ENNANGALIN SANGAMAM 2015

NDSO Networking and Development Centre for ok Service Organizations

BE INSPIRED

J. PRABHAKAR Founder and Managing Trustee, NDSO D/4, Varasidhi Vinayagar Apartments, 10, 5th Cross Street, Trustpuram, Chennai - 600 024. Mobile: +91- 96001 99110 Email: [email protected] ; [email protected] Website: www.ndsoindia.org Vaazhga valamudan, Greetings from the Networking and Development center for Social Organisations (NDSO). On the 10th year of its inception ndso feels happy and proud to place this informative and motivating guide book in your hands. Today more than 1000 social organisations have been linked to be of some help to them in our own humble way. NDSO considers every social organisation as people’s solution for national problems. Problems are created by the people;therefore the solutions also have to come from them, rather than from the government.It is with this view in mind we look for the most effective and well run social organisations and link them to make social service a people’s movement. In a vast country like ours , every sector offers enormous challenges to make it nation oriented and promoting peoples welfare. Education, orphans care,senior citizen care, medical facilities, agriculture, environmental issues, sharing of water and natural resources, rural welfare, the welfare of the physically and mentally challenged children, prohibition, poverty, violence against women, drugs are some of the sectors that need our immediate attention. Every one of us have the role to play to make the above sectors national growth oriented and effectively helping everyone of us to play our role in a most effective way so that our country becomes livable for all of us and lovable for all people of the world. NDSO rededicates itself, through social organisations to make our country both strong and ethical in all possible ways. With regards DR.Alagar ramanujam Chairman, ndso, chennai

Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi’s abode at Thiruvannamalai Let us stand tall, strong and steadfast by the sacred influence of this holy mountain in all our endeavors. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] AUTHOR’S NOTE

“Do not be afraid of a small beginning; great things come afterwards. Be courageous. Do Ü¡¹¬ìf˜, õí‚è‹. not try to lead your brethren, but serve them.” – counsels Swami Vivekananda. êè ñQî˜èO¡ ¶ò˜¶¬ìˆ¶‹, êÍè ñ£ŸøˆFŸ°‹ At the behest of Sri J. Prabhakar, when I started writing articles for “Be Inspired”, I just wondered how I shall continue writing for this second edition and from where could I ð£´ð†´ õ¼‹ ïð˜è¬÷, ܬñŠ¹è¬÷, Ôâ‡íƒèO¡ get people who could influence others. But what surprised me was that not only could êƒèñ‹Õ °¿M¬ù„ «ê˜‰î F¼ñF Aó‡ Üõ˜èœ ñ‚è¬÷ I continue writing on different inspiring people each week but I could identify people across all age-groups and gender, who are self-motivated and working ceaselessly for the êÍèðE‚° F¼Šð¾‹ Ôè‡ì«î 裆C ªè£‡ì«î «è£ô‹Õ development of their fellow brethren, inspite of their personal challenges and hardships. â¡Á ²òïô «ð£‚°ì¡ õ£¿‹ ñQî˜è¬÷ ªî£‡´ This edition narrates the stories of many youngsters, like Udhavum Ullangal Gavasker, ðE‚° F¼Š¹‹ ªð£¼†´, ªê¡ø ݇´ ‘Be Inspired’ Aakkam Saravanan, Sirpigal Vinoth, Shasha Prem, Madurai Muniasamy and Payanam â¡ø ¹ˆîèˆF¡ ºî™ ªî£°ŠH¬ù ªõOJ†ì£˜èœ. Baskar, who are the ‘Pillars of Hope’ of our developing country. The determination shown by the women SVEST Shanthini, Physically Challenged Poornodhaya Kalaiarasi, Sudar oli Nalini, Lecturer Chithra and LIFE Kalaivani, against all challenges thrown Þ‰î ݇´‹ ð™«õÁ ðEèœ ªêŒ¶ Ô°ìˆFL†ì upon them, sets an example for others to follow. M÷‚裌 Þ™ô£ñ™, °¡P¡«ñ™ M÷‚裌 ãŸP Utilizing their professional experience to societal good has made even the Government ¬õˆ¶œ÷£˜èœ. Üõ˜èœ ðEJ¬ù  ܬùõ¼‹ to work in coordination with RAAC Raveendran and CMA Parameshwaran. Sustained ð£ó£†´«õ£‹, ï¡P ÃÁ«õ£‹. efforts with patience and perseverance reflect in the attitude of David Barun, KARD Basil Rajan, Aum Murugan, CANDLE Palanisamy, KOODU Sunny and Little Drops Paul ªî£ì˜‰¶ îIöè‹ âƒ°‹ ªê¡Á, ï™ô â‡í‹ ªè£‡ì towards working towards upliftment of the lower strata of society. How an entire family unites to serve can be noted from the families of Ambalavanan and ïð˜è¬÷, ܬñŠ¹è¬÷ «ê¬õò£÷˜è¬÷, êÍèˆFŸ° Deivaraj. Interesting and distinct paths of service can be learnt from Pitchai Amudhan’s F¼ JP Üõ˜èœ õNJ™, ‹ ïñ¶ ð°FJ™ àœ÷ «ê¬õ care for twins and VSET Ravichandar’s living values education programs. Practices to ò£÷˜è¬÷, îQïð˜è¬÷, ܬñŠ¹è¬÷ ܬìò£÷‹ instill confidence among younger generation can be adopted from Winner Johnbasha, Yoga Suresh Kumar and Victory Thanigaivel. 致 弃A¬íˆ¶ õ¼‹ ñ£˜„ 31‚°œ 10,000 êÍè To ‘be inspired’ is great; to ‘inspire’ is incredible. Each of these articles is a unique ݘõô˜è÷£™ 弃A¬í»‹ ñ¶ åNŠ¹, c˜G¬ôèœ inspiring effort done by unsung heroes of our society that can serve as a trigger to kindle ð£¶è£Š¹ â¡ø ªð£¶«ï£‚èƒèO™ «ê˜‰¶ ªêò™ð´«õ£‹. your service attitude. Hope you would be inspired and mould your lives inspiring to others. Þ‰î «îꈬî ð£¶è£‚è F†ì‹ õ°Š«ð£‹.

