About Us - Our Profile

Kesavadev Road Residents’ Association is one of the largest in Trivandrum city  both by  size and extent. It stretches from the Decent Junction of Poojappura – Mudavanmukal Road to the Thrivikramangalam Junction of Kesavadev Road with over 400 families on either side. The panoramic beauty of this hillside with Mookkunnimala in the east is a heavenly feast for the eyes of any human soul. Situated in a green belt and surrounded by paddy fields and coconut groves, this area is known for its calm, quiet and clean  environment. Though 5km away from the heart of the city, the residents here enjoy all the facilities a city dweller is entitled to. Adequate supply of drinking water, proper maintenance of roads and bye-lanes, availability of public transportation, regular supply of electricity, faultless telephone service, streetlights, police beats etc are only a few of the urban benefits to cite. Kesavadev Road Residents’ Association (also known as KRRA) has been instrumental in bringing about an overall development in this area. It has successfully lived upto the expectations of its members for over a decade now.

1994 -  The Genesis

Mudavanmukal ward was known for the lack of adequate drinking water in those days. Cries for help from residents fell on the deaf ears of the authorities concerned. Drinking water was literally a scarce commodity. Days went on without a drop.  Even when supplied, it was hardly sufficient. Acute shortage of drinking water continued uncared for. The situation was so tense that people had to resort to demonstrations and blockage of roads. Water would be supplied in tankers, but not adequately and regularly. The pumping system was not capable of reaching water to the hilly areas. The area remained neglected. This scenario prompted the residents to form an association so as to be able to collectively call the attention of the unresponsive authorities who appeared to show no sympathy for the people of this part of the city. A public notice was served to all the residents on both the sides of Kesavadev Road requesting them to attend a meeting  scheduled to be held at the residence  of Shri K C Mathew on May 29, 1994. The response was encouraging and about 50 people came forward to attend the meeting.

The meeting  discussed the issues in depth and detail, resolved to stand united and decided to name the organization as  Kesavadev Road Residents’ Association  (KRRA for short). It also elected the following persons to its FIRST Executive Committee.

It is needles to say that the credit of what KRRA has achieved so far is also due to the founding members of  KRRA. While we gratefully acknowledge their enthusiastic initiatives and efforts, we pay our respectful homage to Mr. K C Mathew,  Lt Cdr K S Nair, Mr. K P Das and Adv K Viswanathan Nair who are no more with us. 

1995

The first annual general body of KRRA was held on 24 January 1995. The GB expressed profound grief over the unexpected demise of Patron Shri K C Mathew. It also unanimously decided that the existing executive committee should continue with Shri K P Das as the new patron.

On 12 November 1995 the Association was formally inaugurated by the then president of FRAT (Federation of Residents' Associations of Trivandrum) Shri S Krishnan Nair at a grand meeting chaired by KRRA's president  Adv K Viswanathan Nair.

The first cash award instituted by the Association for the student scoring the highest marks in the SSLC examination was given away to Kumari Shreeja Nair of KRRA - 9.

Following the acute water shortage being faced by the residents, the KRRA Executive Committee met the Irrigation Minister and submitted a memorandum to him. As there was no sign of any favourable action from the ministry, the Committee along with other people in the area under the leadership of the Councillors of Poojappura and Mudavanmukal wards staged a demonstration on 11 December 1995 to register our strong protest against the apathy shown by the authorities in the matter.

1996

With the same Committee in office under the presidentship of Adv K Viswanathan Nair, efforts were made to strengthen the Association.  Membership was enhanced but not as substantially as targeted.

The new executive committee entrusted Adv S Lathikadevi (Vice President) and Smt Padmini Varkey  (Member) with organizing the Women’s Wing (Vanitha Vedi) and  Shri B Gopakumar with organizing the Youth Wing (Yuvajana Vedi).

1997

The following office bearers led the Association in 1997.

Irregular and inadequate supply of drinking water continued and its scarcity became unbearable despite KRRA's incessant efforts and repeated representations to the authorities. Water was available only for a short span of time during nights. Residents had to depend upon the water conveyed in the Corporation tankers. KRRA went on pressing the authorities for a permanent solution.

The Association started participating in the activities of FRAT as well as in the Corporation's scheme of Janakeeyasoothranam introduced with a view to motivating and involving the citizens in the developmental  programmes of the Ward.

The membership of the Association increased to 91 from about 50.

1998

Campaign to increase the membership of the Association on a priority basis was undertaken. More residents responded and the membership was enhanced to about 250. 

Numbering of the houses was taken up. Each house was allotted a distinctive number regardless of the family being a member of KRRA.

Preparatory work for a Family Directory containing important information about the member families was commenced.

