Minutes of the Meeting

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT, KOODU FOUNDATION

Minutes of the Meeting & GD: I

Date: 30 March 2025

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Mode: Google Meet

Attendees: 27

The meeting started with a welcome note by Arabhi, the Foundation’s Joint Secretary. S Syamlal, Foundation President, delivered an introductory note to the members. This was followed by a presentation by the Foundation Secretary & ARD Director, George Mathews, who introduced his Mission 100 Days Vision, structured into three phases to strengthen the foundation. His presentation covered aspects such as the organization’s strengths and challenges, organizational structure, action plan, and programmes across the three phases. Following this, discussions on various topics took place.

Decisions and Discussions

Expansion and Social Media Presence

Joel Mathew Jose, Asst. Professor, Wilson College, Mumbai, raised concerns about why the foundation has been deprioritized by some members. He suggested expanding the foundation beyond Kerala and shared ideas for increasing social media outreach.

Reply: The ARD Director recommended Jaimon D Jeason as the Social Media Manager and instructed him to form a social media team. George Mathews announced a strategic 100-day challenge to achieve 1K Instagram followers, setting clear milestones and engagement plans. He assured that the programs would extend beyond Kerala, ensuring that the foundation establishes a broader, impactful presence. He also proposed forming three groups with captains and vice captains, assigning CC members as facilitators to ensure active and sustained participation.

Drug Awareness and Volunteer Engagement

Sivapriya detailed various programmes related to drug awareness, including street plays, brochures, and documentaries. She suggested that each member bring in at least one new volunteer to address the shortage of committed volunteers. Additionally, she proposed fundraising through the sale of art and craft materials and stressed the importance of recording members' blood groups, for which she prepared and shared an Excel sheet.

Reply: Her ideas will not only be discussed in the CC but also integrated into the next phase of our action plan. The importance of volunteer engagement and sustainable fundraising will be prioritized, ensuring that these ideas translate into impactful initiatives.

Concerns About Responsibilities

President S Syamlal and Secretary George Mathews raised concerns about the lack of willingness among members to take up responsibilities.

Focus on College Students

Anukuttan suggested that the foundation should focus more on college students, and Arabhi reiterated the shortage of passionate volunteers.

Reply: The officials decided to conduct structured campus drives, developing targeted recruitment strategies to identify and nurture dedicated student volunteers.

Innovative Programme Execution and Mental Health Focus

·       Sanoop Namboothiri emphasized the need to make programmes more engaging and innovative, incorporating mental health perspectives. He also suggested fundraising through advertisements.

·       Jyothis proposed using cartoonist or troll-based designs for posters and brochures.

Reply: The ARD team had earlier initiated six brochures, and this initiative will now be further expanded to ensure greater outreach. Volunteers have complete creative freedom to experiment with innovative styles, ensuring that the content resonates with a diverse audience. The ideas from Sanoop and Jyothis were greatly appreciated, and the implementation phase will begin immediately.

Content Writing and Research Talks

Afnan expressed her willingness to contribute to content writing and suggested parental workshops, talks, and sessions. She also highlighted the need for research-oriented sessions.

Reply: Afnan has been officially inducted into the A&RD team, with a clear role in research content development and academic outreach. Joel Mathew Jose will lead structured research sessions, ensuring that members gain valuable academic insights.

Leadership in Research Talks

Research talks will be conducted under the leadership of Joel Mathew Jose, with a structured plan to enhance research-based engagement within the foundation.

Marketing Strategies and AI Integration

Alu Krishna, Director of Femella Foundation, shared ideas on new marketing strategies and suggested leveraging AI for better outreach. She also expressed her experiences in her administrative domains. 

Reply: George Mathews and Alu Krishna will initiate a collaborative framework between the Femella Foundation and the Koodu Foundation, exploring joint outreach initiatives. Possibilities of colloborating the Inter-School & Collegiate Quiz will be discussed. 

Need for Constant Digital Updation

Joel Mathew Jose and Jaimon D Jeason emphasized the necessity of continuous digital updates, ensuring the foundation remains visible and relevant in the digital space.

Website Updates

President S Syamlal appreciated ARD Director George Mathews for his timely updates on the foundation’s website, ensuring transparency and enhanced member engagement.

Closing Remarks

ARD Director George Mathews appreciated the tireless efforts of Arabhi R. for her effective and time-bound coordination of this meeting. Her commitment and dedication are simply outstanding, and in recognition of her contributions, she has been entrusted with the role of Assistant Director, Academic & Research Development at the Koodu Foundation. He also acknowledged her 100% dedication during her internship and now as the Joint Secretary, further reinforcing her significant role in the foundation’s growth.

He expressed his deepest happiness and gratitude to everyone for their active participation. He commended the efficiency, punctuality, and proactive approach of the CC members and interns, whose collective efforts continue to be instrumental in shaping the foundation’s success.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Akhila Nair, Vice President, and was adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Prepared by: Akhila Nair, Arabhi R & George Mathews