Edition: 1 January - March, 2018 Anbudan

“Reap what you sow” is something we at Agaram be- professionals, came together on the 26th and 27th of lieve. This is simply a testament to that belief. January, a union that moved me in many ways. It was only natural that tears of happiness rolled down my Sometime at the Airport of San Francisco, a voice cheeks seeing the students who once were shy to utter called out “Anna!”, to my surprise, it was an alumni of even a word, come up in front of everyone and articu- Agaram, who had travelled there on a business trip as part late how Agaram had changed their lives forever. Their of his job at Mackenzie. My heart was filled with joy and attitude towards their success was not simply “We excitement to hear this. “Anna, I am leaving to Australia to worked hard and we managed to get a job”. It was clear pursue a PhD!” Says another student and asks for my best that their pride lied in expressing that they will do unto wishes. Another alumni who lost her parents but excelled others what has been done for them. They wished to to equip herself with a government job despite the odds, deliver help to more students so that they could stand celebrated her daughter’s Ear piercing ceremony with in the same place and say these same words in the near all her fellow batch mates blessing her daughter with all future. To see alumni of Agaram come back and join the love that they could give. hands as volunteers, makes us realize that the journey It is truly heartening to hear all these stories of suc- has been worthwhile in every way. To share joyful news cess, uprising and love, and touches me in the most like this and to update you on all the work that goes heartwarming way possible. on in Agaram, we hope that this newsletter that you 10 years have gone by and Agaram has managed to will receive once in 3 months will do justice in bringing become a sanctuary of belief of young students. While you closer to us. In 10 years time, we hope to be able providing support for the higher education of Govern- to increase the number of students under Agaram by ment School students, Agaram currently houses the thousands and your help and cooperation will be key. hopes and determination of over 2000 aspiring individu- als. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, we have been Let’s join hands to create new stars and achievers that able to touch the lives of more than thousand students. we can all be immensely proud of. Individuals who believe that the educational dreams of deserving students should not be hindered by their Kindest Regards, financial problems, and educational institutions who have been big hearted enough to believe the same have joined hands in making this journey a meaningful one. Founder, Agaram Foundation The Students who as a part of “Agaram Vidhai”, have- passed out of college and have moved on to become Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

During 2017, we have received 5038 applications, out of Vidhai Thittam which we meticulously interviewed 1594 potential students. At the end of this process we handpicked 1126 students for To bridge the gap between deserving and talented home visits, from which 462 candidates were selected to come students, and their dreams of higher education and em- onboard Agaram and pursue their higher education. ployment, Agaram was started in the year 2010.“Vidhai Deserving candidates are selected and are given training in Thittam” aims to eliminate the distance between well Personality Development, communication skills and employ- wishing donors and students with potential. The educa- ment skills by the Agaram foundation. For candidates who tional and professional journey of these students bears have missed the opportunity of having been placed in a job, fruits of success with the help of Agaram volunteers. Agaram re-empowers them with special training and cements In the past 8 years, we have fulfilled the higher educa- a stable job position for them. tion aspirations of 1962 students. 83% of these students are During 2017, we have received 5038 applications, out of the first in their generation to receive education. Without which we meticulously interviewed 1594 potential students. Agaram their education would have come to a standstill At the end of this process we handpicked 1126 students for and the danger of having to drop out would still exist. home visits, from which 462 candidates were selected to come Deserving candidates are selected and are given training in onboard Agaram and pursue their higher education. Personality Development, communication skills and employ- Not only does Agaram provide education in colleges that ment skills by the Agaram foundation. For candidates who have been kind enough to set aside a few seats, we also cover have missed the opportunity of having been placed in a job, the accommodation and food costs of these students. Agaram re-empowers them with special training and cements Currently, we are in the process of selecting students with a stable job position for them. potential to be part of the 8th “Vidhai Thittam”. The journey continues… Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Namadhu Palli (Our School)