On account of Onam, competitions were organized in ‘Athappoo’ as well as arts and sports.  Prizes were awarded to the winners. The half-yearly general body witnessed a variety of entertainment programmes displayed by the talents of the Association for the first time.

As regards water problem, representatives of the Association actively took part in the meetings connected with the Augmentation Project of the  Kerala Water Authority.

In connexion with the mass protest and road blockage resorted to by the residents of Mudavanmukal and adjoining wards on 16 April 1998 to resolve the problem of drinking water KRRA members Shri K Devarajan Nair, Shri P Kunjunni Nair, Shri M Ashraf and Shri S Sanjeev Menon had to court arrest and be locked up in the police station.

Repair work of  Kesavadev road was completed by the State  Public Works Department and the road was made conveniently passable for vehicles.

A circular bus with 14 trips was introduced through Kesavadev road by the KSRTC.  This certainly alleviated the transportation problems faced by the residents of KRRA.

Shri P K Anup of KRRA-52 and Shri G S Unnikrishnan of KRRA-70 won the cash awards for the SSLC toppers.

1999

Drinking water scarcity was a curse. But it was solved to a great extent with the inauguration of  the Augmentation Project of Kerala Water Authority (KWA).

Many residents joined KRRA following the collective campaign of the committee. As a result the membership increased to 300.

All houses, irrespective of membership, were given KRRA number. This had caused a sense of belonging to KRRA for the families.

The Family Directory with the details of all the members of the family was published. Information about non-members was also included. A copy of the directory was supplied free to all the residents.

Vanithavedi and Yuvajanavedi extended their full cooperation in the activities of KRRA. Vanithavedi also provided financial assistance to a poor student.

KRRA contributed Rs.1051 towards the fund created for providing relief to the families that had suffered from natural calamities in Orissa.

A free medical camp was organized and it was  inaugurated by  the Worshipful Mayor of the City Corporation, Shri V Sivan Kutty. Local MLA Shri B Vijayakumar distributed Health Cards.

The Onam celebration was flagged off with usual competitions in various sports and arts events conducted for all the categories of participants.  Many prizes were won by the talented children of KRRA.

The half yearly general body meeting was accompanied by variety entertainment programmes in which many children participated with enthusiasm. 

During the public meeting, which was inaugurated by Dr Jothydev Kesavadev in the gracious presence of the chief guest Shri Jagathy Sreekumar, the famous cine actor, prizes and awards were given away to the winners. The cash award for the topper in the SSLC examination was bagged by Kumari L Remya of KRRA 223. 

2000 – 2001

In a bid to create assets and help the residents, KRRA purchased 75 plastic chairs with the amount collected from members as donations. They are being given on rent to members at very nominal charges. The Committee campaigned for more life memberships and raised it to 21. Present total membership was 291 which registered a slight fall in number owing to shifting of residences.

Six lectures were organized on different subjects of general interest, but of benefit to women and children in particular. The problem of low voltage at Kurattoor area was permanently solved with the help of KSEB. The Association made continued efforts to get all the lanes and sub-roads repaired and tarred through the City Corporation's Janakeeyasoothranam programmes.

KRRA cash award and MITE cash award (the first privately-sponsored award) were presented to the toppers of different examinations. Arts and sports competitions on account of Onam were conducted and the winners were presented with trophies. For the first time KRRA took part in the Flower Show and received various trophies.

A house journal under the name of “Dhwani” was published. A rented building for the office of KRRA was also opened during this period. 

2001 – 2002

The most conspicuous achievement of KRRA during this period was the construction of a new road. It was a proud moment for the Association to see the Thrivikramangalam – Methodu link road separating the residential area and the western paddy field.  Members, who were also the land owners, willingly surrendered over 50 cents of their property without any compensation. The City Corporation took over the work started by KRRA. The Ward Councillor showed special interest to ensure the completion of work in a record time of about 6 months. While inaugurating the road, the City Mayor eulogized the emulative attitude of our members and asserted that KRRA deserved to be recognized as a model Association.

The medical camp organized with the support of doctors of the PRS Pride was inaugurated by Shri B. Vijayakumar M L A.  Many patients were examined and supplied with free medicines. Some were picked for free cataract surgery, too. The camp which continued from morning till evening, was attended by people from adjoining areas as well. 

KRRA and privately-sponsored cash awards were presented to the academic toppers of various examinations. KRRA cash award went to Kumari Lakshmi of KRRA 292, who also had bagged the newly-sponsored Gopalakrishnanasari Smaraka Puraskaram. The MITE cash award was presented to two winners.

Onam celebrations were held and the associated competitions organized as usual. Numerous prizes were distributed to the winners. Lucky Dip was successfully conducted for fundraising.

KRRA actively took part in the cultural competitions held as ACV-FRAT FEST under the joint auspices of the FRAT and the ACV. Members of KRRA bagged seven prizes.

