The 5th edition of SSVM Institutions’ Transforming India Conclave was inaugurated today with a ‘Student First Obstacle Course Experience’, an outdoor activity designed to encourage students to overcome a series of obstacles and complete the course, under the theme ‘Flex Your Future’.
The activity aimed to enhance students’ flexibility and build their mental and physical strength. Manimekalai Mohan, Founder and Managing Trustee, flagged off the obstacle course in the presence of Mohandoss, Founder Trustee; Srisha Mohandoss, Director; and Nitin Jey, Director of Infrastructure. They also actively participated in the activity and motivated the students.
The three-day event will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with several eminent personalities from diverse fields sharing their insights and experiences with the students. The speakers include Air Commodore Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Indian astronaut; Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra; Ruturaj Gaikwad, Indian cricketer and Captain of Chennai Super Kings; Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Rukmini Vijayakumar; gastroenterologist Dr Pal Manickam; and several other outstanding achievers.
Making Children Flexible and Strong
-Manimekalai Mohan, Founder, SSVM
“Nowadays, students are not coming out to play. In my 30 years of experience, there was a time when students would play more, and we had to ask them to come inside and study. Now, the situation has changed, and we are forcing them to come out and play. To make them aware of the importance of fitness, this year’s conclave is being organised under the theme ‘Flex Your Future,’” shared Manimekalai Mohan.
The ‘Student First Obstacle Course Experience’ is designed to make children flexible and strong, while helping them understand their energy levels and assess how mentally and physically fit they are and how they can improve themselves. “It is a challenging fitness event,” she said.
Manimekalai Mohan added that the challenges in the ‘Student First Obstacle Course Experience’ are not easy and are, in fact, quite tough. “If students face these challenges now and learn to overcome them, they will be better prepared to face hardships in the future. They will learn to push themselves, overcome difficulties and understand how to achieve their goals in life,” she said.
She further said that, over the following two days, eminent personalities would be present to share their insights with the students. “They will not only speak to the students, but will also engage them in activities and workshops. This will help our children understand how these personalities reached greater heights, the challenges they faced along the way, and how they overcame them. The students will also be better prepared to face the challenges of life boldly,” she said.
“We bring great people to motivate our students to aim high and achieve their goals,” she added.
Keep Flexing Your Own Boundaries
Srisha Mohandoss, Director, SSVM
“This year, we chose this theme because it is the ultimate test of life, where students can discover where their real strength lies,” said Srisha.
Addressing the students, she said, “Just like these challenges, there will be moments in life when your courage is exhausted, and your mind tells you to give up. But you have to push yourself beyond your limits and keep flexing your own boundaries.”
“Whatever your age or stage of life, never stop exercising your body and mind. That is the true gift you can give yourself and your future generations. If you remain healthy in your 50s, 60s and 70s, you will not have to depend on anyone else. So, this is the age to start. Be ready to flex your future,” she encouraged.
