Page 42 - Veranda Employee Newsletter

Travel Destination
Sirumalai
Simiyon Veerabathran
Manager Helpdesk & Call Management
Sirumalai is home to thousands of plant species and wild ani-
mals such as Indian Gaur, wild boar, sambar deer, wild dogs,
giant squirrels and monkeys. Around 20 people participated
in the walk organised by Naanal Nanbargal Kuzhu and high-
lighted the need to protect forest wealth.
Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres (200 km) situated
25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul, 90 km (56 mi) from Madurai, and
125 km from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. There are many high
hills in the area. Sirumalai range is the last mountain range of the Eastern Ghats. The last
mountains of the Sirumalai mountain range are the Azhagar Kovil Hills which are present in
Madurai District. Azhagar Kovil Hills are the most important place of worship for the Hindus.
Tracking is allowed in the Azhagar Kovil Hills. The nearest Eastern Ghats hills to Sirumalai
Hills are the Narthamalai Hills.
Attractions:
Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was artificially created in
the year 2010.
In the region of Sirumalai, the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place where
siddhas (monks) have lived since ancient times. The area is sur-
rounded by medicinal herbs and plants. At the top of the hill is the
historic Shiva Lingam, which dates back at least 500 years.
The famous Lord Murugan Temple (Vellimalai Sivan Temple)
is located in the mountain which is away from 45 minutes
climbing over the valley. Sirumalai is a dense forest region
with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude
of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora
and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends. On the 18th bend
are a church and a viewpoint of Dindigul city and the Dindigul
Rock Fort. The hill contains a small waterfall as well. The famous Sirumalai banana is slowly
disappearing from disease, which scientists have been unable to prevent.
Sirumalai is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu
that has a thick forest area and pleasant weather all through the
year. The place is situated at a height of 1600 m from sea level,
and you can find a wide variety of flora and fauna here. There is a
total of 18 narrow turns in the place and after taking the last turn,
you will find the peaceful church, and you will also be able to have a
splendid panoramic view of the Dindigul city. There is a small waterfall in this place
that you can take a tour of. Apart from this, you can also visit the artificial Sirumalai
Lake where you can try boating. The best time to travel is from October to March.
- Simiyon
42 Back to TOC Veranda Learning Solutions | Employee Newsletter Vol.1, Issue 2, October 2021
The Impact of COVID on Internal Communications
After One Year
As we pull together, cooperate and coordinate on our rough jour-
ney with the coronavirus, we have all grown stronger together.
With this in mind, I would like to share my thoughts on this recently
published article.
This coronavirus pandemic put a spotlight on the senior leaders and
whether they could rise to the challenge of crisis in communications,
during a time of immense uncertainty. It was up to the leaders to in-
spire employees to remain productive to ensure business success.
Many leaders rose to the occasion and communicated with trans-
parency and forthrightness.
In a changing workplace, employees will need to be more
informed, connected and engaged than ever before.
Internal Communication (IC) entered this year, playing a crucial
role for the post-pandemic workforce.
Here is the gist of the IoIC COVID-19 survey, which was complet-
ed by 500 internal communication professionals between 28 March
and 10 April 2021.
Overwhelmingly, these practitioners say their response to the crisis
is likely to benefit their long-term credibility, with 90% believing the
situation will have a “very positive” (32%) or “positive” (58%) impact
on the IC profession.
Highlighting the Best Practice
Respondents indicate they have been getting value from webinars and sites that share tips
and guidance, and are keen to hear more from peers about what is working well in their own
organisations.
“We should capture the great practice happening now,” said one respondent. “This is hopefully
a once-in-a-generation event, and we should pass this experience onto the next generation of
communicators.”
Some are looking ahead to life and work after the pandemic.
“I’m taking great comfort in the fact everyone is in the same boat — just maybe navigating chop-
py waters at different times. Planning for a life after this is key because it will pass.”
“I’m interested to know how IC professionals expect culture and engagement to be different
post-COVID. ”With this crisis coming to a hopeful end, many stakeholders have finally realised
the impact and value of having effective communication that reaches its employees fast.
- M Rathnakumaran
Veranda Learning Solutions | Employee Newsletter Vol.1, Issue 2, October 2021 Back to TOC 43