Spread Love

During school days it is normal to tease and bully our friends or classmates. Some of us will take it lightly, but for some it might affect them emotionally and mentally. The scars of these bullying will be itched permanently in the hearts of these kids and most of them do not speak with their parents about this. 

 

Let me tell you my story, a story of a boy who was subject of teasing by his classmates throughout his school days. 

 

I am the only child of my parents and since my family is economically stable, I had the privilege to be alumni from the top schools of my town. I was obese (still I am) from my KG class to 12^th Standard, and I am dark skinned, so I was a victim of heavy bullying all my school days. I was called 'Aana' (elephant in malayalam) and 'thadiya (fatty in malayalam) and because of this continuous bullying I did not had any self-confidence to venture into any arts or sports events that happened in my school. I was afraid of what others would think of me, because of this even I was conscious while walking from the school main gate to my class room, as I always felt like I am being watched. Apart from all these I was not extra-ordinary in my studies. I was that middle bench student; I had no confidence to reach the front bench nor had the guts to be in the last bench.

 

    Adding to all the above events, while I was in the higher secondary, I was also bullied for my way of talking. Sometimes, I used to feel my friends forgot that every human will have some issues, and my issue might be with communication. During my two years in higher secondary, I lived consciously about me speaking a word fearing bullying. I would be unfair to mention I did have good friends who stood by me all time, who was not distracted by my flaws. I was moved to a co-ed school from an all-boys school , being a victim for all bullying  the  interaction with girls in my class was very bad.  Thus, my self-confidence got beaten like chicken for barbecue.

 

    Like for everyone I had a turnaround in my life to nurture, to bloom and to grow like a human being like I always wanted, to be a person brimming with confidence. After my school days I was moved to this beautiful city of Trivandrum, where I changed completely to a new man. I had the good fortune to be surrounded by people who motivated, supported, loved and cared me. I changed completely from an introvert to an extrovert. My friends gave me confidence to speak in stage, speak with a stranger and to handle people. I even start my own business and ironically, I am the same person who was bullied for my communication skills, making and handling clients including MNC’s. And to add I even did radio shows, and be part of large influencers group. 

 

    What I learned from my friends in Trivandrum is that a person should not be valued by his looks, or the way he talks, but with his quality.  I urge my fellow humans and all parents to teach their kids, to spread love and support people without being prejudicial on the looks or way of speaking. Be the catalyst of change for a person’s life.

#stopsbullying #spreadlove

 

 

Five Years of Making History

Five years back, a small group was started by a passionate foodie and a hardcore Triavndrumite. When the group was started neither did he know that he was creating history. He did not know that he is building a huge community,  and he also did not know he paved path for numerous new food communities and food bloggers from Trivandrum.  His name is Arvind Soju. 

Arvind always beleived in team work, he could have easily managed the group alone at the time when me, Aslam and Anjana was made part of the team. He made us dream his small dream, and we togther gave wings to bigger dreams. Most of them is reality now, and most of them still a dream. We are also blessed to have our team of moderators Aashamz ,Hari and Muhusin, our crew Silpa & Liza, our mentors  Dr Pradeesh, Dr Sneha, Bijus ikka, Sailnath chetan and Parthan Chetan, to be with us as Strong pillars of support. 

Over these five years of Eat At Trivandrum, our social media presence is spread across, Facebook, instagram ,twitter and a website. Our total followers across the platforms has crossed more than 2.1 lakhs. We have transformed ourselves into a quality, result oriented digital influencers. We have a motto of going slow and steady with generic social media growth. 

These five years, Eat At Trivandrum as team was fortunate enough to bring new kinds of events and social getogethers. We have Eat Ups, where like minded foodies meet, we have live Q&A, where we interact with our community regularly. We also organised a flea fest under the brand Summer of 19, an event which made bond like a team like never before. 

Eat At Trivandrum is the only food community in Kerala who has a member loyalty program through our Eat Loyalty Card. We are lucky enough to be partnered with great minds of the industry. Our loyalty program ensures discounts for our subscribers and footfall for our tie up restaurants. 

 Eat At Trivandrum is not just a Facebook or Instagram community group or page, it is a game changer with first of it kind programs and events, and charity programs.

 It has become a part our life and will be forever. I Can't thank Arvind enough for the opportunity he has given me to be part of this family.

Eat At Trivandrum is my family!