R. KIRAN Best Wishes. Founder and Managing Trustee N. SIVAKUMAR, Inspire Charitable Trust M.A.B.L., M.A (WMCO), M.A. +91-9840447510 Co-ordinator – NDSO, Advocate [email protected]

[ 4 ] [ 5 ] Note about NDSO attempt to gather 100 heroic youth who are doing yeomen service to our society and acknowledged them with “Vivekandar Virudhu” on 30th June 2013. Swami Vimurtananda Maharaj, Raja N. Kumaran Sethupathy of Ramnad, Sri Alasinga “Ennangalin Sangamam” (Meeting of minds) is a forum of voluntary social Perumal, grandson of Sri Alasinga Perumal and Sri K. Vaidhyanathan, Editor, activists/institutions engaged in various fields of social welfare and humanitarian Dhinamani graced the occasion. services in and around Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. It has evolved from a small group of like minded people to a massive organization of more than Based on request from Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai, our 9th year meet 1000 socially conscious institutions over a period of ten years. scheduled for Jan 2014, was held ahead in Dec 2013 at the Mutt premises, wherein more than 800 organizations were honoured with an award by Sri We started organizing meetings of like minded people/service organizations Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai. Sri Gauthamananda Maharaj blessed the occasion every year on the first Sunday of January in a reputed place to share our with his presence along with Sri. R. Seshasayee, Ashok Leyland. In the year experiences and discuss for further progress to extend our services to the 2014, hundreds of youth across all parts of Tamilnadu and other states were met humanity. Ours is a ‘sangamam’ of noble souls wherein both providers of help and encouraged to take up water conservation works and rain water harvesting and seekers of help are present. projects. Currently many water reservoirs like tanks and lakes are being cleaned We are pleased to state that our noble work has spread in almost all districts and conserved by youth encouraged by NDSO. of Tamilnadu and therefore a non-profit Trust has been formed in the name ‘Networking and Development Centre for Service Organizations – NDSO’. We are very grateful for your continuous support for Ennangalin Sangamam. Sri. Dr. Azahagar Ramanujam, former Principal of NGM College, a renowned We emphasize it should go on forever. devotee of Vedatri Mahrishi, is now heading our Trust with a group of dynamic, Thanking you. well known social workers. Yours in service, Our first year meet was initiated, inaugurated and supported by Sri. Dr. N. HARIHARA SUBRAMANIAN, Founder Trustee, NDSO S.S.Badrinath, Emeritus Chairman of Sankara Nethralaya and Swami Vimurtananda Maharaj of Sri Ramakrishna Mutt at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai on January 08, 2006. In the Annual meet of the previous years, we had the presence and blessings of eminent people such as Dr.M.S.Udayamurthy, an eminent social awakening leader, Sri Ramakrishnan of Amar Seva Sangam, Ayakudi, Swami Mukthanandaji of Anandashram, Kanjangode, Kerala, Sri. Dr.N.Mahalingam and other such leading personalities. In the year 2011 Manidha Neyam founder Sri. Saidai Duraisami and in the year 2012 Justice Smt. Prabha Sridevan and Pudhiya Thalaimurai Sri. Malan graced the occasion. In the year 2013, Kolimalai Swami Paramananda, Marabin Mainthan Muthiah and many more have honoured our organization by participating in the meets. In the mid of year 2013, we had a meet at Uthankkarai, with the presence of Swami Thiagarajananda, President of Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Nattrampalli. On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary we made an