The aim of our “Namadhu Palli” program is to create a school that the students will enjoy attending. A few government run schools, from the districts of Kanchipuram, Chengalpet and were picked and the students were asked what facilities would make their schooling experience a happy and enjoyable one. Enthusiastic students responded and requested that their cracked classroom flooring and their dining hall be set straight. They also requested for tables and benches for their use. With the approval of the education department and the au- thorities of the school, and joining hands with Amphinol Omni Connect Pvt. Ltd, the cement flooring has been re-done for classes 6 to 12.. The renovation of the dining hall has also been completed. 150 benches and tables have also been provided. Furthermore, the volunteers of Agaram visited the houses of students from classes 6 to 8, to understand the financial, familial and educational situation that persists in their fami- lies. They also suggested how the family can train their school going child in a way that they can. Last May, a theatre work- shop conducted by Mr.Santosh was brought to the kids of the Maraimalai Nagar Government School. 214 students took part in this particular workshop. This training helps in developing good habits, cultivating imagination and also aids in increasing retention. In the following classes the students were taught to handle everyday challenges and to understand their socio-economic conditions. With the help of SRM College, the students were also provided physical training. With the Maraimalai Nagar School as an example, vol- unteers of Agaram are working towards bringing together 8 schools in the in the same way under the “Namadhu Palli” program. Continuous work is underway to achieve this. The students and volunteers, who are a part of this campaign, have truly emboldened the initiative with their heartening hard work, support and enthusiasm. Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

and breeding farm animals and many more initiatives, Namadhu Graamam the “Namadhu Gramam” campaign is relentless in its efforts to equip the villages and their communities in a holistic manner. During the summers, we also organize (Our Village) various interesting, fun and instructive summer camps for the village children. We have also begun the process The students of Agaram have hailed from approxi- of building various local bathrooms with fixtures such mately 900 villages. All of their aim is to finish their as functional taps and wash basins, in all three villages. degrees and go back to do whatever they can for the de- This process has reached near-completion stage in the velopment of their village. This interest of the students Nelvaai village. to give back to their roots is the reason for the existence As a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility of the “Namadhu Graamam” program. (CSR), Amphenol Omniconnect Private Limited has In the year 2015, during the floods, Agaram joined hands with the Agaram Foundation, in order to realized that the chance to start over had to be provided to bring the “Namadhu Gramam” initiative to fruition. We the victims of this calamity. With the help of a crew of stu- are very grateful to them for making this dream a real- dents Agaram has been able to adopt 3 villages - Kachur, ity; which would not have been possible without their Nelvai and Kirugambbakkam in the district. support. The “Namadhu Graamam” program is run in these areas. The Nelvaai district‟s long-time request for being By increasing the education facilities, medical facili- provided with the Irular caste certification has been ties and identifying business and employment opportu- achieved due to the enduring efforts of Mrs. Dhivyashree, nities, Agaram has joined forces with its volunteers to the Agaram Foundation and with the co-operation of increase the quality of life of the residents of these areas. the Government was finally achieved. On May 2017, 26 Students who have discontinued their education were families were awarded the coveted certificate while on identified and put back in schools. With the help of the June 12th 2017, 12 other families received it as well. Mrs. residents themselves and our crew, we are able to run Dhivyashree graced the occasion of the distribution of special classes in the evenings. To encourage physical these certificated and presided over the event. education, sports goods were also provided. Through an increase in awareness about various Gov- ernment programs and public aid, we have also provided the village communities with the appropriate certifica- tions. Free health care and treatments are provided by way of regular medical camps. Right from educating them about the best ways to utilize their government provided land, guiding them about the most appropriate employment opportunities for their parents, training people who want to start their own businesses, setting up institutions for the employment and self-sustainability of women, production and preservation of manure, raising Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Thai Thittam

With the future of discontinued students in mind, Agaram foundation started the “Thai Thittam” in 2015. Individu- als who have not been able to attend school due to their familial situation and who are not interested in going to school have been made part of the “Thai Thittam” program. Students from the age of 18 - 25 can join this program during any month of the year. These students are taught and equipped with training in vocational skills and technical skills by Agaram, in asso- ciation with certified organizations. Until March 2016, 87 students have been placed in companies like L&T, Blue Star and Ramdev Motors after their training. 30 more students are currently receiving this technical education. In the year 2017, 15 students were selected as part of “Thai Thittam”. They have been admitted into YMCA and ICF to undergo training. For these students to consistently attend training and for the individuals to continue to work, Agaram organizes workshops on a monthly basis. Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Pen Deivangal (Women Godesses)

