Rock and Roll –

Rock and Roll –

Paul V Mathew writes on the ASAP Annual Boots Camp

When heading through the leeward side of the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hills, no one would have thought of such splendid itineraries waits for them. Away from the official rigmaroles, the Annual Boots Camp of ASAP family offered all the luxuries to stretch muscles and storm brains.  Span around 600 acres, Green Valley Resort at Nelliyampathy was set with all the comforts of eco bounty. Amidst tranquility, people started feel the warmth of every blade of grass amidst the shola.

Broadly the training camp was aimed at facilitating the role of program managers (PMs) in the strategic planning and decision making process and to make them connected to the real spirit of the mission. Beyond, it was an endeavor to enhance organizational citizenship and team dynamics of ASAP Family. The games were designed to meet such specific objectives.

Find a breathing space, go beyond all the comfort zones, unleash your mind blogging thoughts and Rock and Roll at this valley, Kicked off the rendezvouses with a thought provoking address of Mr. Anil Prasad, Head-Life Long Learning, ASAP. The group stepped into the reinvigorating event of the day – ‘the idea challenge’ followed by a brief by Mr. Riyaz Mohammed, Head – Strategy. People sparked their brains over the twelve diverse themes of ASAP touching the entire gamut of present and future of the organization. Delving on the multitude aspects of ASAP’s strategic areas of intervention, teams rocked on the stage and filled the board with eureka cards. As an instrumental mechanism to strengthen pace and delivery of government schemes, the ‘Program Management Cadre of Kerala’ pinned as the most lauded idea of the camp.     ‘Aswamedham’-an activity to address co-ordination, delegation, organization and problem solving skills and ‘Spaghetti – Marshmallow Challenge’ to address skills in planning and team dynamics were also made the environment high spirited.

That was the much awaited moment going beyond all the conventional expectations. When all the specks of the wild dwelled their nests, that chilled night amused everyone with all the fascinations. The cultural extravaganza extending up to the midnight marked by the spectacular performance of ASAP cohorts. With all the rocking dances, thrilling folk songs, sarcastic dramas and disco jockey that tapestry were painted with elegance of rainbow colors. 

The day two was carried with a mix of physical and intellectual challenges.  Bridge – an eye opening activity to understand and overcome various communication obstacles in the organization thrown light into various areas of improvement.  Further, leaping over hurdles and walking through the dangerous edges of broken glasses filled the camp with all the adventures that dared everyone to walk an extra mile in this race.

Lo and behold, the concluding ceremony was the much exciting event of the Boots Camp. The enlightening words of Shri. KrishanaKumar, Principal, Polochirakkal HSS, Padagiri, Nelliyampathi; Smt. Leema Mettilda, ASAP Coordinator, GHSS Kanjikode, and Shri. Sherin S, SDE, GHSS Kizhakkanchery were invariably enough to prove the positive impact of ASAP in the society. Keeping the confidence of ASAP family at an elevated position Dr. Reju M T IAS eulogized efforts of program managers to sustain the momentum of the project always high. He reiterated that Self-monitoring and Self-motivation are the key to keep it throughout. It is our grand effort helped to reach a political and media concise on ASAP as a scheme to continue. The government has a great believe in the strength of ASAP and its quality human resource. Further, he reiterated the commitment of government to foster the management cadre of the state from ASAP.

The vocational education department revised its age old curriculum after witnessing the speed and pace of the expansion of ASAP.  Central as well as different states closely follow ASAP to know the progress in skilling. It was also heartening to see that the National Education Policy finds space for Kerala suggestions as the key points in its policy document.
SEEK'15, ASAP Convocation Ceremony and Community Skill Parks gave us substantial space to reach out. Dr. Reju concluded. He gave away awards to best performers

While walking away from the venue, the team had lots of valuable moments to carry along with. Let this long cherished memories make us to move always.

Published in the ASAP Journal Skillets, June Edition