For the first time picnics and family tours were organized by the Yuvajana Vedi of KRRA. The year also witnessed members' enthusiastic participation in periodic talks on different topics.

The Association’s  ordinary membership rose to 319 and life membership to 24.

2002 – 2003

The most important decision during the period was to make all out efforts to have an own building for KRRA. The entire committee was in favour of the proposal and offered to look for a suitable site for the purpose.

For the first time KRRA calendar was printed and complimented to each resident. 

The Family Directory was revised and reprinted. A copy of the directory was supplied to each resident free of cost. The entire cost was met through sponsorships.

A Cancer Detection Camp was held under the auspices of the Vanitha Vedi. The literacy programme connected with the camp was found to be very useful, particularly to women.

A free medical camp was organized for ophthalmic problems including cataract.

The representatives of the Committee participated in the dharna held by FRAT to voice our strong protest against the government's move to hike electricity tariff.

Kumari A B Arya of KRRA-79 bagged the second prize in the Painting Competition held by FRAT.

Onam celebrations and competitions were organized as in the past. Winners of various arts and sports competitions were awarded trophies and certificates. Cine actress Mallika Sukumaran, poet Lalitha Lenin, professor R V G Menon, Doctor Jothy Dev eta adorned the dais at the half- yearly meeting at which various educational awards were presented to the academic toppers. Dr Jothy Dev offered to sponsor two awards of Rs.501 each to the toppers in Malayalam at SSLC and HSC levels. 

Memoranda to the PWD and the City Corporation were submitted for the urgent repair and maintenance work of Kesavadev Road and its bylanes respectively.

2003 – 2004

As earlier, Onam celebrations and connected competitions were successfully undertaken. At the half yearly meeting Smt Lalithambika Antharjanam IAS and Shri Krishna Poojappura, well known literary luminaries,  were KRRA's special guests. They honoured the awardees of educational and extra curricular excellence with trophies and certificates.

5 tables and 25 chairs made of plastic were added to the existing assets of KRRA.

The house journal Dhwani and the KRRA calendar were printed and supplied to all residents.

Free homoepathic medicines to prevent spread of Dengue fever were distributed to the  residents

Vanitha Vedi distributed free note books to the economically weak students of KRRA.

10 members of KRRA became beneficiaries of the government-subsidized wormy compost, a project under the 'Nagarathil Oru Naattinpuram" programme. Shri Mammen Thomas, an Assistant Director of the Agriculture Department of the Government of Kerala spoke on the need for promoting kitchen gardens in each family. He offered to help the interested members by all means.

Asianet Cable Vision's (ACV) "Janapadam" featured Kesavadev Road Residents' Association and its varied activities including the cultural programmes presented by the talented children and youth of the association.

2004 – 2005

This tenure of the Committee coincided with the tenth year of KRRA's successful existence. It therefore became desirable to celebrate the occasion. The most memorable activity during this period was to organize the decennial celebrations of Kesavadev Road Residents' Association in a befitting manner.

The public meeting held to mark the tenth anniversary of KRRA was inaugurated by Shri B Vijayakumar, the local MLA. Other dignitaries who adorned the dais included Dr A Sukumaran Nair, former Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Shri T S John, President of FRAT, Shri K Rajasekharan, the local Councillor and Smt Manju Pillai, a popular cine-serial actress.

Shri K Viswanathan Nair, Founder President and Patron, Shri K Bhaskara Pillai the seniormost male member of KRRA and Smt Valliyamma the seniormost female member of KRRA were honoured on the occasion by swaddling them.  Mementos were given away to our members Shri Renji Kuriakose, a noted journalist, Kum V Lakshmi, a medical student, and Shri M T Adarsh an engineering student in recognition of their achievements.

A special issue of 'Dhwani' was brought out as a souvenir on account of the tenth anniversary of KRRA.

KRRA's own and sponsored educational awards, totalling to 8,were distributed to the student toppers in various courses of study.  Prizes and certificates were also awarded to the talented winners of the  competitions held in connexion with the year's Onam. A newly-sponsored cash award named as MATHS Award "Mangalath Appreciation of the Topper in Higher Secondary Award" for Mathematics was introduced.

About a dozen participants from the Association participated in a Quiz Programme conducted by Amrita TV for telecast on their channel.

A housing assistance of Rs.20,000/- was made available to a member's sister from South Kerala Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, an international organisation engaged in eradicating poverty housing from the globe.

The thatched roof of the house, occupied by our member Smt Thanki, was replaced by tin sheets at a total cost of about Rs.10,000/-. This expenditure was met by an American well-wisher and the Committee members.

An amount of Rs.8,888/-, raised from among the general membership, was donated by KRRA for the rehabilitation work of the Tsunami victims of December 26,  2004 undertaken by Malayala Manorama, a leading vernacular daily in Kerala.