In a house of 5 children, the father passed away, when they were merely toddlers. They then grew up in their maternal ‘grandmother’s care. When it rains, it pours – soon after they lost their father, the girls endured the trauma of watching their mother being diagnosed with severe mental instability. The burden of caring for the girls and their mother fell squarely upon the grandmother’s shoulders. Setting up a firewood stove at her doorstep, the grandmother managed to make a meager living by cooking and selling idli’s and thus she provided for her grandchildren. She sent all five girls to the local Government school. Unfortunately, considering her age and frailty, the grandmother also fell ill soon after. In order to save her grandmother and take care of her other sisters, the oldest of the sisters quit her schooling and took up a job to earn money for the family. Upon completing her 10th class, the second sister followed suit and joined her older sister on work. After two years, the second sister could not suppress her fervent desire to pursue her education. To fulfill this wish, one of the other sisters stopped her education and took up a job, while the second sister re-entered school and continued studying. In 2012, the fourth daughter finished her schooling and wanted to do her higher education. She came to know about Agaram foundation and she requested for educational assistance stating her situation. Through Agaram’s help she was able to achieve her educational goals and got the opportunity to study in a reputed Arts college in Coimbatore. In 2013, the last daughter also completed her schooling. She and her third sister wrote to us asking for assistance, for they too wanted to pursue higher education. We were able to understand that without the help of Agaram they did not have a chance at studying further. Both of them were given the opportunity to study in reputed colleges in Chennai. While the 3 sisters were in the middle of their education, their ill mother passed away. While the second daughter took care of the grandmother, the eldest continued to work outside, after which the 3 younger daughters finished their degree. After the completion of their studies, the eldest in the 3 of them, acquired a job in the same field as her education and became the first in her family to receive a 5 digit salary. They had won over poverty with sacrifice and education, and this moment was to be cherished. Recently, the oldest sister was married in Chennai. I attended that wedding as humble guest, hoping to be blessed by the presence of that Goddess, who first sacrificed her education in order to make way for her sisters and care for her family. I held the groom’s hands, my eyes glistening with tears of pride and joy as I looked at his ethereal bride and said, “She is the Goddess of our home. She is no less than our own daughter. Please take good care of her.” The world is a better place certainly, because of such women Goddesses inhabiting amongst us.

Antony Agaram Volunteer Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Agaram in America

Many deserving candidates are often held back from availing the opportunities offered by higher education due their poor economic conditions. But we believe that with the support of people, communities and institutions that wish to enable such students, nothing is beyond our reach. To enable this vision, a team from the Agaram Group visited America with a lot of hopes and strategies. During the course of this visit on September 8th, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th, the members of the Agaram group travelled to Atlanta, New York, Seattle, Bay Area and Dallas; where they met with Indians currently residing in America. A lot of Indians, who arrived at America with hopes of finding employment, have suc- cessfully settled down there. They have largely benefitted from the perks of having pursued higher education opportunities. Leaving behind their roots; their families and friends, these people have fought against all odds and made it on their own merit. The credit for their achievements and their heightened abili- ties lies squarely on the importance they awarded to their education. These people are beacons of hope for the lakhs of students in who nurture dreams of studying further and finding sustainable success. This left no doubts in the minds of those who fuel the Agaram Group that America would be a good place to start afresh and plant seeds for the expansion of their endeavors to provide even more educational opportunities to deserving underprivileged students. We were humbled and grateful for the support extended to us by various groups and people in America, which was much more than we could have possibly expected or imagined. In all five places we encountered many genuine, good-hearted people who stepped forward of their own interest and goodwill; assuring and promising us of their donations and support. Thereby, the Agaram Foundation is confident that they can support more number of deserving students in 2018. The Indian residents in America along with the support extended by the Greater Atlanta Tamizh Society and San Francisco Bay Area Tamizh Society have been working relentlessly to support the Agram Foundation‟s endeavors. Corporate Giants such as American Airlines, Google, Microsoft and Amazon have also come forward to support the Agaram Foundation and have pledged generous donations to the cause. They have assured us of their continued support and our gratitude knows no bounds, as we soar higher towards creating a new generation of educated and confident individuals. Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Agaram Payirchi Maiyyam (Agaram Training Centre)

