (Local administrator), Akaayil Mammathan Mooppan (Other opinion Kalliyengal Avaran Mooppan ) governed this places in the later half of the 18th century. Unnipokkar was the Army chief of the Akayil Mammathan Mooppan, later he become the Mooppan of these places.  The places also witnessed few fight between Unnipokkar Mooppan and Unnikoru Mooppan from Farook regarding Kappu Juma Masjid debt issue. 

In recent days, Vettathur is a gramapanchayath in Perinthalmanna Thaluk it includes vettathur and karyavattam vllages. Including areas are kappu thelakkad mannarmala and Shanthapuram.

Origin of Kavannayil Tharavaad

Because of some Political and geographical reasons, many of Muslim families forced to migrate from costal regions like Thanoor, Vailathoor, Parappangadi, and Chaliyam to inlands by middle of 18th Century. So I believed our family was migrated from any of these costal places to Thelakkad, but there is no valid evidence to prove my argument.    

  

Though there is no authentic evidence available with regard to the origin of the family, there are some references to show, the members of the Grand Old Kavannayil tharavaadu are divided and living in four major tharavads from the neighboring places from the Thelakkad. They are Kavannayil  Ahammed Kutti Musliyar tharavaadu from Kulabu, Kavannayil Innitharikkaka tharavaadu (thayathiyil) from Thelakkad and Kavannayil Saidalikaka from Thelakkad and Kavannayil Moidu tharavadu from Thelakkad. All the four tharavaadu individually owned large areas of land properties; some families owned more than 100 Acers of land including paddy fields.  These four tharavaadu did agriculture and allied activities and everything went on smoothly until the implementation of the Land Reform Acts in Kerala, when the family lost most of its landed properties. With the passage of time the joint family system came to an end and partition took place in the families. This lead to the creation of a number of thaivazhis. The genesis of the family can be traced back to 250 years or even more.

The members of Kavannayil families are belonged to four Tharavadu , viz.

1.     Kavannayil Moidu’s tharavadu in Thelakkad.

2.     Kavannayil Saidalikaka’s tharavaadu in Thelakkad

3.     Kavannayil Innitharikkaka’s tharavaadu (thayathiyil) in Thelakkad 

4.     Kavannayil  Ahammed Kutti Musliyar’s tharavaadu in Kulabu,

(1) Kavannayil Moidu’s tharavadu in Thelakkad.

Kavannayil Moidu was born in 1842. He married Emmathunni. They lived in kavannayil tharavaadu in Thelakkad. They had two daughters,Beevikutti Umma and Fathima  and one son Endi. Kavannayil Moidu died on 23 May 1903 (Arabic Calendar: 25 Safar 1321) at 6 O’clock pm.  

 

(2)Kavannayil Saidalikaka’s tharavaadu in Thelakkad

Family Tree of Kavannayil Saidalikaka

(3)Kavannayil Innitharikkaka’s tharavaadu (thayathiyil) in Thelakkad 

Family Tree of Kavannayil Innitharikkaka

(4)Kavannayil  Ahammed Kutti Musliyar’s tharavaadu in Kulabu,

Family Tree of Kavannayil Ahammed Kutti Musliyar

My Ancestors

1st Generation

1.

Shameer babu.

Father:

2.

Muhammed.

Mother:

3.

Nafeesa.

2nd Generation (Parents)

2.

Muhammed. He married Nafeesa.

Father:

4.

Moidu.

Mother:

5.

Fathima.

3.

Nafeesa.

3rd Generation (Grandparents)

4.

Moidu. He married Fathima, daughter of Kunjali and Fathima.

5.

Fathima.

Father:

6.

Kunjali.

Mother:

7.

Fathima.

4th Generation (Great-grandparents)

6.

Kunjali. He married Fathima, daughter of Moidu and Emmathunni.

7.

Fathima.

Father:

8.

Moidu.

Mother:

9.

Emmathunni.

5th Generation (Great(2)-grandparents)

8.

Moidu. He married Emmathunni.

9.

Emmathunni.

Conclusion

I want to conclude this family history with a few words about my mother Kavannayil Nafeesa(whom we all called Ammayi), which I purposely reserved for the end. She is in large part responsible for whatever success the children of Kavannayil Cheriya  Muhammed and Nafeesa have achieved.

A quality of hers that I recognized was her ability to absolutely and truly forgive people without holding any ill will. I have come to realize (although too late in life for me to even attempt to practice it and benefit from it, in any case difficult to do) that this is a prime character feature that a lot of successful people have. I think this is one quality that makes almost everybody to like you, which is a prime ingredient for leadership and success. She practiced this flawlessly, and it came naturally to her.