Note books were distributed free to about 60 economically weaker students of the Association.  This was solely undertaken by the Vanitha Vedi of KRRA.

A grand medical camp was organized under the joint auspices of P Kesavadev Trust and KRRA for the diabetic patients. The camp led by Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, a USA-trained Diabetologist was attended by about 300 patients from in and around our locality. Consultation, laboratory examination and medicine supply were free. The estimated cost was about Rs.17,000/- and was got sponsored by our life members Dr Jothydev Kesavadev and Shri U Mahesh Kumar.

Calendar for the year 2005 was complimented to each member, as usual.

Byelaws were amended to widen the scope of the welfare activities of the Association. Accordingly steps were initiated to proceed with the preparatory work for the commencement of a Welfare Cooperative Society for the benefit of members. Efforts to acquire land for KRRA building were renewed. The matter was taken up with the Kerala State Housing Board.

The tarring of Kesavadev Road was completed and the long suspended bus-services of KSRTC were re-introduced at the instance of KRRA and other well-wishers.

A variety entertainment programme staging a one-act play, featuring dance etc was conducted to mark the finale of the Decennial celebrations.

2005 (April to December)

Consequent on the byelaw amendment, the tenure of the Committee became two years and the working year of the Association became the calendar year. That is, the present Committee had only nine months during the first year of their term.

The most notable activity during this period was to write to the Kerala State Housing Board requesting them to consider allotting a piece of land for KRRA. The Board is understood to be inclined to take a favourable stand in this regard.

Arts, Sports and Games competitions on account of Onam - 2005 were held as usual. The interest evinced by members being unsatisfactory, it was decided to give Inspiration Prizes and certificates to all the participants who could not win any prizes. 

The Executive Committee resolved to send appeals to all overseas members soliciting their support for the Thatched Roof Replacement Project.

The Vanitha Vedi of KRRA announced a Cash Award of Rs.501/- to be given away to the topper in ICSE (Standard X) in the academic year 2004- 2005.

Another significant achievement of the Committee during its tenure in 2005 was its decision to campaign for "EYE DONATION" after the death of a person. Five members volunteered to posthumously donate their eyes.

Drafting the bylaws for the proposed Welfare Cooperative Society of our members was also an important initiative of the Committee in 2005. The draft prepared by the ad hoc committee constituted for the purpose was circulated among the members of the Committee for their suggestions and opinions for improvement.

2006

With the cash donations received from the members of the Association and the 'Vanithavedi' note books were distributed free to over 100 economically weak children of KRRA.  

Arts and Sports competitions with some new items were held for the families of KRRA on 14 and 17 September, 2006.

KRRA bagged numerous prizes and earned 76 points in the competitions during the RESIFEST conducted by FRAT (11th Zone). 

The Committee distributed Vegetable Kits, provided by the state government, at subsidized rates of price, to the interested KRRA residents on the 3rd of September.  

'ONAKKODI' or 'ONAPPUDAVA' sponsored by the well-wishers of KRRA was presented to each of the nine poor or physically weak elderly members.

Different teams of KRRA visited the residential premises in the area to ascertain whether a situation susceptible to the Chikun Gunya epidemic was prevailing anywhere in the locality. They educated the members about the need for keeping their surroundings always clean and for preventing the premises from being infested by mosquitoes. The teams also made the residents aware of the consequences of the diseases like Chikun Gunya, Dengue, Malaria etc  spread by mosquitoes. KRRA distributed preventive homoeo medicines to its members and to people from neighbourhoods. The Association also took up immediate cleaning of the roads and the drainage with the help and participation of its volunteer members.

2007

 In a bid to make Mudavanmukal ward free from cataract sufferers, a medical camp was conducted at Government Lower Primary School, Mudavanmukal under the joint auspices of the KRRA and the Trivandrum Metropolis Lions Club on January 07, 2007. From among the more than 250 patients who attended the camp 13 were provided with cataract surgery completely free of cost. Spectacles were made available at discounted prices to all those who needed them.

The AGM of KRRA was held at the Mudavanmukal Govt LPS on 21 January 2007. A new Executive Committee for the current year was elected. The public meeting that ensued was presided over by Shri A K Nair, President of KRRA and inaugurated by Shri Sivan Kutty, the local MLA. World-renowned magician Prof Gopinath Muthukad, local Councillors Smt Lekha and Shri K Rajasekharan, well-known diabetologist Dr Jothydev Kesavadev eta spoke on the occasion. Consent letters for the posthumous donation of eyes were received from KRRA volunteers and the new issue of KRRA's house magazine 'DHWANI' released. Various educational awards were given away to the academic toppers of KRRA. The audience were entertained by Prof Muthukad through his improvised magic feats as well as by KRRA's Arts Troupe through their dance, music etc

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