An educational program on the art and science of family life was conducted in Jeddah on March 23. The program was part of the ongoing activities of the Sadaya to rejuvenate its own members. The Sadaya is composed of wives of ALJ Keralite families who meet once a month at the ALJ Recreation Center. The function's guest speaker was the eminent scholar Dr. Ismail Maritheri of the King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Dr. Maritheri presented different stages of human transformation from birth to death. He cited examples from noted social psychologist Albert Bandura's four phases of children's learning process: attention, retention, reproduction and motivation. Dr. Maritheri said, “Those who police their children under a very strict code of conduct may cause their children to easily fall prey into the hands of vicious people.” He also said that “adolescents are to be given freedom as that of football players in a field where they are free to play within its parameters, capable of adopting and abiding by the rules. Those who boast of their free attitude in pampering their wards will adversely affect their future prospects.” Dr. Maritheri's presentation catered to the needs of kids, men and women alike, stirring the audiences' imagination. His speech was adorned and enriched by verses from the Holy Qur'an, sayings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), poems and quotations of prominent personalities in the world. The question-and-answer session that followed helped to ease parents' concerns about their youngsters. Dr. Maritheri advised all to defeat the corrosion of time by being socially active here and back home, so they may feel “engaged and wanted.” “We must muster all our capabilities to serve our nation irrespective of creed and caste,” he said. He also encouraged kids and parents to participate in edutainment programs and activities to avoid isolation and frustration. The program's welcome speech was delivered by Rajeena Noushad. Mohammed Haneef introduced the speaker to the audience. The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an by Majid Abdul Shukoor. Ruby Sameer proposed a vote of thanks. Haika and Farzeen were the anchors. President Shabnam Basheer presided over the function and gave an overview of the newly initiated Najdah program aimed at alleviating poor people's conditions. Dr. Lakshman Sockalingam, an English lecturer at KAU, talked about good parenting. Dr. Maritheri received a token of appreciation at the end of the program. __
