About Team Ikigai

TEAM IKIGAI Team Ikigai is a social-cultural organization that emerged in Malappuram district with the goal of progressing through noble services and friendships by bringing together a few like-minded people as a positive community, despite the presence of many organizations in the area.

The idea originated with Muhammad Mujeeb, a fashion designer, who shared his thought with a few friends, leading to the formation of a WhatsApp group called Positive Community. They moved forward for some time sharing ideas and perspectives. Later, by including more friends to share camaraderie and evolve thinking toward innovative matters, they identified the need for a community to always come together. This gave birth to Team Ikigai. Shibu V P found the name "Team Ikigai" for the organization. Although many names were considered, everyone agreed that "Team Ikigai" was the most suitable. Dr. Ansar Kodassery played a key role in forming the team by establishing a solid base ( by law), though others also offered support. Dr. Ajay Raghavan was elected as the first Chairman. Under his leadership, the team implemented many initiatives and strengthened the foundation with the support of 10 core members.

Starting with 10 members, the organization today has grown to 60 members. The founder members include Muhammad Mujeeb, Ajay Raghavan, Shibu, Ansar, Baburaj, Abdul Latheef, Yoosaf, Jayadas, Muhammed Salim, and Ranjith. Among them, Ranjith, Salim, and Ansar have left the organization due to work commitments.

Team Ikigai was registered in 2020 under the Society Act (Reg. No: MPM/CA/356/2020) and has grown into a 60-member organization by 2025. Throughout this period, the organization has successfully carried out numerous service activities focused on the mental, physical, and social development of its members. General body meetings are held every month, and one or two governing body meetings are held before the general body meetings. The general body meetings are allotted two hours, during which agendas are discussed, decisions are made, and actions implemented. Each event has one to three coordinators and assistants to move forward.

Some activities organized by Team Ikigai include - public speaking and leadership training, digital leadership, money management, time management, business training, Vision 2030, TA, TCI, NLP, cultural gatherings, ghazal evenings, Senpai (gathering of senior parents), orientation on trading, family and adventure tours, Pandikkad Super League (football), summer camps for children, singing and speaking programs, Gandhismrithi (public talks), among others .

In the early days, the organization appointed a president annually and later adopted a monthly leadership model to facilitate smooth operations and enhance effectiveness. From 2020, a structure of president, secretary, and treasurer was adopted for one-year terms, with a governing body expanded by adding some members. The governing body reviews matters before the general body meeting, which makes the final decisions.

Team Ikigai also operates a point system and growth fund(fine system) that encourage active member participation and timely contribution to activities. Points are deducted for breaches of responsibility and late arrivals. Members contributing positively to society and the organization earn more points. Those with low points are identified and supported to improve; however, members who do not continue after warnings are allowed to exit. Leave is granted for work and other needs, but annual fees must be paid to renew membership. New members are admitted only after an interview and consensus among existing members.

Starting from the idea of a positive community, the group registered as an organization under the Society Act and, through the dedicated efforts and long-term vision of ten founding members, was able to build a strong foundation and move forward. For about one and a half years, through continuous meetings held punctually every Sunday at 06 AM along with discussions, the Ikigai organization has grown into the position it holds today.

The organization continues to move forward with many more community-beneficial projects. In the early days, the team Ikigai was viewed with considerable suspicion by people, but today the organization has earned a place in the hearts of the public. Every activity is appreciated and supported by the people of Pandikkad and nearby areas.

Members are learning about starting Ikigai chapters in other places. The values promoted by team Ikigai are punctuality, discipline, timely action, social-cultural development, skill enhancement, friendship, unity, and selfless service.

Ikigai, the Japanese concept, is what gave the team its unique name. Each person has a reason to be alive. Every Ikigai member understands and realizes that through mental, physical, social, and economic development, they can do more for others, undergo self-purification, joyful nature, well-being, harmony definitely extend their lifespan. Through excellent activities, team Ikigai is sharing this value with others as well.