A lot of the students who are a part of the Agaram “Vidhai” are also people who hail from villages. Aside from the impec- cable education they receive in their schools, we also felt the need to provide and equip them with a few additional vocational skills. These training impart skills to the students such as additional language training, communication skills and personality development. Thus was born the Agaram Training Centre. In order to equip themselves for the tough and gritty battle of the business and employment world, these additional life skills are absolutely indispensable. These training classes take place every week over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Currently over 1600 students are being trained on various skills in these centres. The infrastructure required to conduct these training sessions were unfortunately lacking in the initial stages. Chennai Ford Motors, who share the same views and concern in the field of education as Agaram came forward and offered their invaluable aid. Thanks to their generous contribution, we were able to construct and establish a training centre in Agaram‟s Valasaravak- kam office. This centre was constructed from the inspiration of buildings in “Hampi”, which is the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, located in Andhra. The interior of this building is structured such that the temperature is always pleasant and cool. Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

NEET

Another significant evolution in the Agaram Foundation was the release of the book, “NEET Exam Questions and Challenges – A Compilation of Discussions” in 2017. The book was edited by Prof. Prabha Kalvimani (Kalyani), with a foreword by Prof. Se. Kochchadai. The book features articles written by many scholars and social work related experts, including the Hon‟ble Justice Chandru. During the educational year of 2016 - 2017, many students of when face with the NEET exams, did not have clear idea in mind as to how to prepare and write this test. Due to this disconnect between aspiring students and the exam itself, Agaram began a discussion to provide additional training for Government schools students. Soon enough, the costs involved in accommodating and providing for the students who come to take part in this training was undertaken by the Sathyabama University. Prof. Nendunchezhian from India College, Finder Institutions, took the responsibility of training these students. Following this, we announced the news of this training at government schools and encouraged the students who want to pursue medicine to come forward and apply. We then conducted interviews and at the end of the process 258 deserving and passionate students were selected, out of which 239 students were from Tamil medium schools. The training program commenced on April 5th 2017, and was conducted for 30 days. A humongous thank you to India College, Finder Institutions and the professors who enabled Agaram to take this on. An extended thank you from the students and Agaram to the Sathyabama University for providing for the students during the course period.

Agaram and Curriculum Change

The Tamil Nadu Board of Education was responsible for conduct- ing a much needed seminar on discussing the need for changes in the current Curriculum/Syllabus being taught in schools. The seminar took place in Chennai in July 2017 over three days. Many officers from the Education Department, representatives of various relevant groups, and education-oriented social organizations were in attendance. Agaram was also present at the seminar. At the base of this incredible opportunity to closely interact with the student body, was the aim to continue our long association with them and understanding of the students’ needs. An important point that was stressed upon as necessary at the ear- liest was the incorporation of Contemporary Career Needs. A strong point of contention was the consent that one portion of the syllabus should be dedicated to exposure and understanding of new and emerg- ing technologies. Edition: 1 January - March, 2018

Thanks to ZOHO! Education in Social Change

Like always we had the chance to join forces with a The Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives of many corporate company and this time we had Zoho by our companies now play a vital role in social change. “If companies side. Numerous employees of Zoho have come forward could perform their CSR initiatives with a focus on education, to sign up as volunteers with Agaram. Few of them have we will see a healthy change in society at large” has always been even been mentoring the students of Agaram. It was Agaram‟s point of emphasis. On June 16, Agaram Foundation refreshing for us at Agaram to be able to meet with the took part in an event called United Way of Chennai – a col- people of Zoho. They have been extending continuous laborative effort across corporate to have a Sustainable CSR support by providing space and food for Agaram’s train- conversation, on behalf of NGO‟s. From their wealth of experi- ing programs along with seats in the Zoho University. ence in the field of education, Agaram was able to help ideate Agaram would like to extend its hearty thanks to Zoho how education can be part of a company’s CSR and what can for their contribution. be their plan of action.

ECS

Agaram is continuously working for the welfare of students who have been affected by their socio-economic status. Every year, there is an increase in the number of students who apply for higher education. 5000 - 6500 students apply every year but we are able to help only 400 - 500 students. With the help of many organizations we are working towards increasing this number. 90% of the applicants are found to be deserving and have great potential. If all of us come together in generosity of spirit and good will from the bottom of our hearts, we can find ways to help them achieve their distant dreams and goals. To make it easier to furnish your contribution, we have created an ECS (Electronic Clearing System) called “Madhum 300‟. Those wishing to contribute are requested to fill out this SAMPLE FORM below and mail it to the offices of Agaram Foundation. This scheme was started in May 2017.

Sample Format

* 2018 Edition * ‘Anbudan Agaram’ is published every 3 months. Agaram Foundation, 15/7, Krishna Street, T.Nagar, Chennai 600017. TO DONATE: www.agaram.in+91 75501 47355