Jan – Mar 2015

Volume 1, Issue 1

MAALA -

VARTHAMANAM

Published by

Malayalee Association

of Lansing, MI.

Contact:

Maalaorg@gmail.com

MAALA 2015 Executive Board

George Varughese –

President

Sunil Devasia -

Secretary

Jino Baby –

Treasurer

Aysel Praveen

Fenobin Mathew

Srijith Sudhakaran

Shoj M Rajan

Individual

Highlights:

2015 Events 2

Event Gallery 3

Felicitations 4

Creative Corner 5

Kitchen Corner 6

Contest Time 8

Beloved Maala Family

members,

Wishing you all a happy

spring and lovely year ahead

We have had a wonderful

start to the year with our

medical camp and would like

to thank everyone for their

participation and collective

efforts at making this a

success.

We are currently updating our

website and other social media

sites to help use it to engage

our community and keep them

President’s Message

Recap

"When does the Spring start in your state?” teacher asks to a group of students who are gathered there from different states. "March 20" a student from NY said. That had been echoed by a few students from different states. But there was a different sound from a corner that said "I don't know". The teacher got excited and asked him, "Don't you know? Why?” The student replied, “I am from Michigan, we don't know when it starts". It seems accurate as we are still waiting for the officially started Spring to reach Michigan. So first of all, we wish the much awaited Spring to reach Lansing early so that you can enjoy the rest of the season. But the winter was so exciting for MAALA. We

close to each other. We also

hope to tap the energy that

our youth and kids and

adults have through various

activities planned this year.

With the help of these

activities we would like to

enrich the knowledge and

heritage of our community to

a better tomorrow.

This newsletter is a stepping

stone in that direction. We

hope to use this as an

opportunity to share the

talents and creative abilities

of members among all age

groups.

We like to extend special

gratitude to the creative efforts

of Jino Baby for bringing our

ideas and thoughts so

beautifully to paper in this

newsletter

Our Maala team promises to

work hard to keep up to the

modest goals and we humbly

request your continued help

and support.

Thanking you,

George Varughese

had a super Kick-Off

event, achievements and applauds from around the corner of Lansing. We have seen our MAALA women's throw ball team win the LTS throw ball tournament. Men's volleyball team reached the Semifinal of LTS volleyball tournament. Congrats to both teams and all the best for upcoming tournaments in 2015. Do you think, MAALA women, boys and girls are bound to the boundary of MAALA? If you think yes, you are at the wrong part. "Black Illusions" and "Disco Diwane" performed by MAALA women and Boys & Girls respectively, got a loud round of applause from all across the corner of ICS event that was held on March 14th. Kudos to each

member in the team and

we are waiting to see your talent to break the boundary of Lansing and reach unlimited.

"We need to conduct this kind of programs once in a while. It is too worth". That is what we have heard people saying after the MAALA 2015 Kick-Off event (Medical Camp). Congrats to the whole team behind and on the screen. Now you may be saying "Please wind up. It is more than a lot ;) ". Yes, so let’s carry forward this momentum to the remaining part of 2015 and let’s break this shell and spread the name of MAALA across Lansing and MI. Wishing you and family a beautiful Spring (If it reaches MI) - From MAALA Board committee.

MAALA - VARTHAMANAM Page 2 of 9

MAALA welcomes new members

Vineeth Joyson & Elyne George

Cibin Sam & Ashna Thayil John

Sanju & Sija

New Members

Diya Mathew (12/07/2014)

daughter of Sojo Alex & Finny

Mathew.

Our hearty congratulations to the proud

Parents

Newborn

We’ll be on the Web soon!

See us at:

www.maalamichigan.org

MAALA 2015 Events

Event

Medical Meet

Easter / Vishu Program

Picnic

Volley Ball / throw ball Tournament

Blood Drive

Onam Celebration

Christmas

Date

03/11/2015

05/02/2015

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

Venue

East Lansing Community Center

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

M AALA - VARTHAMANAM

Page 3 of 9

EVENT GALLARY

Medical Meet Videos

George Varughese

Topic: - Basic life support, AED, choking.

YouTube URL:

http://youtu.be/3yn6xAuQl50

Shaji John

Topic: - Work ergonomics

YouTube URL:-

http://youtu.be/ywSy3gK79TU

Ancy Andrews

Topic: - Nutrition, Reading food labels

YouTube URL:-

http://youtu.be/HfWwUDFlMW4

Smitha Varkey Topic: - Hypertension, Diabetes, HLD YouTube URL:-

http://youtu.be/VKJOTW8UeuY

Jisha Stanley

Topic: - Prevention and screening, Stress, Excercise & Healthy living

YouTube URL:-

http://youtu.be/X-J3i4Ub5I4

If anyone interested to

receive medical meet

PowerPoint presentation

files, please contact @

maalaorg@gmail.com

MAALA - VARTHAMANAM Page 4 of 9

FELICITATIONS

ICS 2015 Dance Participants

LTS Throw ball winners

LTS Volleyball participants

Disco Diwane – Bollywood Dance

Medley

Black Illusions – Semi Classical Dance

M AALA - VARTHAMANAM

Page 5 of 9

CREATIVE CORNER

The Sun

You rise the day,

I rise my eyes,

We come together and play,

If you don’t come,

I will be in the dark,

Please come everyday.

By Sandra Nair

Picture: By Sistine Muringathery

Picture: By Shreya Sanal

"Free"

They said “I couldn't be me”

So I said "So I can't be me?"

They said "No"

and I said "Oh"

and I tried not to be me.

