People

A Woman of Endearment – Uma Preman

Published

3 years ago

August 20, 2021

During her frequent visits to the hospital, with her husband who had to undergo various treatments and surgeries due to his bad health condition, Uma Preman found out that the patients, who visited the doctors, were not given proper medical care. They were not given proper information about their health conditions, and were made to come back after a year for the next check-up. These poor souls would believe the doctor and would go back. The treatment that the patient needs in the beginning will not be given, hence their health deteriorates and they end up being in a worse condition. On top of the files that reach the doctor, especially of poor patients, ‘Financially Weak’ will be penned down. Hence no further communication will be there between the patient and the doctor.

This is what was happening from the year of 1989 to 1991. Seeing all these atrocities happening at the hospitals, Uma took a decision to help these poor souls from this trap and serve them with better medical care and proper medical information. Her motive was to bridge the gap between the doctor and the patient, and to help the patient know everything that was needed about his/her condition. Hence, ‘Santhi Medical Information Center’, came into existence.

Santhi Medical Information Center was her first establishment, where medical information was given to the needy. When a patient visits this center with their health problem, experts give proper information about what should be done next, like various tests or medications that need to be taken. Thus, the patients will not get cheated on, and they will be fully aware of what is happening to them. After this medical center, she established 20 dialysis units. This was a preventive method, for patients who have kidney failures to not slip into any serious stages like uremia or ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease). Thus, Uma Preman became an ‘Angel of life’, for many poor and the needy. Her journey of donating an organ to an orphan, in the year of 1999, is a very interesting story. During her visit to various places in India, to find hospitals that would help these poor patients, she met Salil. He was a 24-year-old renal patient from Kottappady and if he was to live, he required a kidney transplant. When this boy told her that he needed help, and was waiting for a donor, without a second thought, Uma decided to offer her kidney to Salil. Hence, she gave a chance for a man to live.

She then moved to Attapady, a village in Palakkad, and began a new initiative “Santhi Gramam Attapady”. There were no basic amenities for the tribal. She went there to build toilets. However, she soon realized that their issues were not confined to lack of bathrooms. Then she made plans to improve the nutritional status of tribal women. Uma started preparing nutritious food for them and ensured that they have the necessary sanitary hygiene and information about it. And then she understood the quality of education is not there for the children, in fact there wasn’t a proper education system. Hence “APJ Abdul Kalam Tribal residential school” came into existence. This helps all the children of that community to gain access to proper quality education. So, in this school, each student has a mentor who provides Rs.5000 a month. “We create a space where the child and the sponsor can be in contact. We do this for the sole purpose that when this child grows up and leads a good life, he/she should help other under privileged children to have a better life like them”.

“For awareness purposes, the school screens short films that are of 5 min duration which talk about topics like water conservation, deforestation etc, or films that have great morals in the end. These are screened in different languages with subtitles which help them achieve moral values. Also, the tribal students have their own dance forms and music, which we make them practice. Thus, we help them keep their own traditional values intact and provide them with quality education.”- Uma says.

Currently Uma Preman is in Arunachal Pradesh, constructing prefabricated 50 angan wadis. The people were only given Rs 2 lakhs as funding. No one is helping them with the construction. The construction team says that they need a minimum of 5 lakhs to build this.But this Wonder woman, broke all the chains of excuses, and has built 22 angan wadis till now with this budget and the rest is still under construction. “My dream, is to build one school in every tribal area, in 28 states like the APJ Abdul Kalam Tribal residential school. I am very sure that I can do it. My ambition is to create a tribal university in Attappady and an IT park. There are so many dropouts in that area. Many students have different skills, like web designing, animation etc. So, if proper training is given to them, they all can work in this IT park. A Sports Academy is also a dream of mine. There are many children in the tribal areas, who can bring us Gold, by representing our country in the Olympics. But they do not have proper training facilities or a ground. I want to provide that to them.”- she says.

“My only investment is love. I do everything without expecting anything in return. Rather than sitting idly and thinking or commenting about all the atrocities happening in the world, I want to get down there and execute all the necessary things needed to prevent them. We all can do anything that we want. There is no specific group or any specific person, who only has the power to do it. If we spread kindness and love, it keeps on spreading to everyone around us. So be kind, spread love, help people around you, and we all can make this world a better place to live in”- She ended with a smile.

Words by: Malavika Venugopalan

Spotlight

Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

Published

2 months ago

March 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira.

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.

Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

Published

2 months ago

March 12, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.