[ 6 ] [ 7 ] IN028 28 Nov, 2013 supply, the problems in the local ration shop etc. and using collective strength they EMPOWERING WOMEN TO STRENGTHEN SOCIETY are often able to bring about dramatic changes. They ensure In the tribal Palani hills region, until few years proper implementation of back, rural women had nowhere else to go, during government welfare schemes. any financial emergency but to the traditional In 2007, the SHGs took up and moneylenders. They bore the heavy burden of implemented a government exorbitant interest rates charged by them and scheme to build toilets for each toiled years together to recover from the debt. home and completely eliminated open defecation. They constructed more than six But today, these women have started tiny businesses like running grocery shops, hundred toilets in three panchayats under this scheme. ration shops, tea shops, distilling and bottling eucalyptus oil, processing and works on Gandhian lines and always encourages the SHGs packaging Kodaikanal coffee, manufacturing inexpensive sanitary napkins and India Nirman Sangh to be concerned about society and to do whatever they can to improve the society even running a carpentry workshop. India Nirman Sangh, a voluntary organization they live in. Many of the SHGs have done excellent social service in their own started by an IITian, incubates these businesses and helps them run profitably and villages including cleaning streets and toilets as well as providing meals for professionally. inmates of orphanages and old age homes. During Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations, David Barun Kumar Thomas (IIT Kanpur 1977) left IBM, came to Kodaikanal nearly 1500 women participated in a massive rally in Kodaikanal town raising and started India Nirman Sangh in 2004 and since then has been involved in Gandhian slogans and placards. community development, working to improve the living conditions of the poor, Their latest project is an organic farm near the village of Vadakavunchi and they particularly the women. Today, more than 4500 women from villages and small hope to make it a model organic farm for the area. towns spread over 14 panchayats including tribal communities and other deprived sections of society are members of savings groups started and supported by India Nirman Sangh. Contact Details: In 2013, India Nirman Sangh was chosen by Name: Mr. David Barun Kumar T Mobile: 91-9443041929 NABARD Fianancial Services to be a business Email: [email protected] correspondent and have provided more than one Website: www.bharathnirman.org crore of loans to the Self Help Groups (SHG). Over time, the SHGs begin to take up local issues such as sanitation, drinking water