By Jessica Manjasseril

participants

MAALA - VARTHAMANAM Page 6 of 9

KITCHEN CORNER

Spicy Red Chilli Masala Goat

Method:

———

1. In large mixing bowl, add all the marinade ingredients and mix well, so that all the meat is well coated for

about 2 hours or overnight to get the best result; I did overnight.

2. The next day, in a spice grinder add all the spice powder ingredients and coarsel powder the spices and add

these to the marinade.

3. Now add the marinade ingredients with the meat in a pressure cooker, and a little bit of water (1/2 cup) and

pressure cook it for 1-2 two whistles on medium high flame, then later reduce the heat to medium low and cook it

for about 10 minutes or until the meat is cooked well.

4. In the meantime, in a large skillet pan, add oil, when it’s hot enough, add bay leaf and let it sit for few seconds

until you can smell the aroma.

5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell is gone. Add the onions and sauté it

until golden brown.

6. Meanwhile the pressure cooker pressure is released.

7. Now add the potatoes to the onions in the pan, and cover and cook it for about 2 minutes.

8. Now open the cooker and add the meat cooked water to the potatoes and onions in the pan, and cook on high

flame until the water is absorbed almost 3/4th.

9. Now add the cooked meat and tomatoes, mix it well and cook it until it is nicely sauted and kind of dry.

10. Add garam masala powder and cook it for more few minutes.

11. Garnish with chopped cilantro. I served this meat with Masoor / Red Lentil Patli Dal and steamed rice.

You can also serve it with roti.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 1 Hr

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1-2 Red Onions sliced

2-4 Red Skin Baby Potatoes

2 Large Tomatoes quartered

1 Tsp Garam Masala Powder

1 Sprig Mint Leaves

Marinade for Goat/Mutton:

3-4 Lbs Goat/Mutton

15-20 Dry Red Chilies

2 Tbsp Yogurt

1+1 Tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

2 Tsp Spanish Chili / Paprika / Kashmiri Red Chili powder

Salt to taste Spice Powder:

3 Green Cardamom

5-8 Cloves

1-1/2 inch Cinnamon Stick

1 tsp Black Pepper Powder

1 tsp Fennel Seeds

2 tsp Cumin seeds

M AALA - VARTHAMANAM

Page 7 of 9

Chess was invented in India.

The number system was invented in India. Aryabhatta

was the scientist who invented the digit Zero.

Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher

languages. This is because it is the most precise and

therefore suitable language for computer software (A

report in Forbes magazine, July 1987).

Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India.

India is the world’s largest democracy

The World’s first university was established in

Takshashila in 700 BC.

INDIA – SOME AMAZING FACTS!

Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine

known to mankind. Charaka, the father of

medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2,500 years

ago.

The place value system, the decimal system was

developed in India in 100 BC.

India is one of the few countries in the World,

which gained independence without violence.

Aren’t you proud to be an Indian?

Source: http://www.nriol.com/info/amazingindia.asp

MAALA - VARTHAMANAM Page 8 of 9

Rules and Conditions

Eligible for children below the age of 15.

All entries should reach us by April 30th 2015.

All entries should be sent via email to Maalaorg@gmail.com

Include the participants’ name, age, school and grade in the email.

Only one winner will be chosen, MAALA board’s decision is final.

Winner will be notified by email and will be published in the next

newsletter.

Go get your pen and paper… Get your creative mind to work…

Grand Prize: One Pizza Hut Coupon

In no more than 50 words complete this sentence:

I love India because …

Today’s children are tomorrow’s future. They need encouragement and stimulation to

foster self-belief, curiosity and creativity. In the forthcoming issues, we shall set up a

dynamic and interactive environment by running competitions in various disciplines to

promote just this. We need family sponsors for these competitions. We are not asking

much. Sponsorship can be in the form of any of the below mentioned:

Cash (up to $10)

Books

Movie Tickets for 2

Prepaid Coupons for Pizza, Fast Food etc.

Gift Certificates

Help Us, Help Your Children, Help Tomorrow’s Future…

“Today’s children are

tomorrow’s future.”

Contest Time!!!!

GIRIJA’S DAY CARE

2346 GRAYSTONE DR

OKEMOS, MI.48864

5173473229

With Best Wishes

From

If you want to place your ad here please contact @ maalaorg@gmail.com

M AALA - VARTHAMANAM

Page 9 of 9

Your support is the back-bone of MAALA. So we would kindly request you to come forward and take the MAALA membership for 2015. Membership fee is $25.00 for the entire year. This helps MAALA to recognize you as an active member of MAALA as well as it supports the financial need of it too. You can contact Jino Baby (MAALA Treasurer) @ maalaorg@gmail.com to make this possible. "Muchas gracias!!”

For Publication in MAALA Varthamanam …

Short Stories

Poems

Biographies

Painting/Drawing

Articles Wanted!

Essays

Recipes

Household/Health Tips

Please email it to maalaorg@gmail.com

Household Tips

Recycling Tips:

Whether you are at home, school or work, don't waste paper. Using both sides is a great way to save.

Donate unwanted clothes, toys, or household goods to a charitable organization or homeless shelter.

When shopping, take your own reusable shopping bags. If you need to use the stores paper or plastic bags, reuse them when you go back to the store or use them as trash can liners.

Buy in bulk whenever possible. It eliminates packaging waste and can save you money.

Use an old shower curtain as a drop cloth when painting or as a ground sheet for camping.

Make a list and buy only what you really need when you shop. Remember, perishable food ends up as waste in our landfills.

Membership Fee