Venue:- Melmana Gardens, Ooramana

Date & Time :- 22/02/2026 4PM to 6PM

Theme: Wellness and Fitness

Keynote Speaker: Mr Jacob Joy, Wellness Expert and Internationally sought after chocolatier , the creative mind behind Jacobys Chocolates.

Kick-Off

The meeting started at 4 PM with Rev. Thomas Paul Ramban in the presidential chair. Self-introduction of participants followed.

Welcome

The gathering was welcomed by Dr K.M . George, the Secretary General. He has specially accorded a warm welcome to Rev. Thomas Paul Ramban, the President,
Rev. Dr. Abraham Mulamootiil (the co-patron of SDF & GMF)  , Mr. Jacob Joy , the keynote speaker.,Rev. Dr. Abin Abraham who  introduced the keynote speaker and Dr P.O. Abraham, the Ex. Secretary. He narrated in brief about the genesis, growth and functioning of the organisation and underscored it’s moto ie:- “To know and proclaim and not to argue and win”. Moreover, he made clear that the organisation is purely non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian.

Presidential Address

In his presidential address Rev. Thomas Paul Ramban drew our attention to the changing local scenario, and the need to focus on changes of development citing the example of a vehicle which is not maintained properly. He has reminded us of maintaining, our health. Our thinking process should be directed in such a way as to know the current happenings in the world around us. He concluded his words with his warm relations with Mr Jacob Joy and especially with his father and grandfather.

Inaugural Address

Rev. Dr. Abraham Mulamoottil in his inaugural address stressed the importance of a scientific approach to wellness, health and AI. About 70,000 years ago organisms belonging to the species homo sapiens started to form elaborate structures called culture. The subsequent development of the cultures is called history.

Three important revolutions shaped the course of history. The cognitive revolution kick started about 70,000 years ago. Agriculture revolution started about 12,000 years ago.  The scientific revolution got under way only 500 years ago. Humans have extra ordinary large 0brains compared to other animals. Modern sapiens have a brain averaging 1200-1400—cubic centimetres while the other animals have an average brain size of 200 cubic centimetres. The gigantic brain size enables the humans for the process of thinking. Humans are the only species who have that capacity to recollect the past, think of the present and to an extend predict the future. The thinking process keeps our brain active and healthy. This always awaken us to think that we are thinking. In other words, we should not develop complexities. Instead, we have to develop consciousness. The next generation is going to be Ai connected where we have to be very cautious about the development of mind and brain.  So, brain exercise like reading etc is very essential to keep the brain active and functioning.

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

The keynote speaker Mr Jacob Joy was introduced by Rev. Dr. Abin Abraham in an elaborate manner , Stressing his various qualities like consistency,entrepreneurship, creative thinking, self-stimulus attitude, presentation ability and enduring cyclist.

Keynote Address Summary

Mr Jacob Joy started his speech with an emphasis on the need for a shift from “noise to nuance” for gaining true and long-lasting wellness. (physical and mental) which will provide clarity and endurance.

His entire speech was mainly based on his personal experience in life especially from the angle of wellness and fitness. “There is nothing more important than attitude and it is your choice”

In 2022, he and three friends cycled from London to Edinburgh without difficulty, arriving early but ending their ride there despite having five hours remaining and favourable conditions.  After 2 days he started questioning himself as to why he as the lead took that decision which was wrong and at the wrong time. The inspired him to take up a future challenge.

Fitness

He is of the opinion that physical exercises for fitness should be a habit. On mental and physical wellness, he shared his experience of a cycle ride to North cape covering 4200 kms in 22 days, the toughest cycle ride in the world and they were the 2^nd team from India to finish it. They were only given information about the starting and finishing points and stampingng at 4 points in a card by the sponsor. All other amenities like food, shelter, repair of cycle etc. had to be managed by the riders. It was a vey difficult terrain with 20% incline. They had sleepless nights, muddy roads and various other hazards, He says we need to have a very high mental alertness to overcome all the hazards, rather than physical fitness. They managed to tide over the situation with the help of a computer and camera fitted in front of their cycle. On the 3^rd day he felt washed out and resorted to meditation to clear the blankness. Then he started to think different, a positive way, and he was convinced that it was a habit rather than accomplishment.

He could identify that the failure in the first attempt was the stepping stone for his further success. He stressed the importance of making exercise a habit as any break to it will lead to inflexibility. For this he was narrating his practice of rides to Munnar, Wagamon, Kuthiran and back. For his craze for cycle, he attributed that to his ride to college on cycle provided by his father was the inspiration for the option.

Environment

For the success of any activity, the support and inspiration of the people around you is important. According to principles of genetics, expression of a character or trait is the combination of heredity and environment. He was disclosing his experience from his trusted group of friends who sent him videos of songs during his ride time when he was very much tired. He specially mentioned about the support from his father at all times reminding him of the responsibility also

Food

70 to 80 gms of carbohydrate per hr. along with water and electrolytes are required during ride. Gel which can release instant energy is considered to be a safe item during ride.

Shift from Pyarry to Jacobys

He was not happy with the recipe provided by the Pyarry company and he sought clarification. Instead of a satisfactory explanation, he was treated with disrespect. Following that he secured a diploma in chocolate technology from Germany and that was followed with an apology from them in a meeting after.

Power of Democratization

Once a girl studying in 4th  standard asked him why dark chocolate is superior and how much should one consume a day. For jhim the clarity of mind of the kid impressed him. This shows the power of democratising. We get idea from all quarters.

He narrated about the start of a consultancy named “Challenging Cultino”. This is an enterprise for consultation and problem solving for companies. The problems from companies are passed on to students of educational institutions and the feed back received are many a times surprisingly effective showing the power of democratization.

Mindset

Always try to learn to accept. Even small children can contribute substantially.

Authenticity

Ability to substantiate. He was narrating his experience of a batch mate in a training course who was 72 yrs old. Again, they are planning a ride from Mangalore to Ooty (1000 kms) during December in which they will be celebrating the birthday of a 80 yr old co-rider.

The mental alertness of the 80yr old is commendable and if possible imitable.  They are planning a ride to Morocco where in the 80yr old has also showed interest to participate.

Intersession

 The audience were relaxed and enjoyed by the melody from the versatile singer Mr. Job Pottas.

Interactive Session

A very interesting interactive session ensued and all the speakers who took part in the session were all praise for the keynote speaker for his exemplary and unique way of presentation and all were inspired irrespective of age.

Points to take home and vote of Thanks

The Executive Secretary.

Dr P. O.Abraham delivered the Vote of Thanks and concluded with the take home points.

The meeting concluded at 6 PM.

Dr P.O Abraham.
Executive Secretary