[ 8 ] [ 9 ] IN029 05 Dec, 2013 SAILING STEADILY THROUGH HARDSHIPS OF LIFE

When life gets hard and our circumstances are overwhelming, we all face the temptation to be discouraged or to give in. Getting married at a very tender age, giving birth to two children before reaching twenty, losing all her teen years in coping with a difficult married life, finally to be deserted by her husband, who is now settled with another family, life has been a constant struggle for Ms. Shanthini. Yet she chose not to yield in to any situation, worked hard and got herself educated by completing X and XII exams along with her daughter. She took up a teaching job for living and most important found ways to serve the needy with primary focus on education to Shanthini founded SWAMY VIVEKANANDA EDUCATIONAL SERVICE the less fortunates. TRUST in 2005 and the number of tuition centres have increased and catering to Having understood the importance of education, Shanthini started her service in more villages like Kurumpapatti, Kannimar Kovilpatti, Kattakamampatti, Athur, the year 2001 by taking free tuitions to the rural kids in her village old Batlagundu, Ezhuvanampatti, Periappanayakan Patti, Viralipatti and Karuppan Moopan patti Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. She identifies the weak subjects of every child and and many hundreds of students are getting benefitted. works forward to strengthen them. She guides them in their project works and Shanthini also works for upliftment of rural women and has established Tailoring other competitions at school by helping them to search the content in library Centers. She focuses on job oriented courses like Computer based training, Type books and also in Internet, which were not at all heard of in rural schools prior to writing, Spoken English and Hindi coaching, so that the rural students can find a this. She also teaches them bits of general knowledge which these kids proudly job soon and earn their living. Her only worry is the continuous funding required express in their classes. for these activities for which she is striving hard these days and expecting support Shanthini is proud of the fact that the children of her tuition centre enjoy a marked from well-wishers. difference in their respective schools. She wants to remove their inferiority complex and boost their self confidence. Shanthini also conducts Yoga classes Contact Details: and her students now train other students at their schools. Students tutored by Ms. SHANTHINI her have an edge over others in Teacher’s Training course as they exhibit more Mobile: +91- 7598120737 Email: [email protected] training ability that they had acquired in her tuition centres. Website: www.svestrust.org

[ 10 ] [ 11 ] IN030 12 Dec, 2013 changed into a mood of serenity. The main objective of MAKING EYE DONATION A FAMILY TRADITION participating in the thankyou service Corneal blindness, one of the is not only to be major causes of blindness in grateful to the India, is treatable through corneal donor but also to transplantation made possible by imbibe the practice eye donation. The ever increasing of eye donation as a demand for corneas is not being family tradition. met by the current supply. Even if Gavaskar adds that earlier only one person was benefited due to one cornea the deceased had pledged his/her collected but technology and science have improved so much that two to three eyes, the cornea could be removed persons can get eye sight with a single cornea. He conducts rallies to promote eye only if the person’s relative consented. Similarly, the relative could also consent donation, awareness sessions at local schools and colleges and quiz competitions, to donate the cornea even if the deceased had not signed up for eye donation. affixes posters in public places and joins hands with government in the eye Understanding this importance of interacting with the kith and kin of the deceased donation drive. in their hour of grief, Gavasker patiently approaches them and motivate them to donate the eyes of the deceased. Blood donation is another area where Gavasker has put his heart in and has a database of blood donors to cover an area of 100km around Vellore. He himself Gavasker, who runs Udhavum Ullangal at Arcot, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India has donated 17 times and is ever ready to help in emergency. Aiding for education has been instrumental in collecting more than 250 pairs of eyes during the past for the under privileged is yet another of his pet projects and he has been influential decade. His unique nature of creating awareness among public for eye donation to collect funds to donate note books worth Rs.25,000/- every year. includes participating in the funeral procession of the donor carrying a large banner thanking him/her for the large heartedness. The banner gets noticed by the participants of the procession, passers-by in buses, two-wheelers and other Contact Details: vehicles who stop and read the content of the banner, thus creating an impact on Name: Mr. J. GAVASKER their minds regarding eye donation. Mobile: 91-9791738559 Gavaskar also joins with his team for the death ceremony of the deceased that is Email: [email protected] held after ten days in the house of the deceased amongst the presence of all the relatives. Here again a note is read thanking the donor for letting his eyes to live on. The relatives of the donor are also felicitated and the gloomy atmosphere is slowly

