ORIGIN: Synergians is a group of young management professionals who connect people from different strata of society with different ideas in an attempt to make Kochi a better city. However, at the macro level they are bonded with a singular dream of making India a global leader.
Positive thinking is the guiding principle for Synergians and they believe that every good human action can generate an equal counter action. Synergians, who have been putting into practice many of their ideas since 2009, as an informal group, became a registered body in January 2013.
ACTIVITIES: Kochiites first noticed Synergians for their assertive campaigns for better passenger rights and professionalisation of forgotten games such as Goti and Hopscotch. It was due to their enthusiasm that the maiden Cochin Open Professional Goti Tournament, a finger game played with marbles, was recently held in the city. They have repeatedly reloaded their activities in areas of public interest.
‘Yathra’ was a campaign initiated to create awareness about passenger rights among commuters and other stake holders. The event which involved a train journey from Ernakulam to Vallatholnagar was flagged off by retired Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. The erratic management of parking bays and lack of a proper public information system for public transport was highlighted by organising a programme called ‘Nettottam’ at the Mobility Hub in Kochi.
They also organised a month long campaign called ‘Woman Talent Month’ against the discrimination and difficulties women face in higher education, employment and career advancement. Yet another unique philanthropic programme initiated by Synergians was ‘Hangout Magic’ through which they pooled a share of their hangout expenses for a noble cause.
They trained the spotlight on the condition of bus stations across Kerala through a passenger satisfaction survey titled ‘Devil’s Own Bus Stands’. A study was also initiated by Synergians to analyse ‘How often people says thank you?’ (Or any other form of expressing gratitude) to service personnel such as auto/cab drivers and bus conductors. Furthering the efforts, they launched a campaign called ‘Thank You Parayoo Santhosham Pakaroo’ (Say Thank You, Spread Happiness) with the support of Kerala Bus Transport Association.
IMPACT: Several efforts of Synergians have had desired results. A new information counter was opened at the Mobility Hub following the satirical ‘Nettottam’ while ‘Yathra’ forced authorities to take stock of the security of women passengers in trains. “We are happy that not only the public, but also the policymakers are taking note of our attempts to make life in Kochi better and more refined,” says Sijin B. T., president of Synergians.
GETTING IN TOUCH: To know more about Synergians and their varied reach out programmes call 9995675259 (President) or 9846486368 (Secretary) Email: postoffice@synergians.org Website: www.synergians.org
