At a time when social activities have become more of a show-off, N M Fasal Varis, a 35-year-old English teacher at the Pookoya Thangal Memorial High School, Kodiyathur, stands apart. To Fasal social work is a passion.
As a token of appreciation for his commitment towards the society, the young teacher was bestowed with the Youth Award instituted by the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports recently. “I am married to social works, I find pleasure in it,” said Fazal, a native of Kanthapuram, Kozhikode.
“He is an inspiring teacher who does not like to showoff,” said PTM High School Head Teacher PS Leela. “I had heard of the award, but he never wanted to make it a talk-of-the-town at our school. Fazal is a wonderful guide who can be approached by any student at any time,” she added. Fasal became part of the youth club in 1998 immediately after completing his graduation. ‘Empower community in Kerala to counter Terrorism, Extremism and Communalism’, ‘Inter Religious Dialogue Meeting and Cultural Empowerment’ and ‘Network of youth for peace Building and to counter terrorism’ were the state-level programmes organised under the Young men’s club at Kanthapuram.
As part of their projects, nine state-level residential youth camps have been conducted in Kozhikode, Kottayam, Palakkad, Puthuppadi, Sulthan Bathery, Youth Hostel- Kozhikode, Chaliyam and Payyannur. Young Men’s Club Association is one among the 12 important organisations in the district recognised by the Sports Council of India. Under his supervision the club members have implemented many new schemes in the 10th ward of Unnikulam panchayat. Through the Haritha Gramam project they have distributed vegetable seeds and plants to drastically bring about a change in the farming culture of the natives. The club has also launched a website www.choyimadam.com for their ward members. A ward sabha was formed which meets once in a month to discuss the developmental activities in the region.
“I established around 10 voluntary organisations in our Unnikulam panchayat as I believe in the power of people united.” According to Fasal, the undying love for the world around is essential in social work. In the beginning I was an introvert, but my association with vibrant youngsters has changed my outlook,” adds Fasal.
The youth award comprising a cash award of Rs 40,000, a citation and a medal will be presented at a function that will be held in New Delhi in the first week of June.
Awards and accolades are not new to Fasal. His laudable efforts in social service made him eligible for the District Youth award of the Youth Welfare Board and Nehru Yuva Kendra in 2007. “Now I cannot think of a day without doing something for someone. And work becomes easier with my friends in our Young Men’s Sports Club,” he added.
