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Travel Destination The Impact of COVID on Internal Communications

Sirumalai After One Year
Simiyon Veerabathran
Manager Helpdesk & Call Management
As we pull together, cooperate and coordinate on our rough jour-
Sirumalai is home to thousands of plant species and wild ani- ney with the coronavirus, we have all grown stronger together.
mals such as Indian Gaur, wild boar, sambar deer, wild dogs, With this in mind, I would like to share my thoughts on this recently
giant squirrels and monkeys. Around 20 people participated published article.
in the walk organised by Naanal Nanbargal Kuzhu and high-
lighted the need to protect forest wealth. This coronavirus pandemic put a spotlight on the senior leaders and

whether they could rise to the challenge of crisis in communications,
Sirumalai is a region of 60,000 acres (200 km) situated during a time of immense uncertainty. It was up to the leaders to in-
25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul, 90 km (56 mi) from Madurai, and spire employees to remain productive to ensure business success.
125 km from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. There are many high Many leaders rose to the occasion and communicated with trans-

hills in the area. Sirumalai range is the last mountain range of the Eastern Ghats. The last parency and forthrightness.
mountains of the Sirumalai mountain range are the Azhagar Kovil Hills which are present in In a changing workplace, employees will need to be more
Madurai District. Azhagar Kovil Hills are the most important place of worship for the Hindus. informed, connected and engaged than ever before.
Tracking is allowed in the Azhagar Kovil Hills. The nearest Eastern Ghats hills to Sirumalai Internal Communication (IC) entered this year, playing a crucial
Hills are the Narthamalai Hills. role for the post-pandemic workforce.

Attractions:
Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was artificially created in Here is the gist of the IoIC COVID-19 survey, which was complet-
the year 2010. ed by 500 internal communication professionals between 28 March
and 10 April 2021.

In the region of Sirumalai, the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place where Overwhelmingly, these practitioners say their response to the crisis
siddhas (monks) have lived since ancient times. The area is sur- is likely to benefit their long-term credibility, with 90% believing the
rounded by medicinal herbs and plants. At the top of the hill is the situation will have a “very positive” (32%) or “positive” (58%) impact
historic Shiva Lingam, which dates back at least 500 years.
on the IC profession.
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 Highlighting the Best Practice
with a moderate climate throughout the year. With an altitude
of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains diversified flora Respondents indicate they have been getting value from webinars and sites that share tips
and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends. On the 18th bend and guidance, and are keen to hear more from peers about what is working well in their own
are a church and a viewpoint of Dindigul city and the Dindigul organisations.
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. “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

Sirumalai is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu communicators.”
that has a thick forest area and pleasant weather all through the Some are looking ahead to life and work after the pandemic.
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 “I’m taking great comfort in the fact everyone is in the same boat — just maybe navigating chop-
total of 18 narrow turns in the place and after taking the last turn, py waters at different times. Planning for a life after this is key because it will pass.”
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 “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
that you can take a tour of. Apart from this, you can also visit the artificial Sirumalai the impact and value of having effective communication that reaches its employees fast.
Lake where you can try boating. The best time to travel is from October to March.
- Simiyon - M Rathnakumaran

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