[ 12 ] [ 13 ] IN031 19 Dec, 2013 reflect the emotional bonding created with them motivating Aakkam to keep on visiting more PLAN AHEAD TO SERVE BETTER orphanages and stir up a difference in the monotonous life of the kids. When a group of college students start A massive tree plantation program some charity activities in their college was held in Hosur planting 1008 life, it is mostly unlikely that they carry saplings and created awareness it on after college into their career life. among public for environment Many would drop it off as they spread conservation. To instill self confidence and motivate students, a workshop was out in various directions, separated conducted in Karur where more than 1500 students participated and they were by huge distances and also a budding new life to look after. But here is where given career counseling too. Mother’s day was celebrated in a grand manner Aakkam friends stand apart as they had thought of this separation even while inviting 150 mothers and their children made to speak about their relationship. conception of Aakkam happened during their college days and devised plans to The event witnessed several poignant moments leaving a deep impact in the sustain Aakkam forever. minds of all participants. Aakkam was started by the students of Adhiyaman Enggineering College, Hosur, In a drive to enhance the creativity of the under privileged kids, an exhibition Tamil Nadu, India. Saravanan, Secretary of Aakkam says that a small project will was conducted to showcase their talents and more than 300 kids participated in be organized every month in any one or more regions where Aakkam members the event titled “Engal Padaipugal – Our Creations” in Hosur. Traffic safety are present. One major project will be conducted once in every four months which awareness, cleaning programs in public places and visiting old age homes are has to be attended by all members, which means most of the members meet thrice some of the other small projects that Aakkam has undertaken. A proper plan with in a year where they share their individual experiences of their smaller projects, clear guidelines thus aids in better service, concludes Saravanan. revamp their policy as required and continuously strive to make Aakkam better to serve the needy.

The pet project of Aakkam is to visit orphanages and spend a day with those Contact Details: hapless kids during weekend. They ensure that it becomes a memorable day Mr. N. SARAVANAN both for the kids and the participating Mobile: +91- 90424 66118 members. They conduct games, tell Email: [email protected] motivational stories, arrange lunch, Website: www.aakkamcharitabletrust.org share snacks and sweets and involve the kids in creative activities. The thank you letters posted by the kids

[ 14 ] [ 15 ] IN032 26, Dec, 2013 A TINY HELP IN TIME IS WORTH A TON

At many a time, it is not the amount of money offered, but the time of providing the service that really matters. A small help rendered at the right time makes a huge impact on the life of the needy. A few hundreds of rupees to pay the less fortunate students in basics of computers, mathematics and english grammar. tuition fees can either fulfill or break As many of Sirpigal team members are inclined to computers, basic computer the dreams of an aspiring young college student, who would have struggled hard skills and web development techniques are taught to students. They have donated against poverty to reach that stage in his life. A few hours of extra coaching personal computers to Sudar Trust in Kumbakonam, Nadesan Iyyar School and to deserving students in the final days before their board exams would make a Anbu Illam in Ramanathapuram. notable difference in their marks paving way for their admission to college. A yearly subscription of good magazines to school library wouldn’t cost much but Sirpigal team delights on seeing the happy faces of the students when they receive would definitely add value to knowledge hungry students. the dictionaries, geometry boxes and note books after winning in the various competitions conducted to showcase their talents. They also contribute on a regular This is the basis for formation of Trust in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Sirpigal monthly basis to old age homes and shelters of physically challenged people. India by final year students of Mepco Schlenk Engineering College headed by Vinoth Kannan and Prasanth. While gathering funds to pay the fees for their From a humble beginning, Sirpigal team has grown to more than 200 members classmate during their college life, they took a resolution that no deserving student spread in many districts of Tamil Nadu in a short span of time. Vinoth Kannan says who come to their notice, should that Sirpigal members strive to become a role model to the younger generation in suffer for want of money to pay the character, attitude and serving the needy. fees and continue their studies. They Contact Details: pool in funds from their pocket money Mr. S. VINOTH KANNAN and friends and try to help the needy in Mobile: +91- 8870568866 whatever small way they can. Email: [email protected] Website: www. sirpigal2012.in Apart from providing financial help to students, Sirpigal team also helps the

[ 16 ] [ 17 ] IN033 02 Jan, 2014 to their owners. The most appealing fact is the reunion of more than 125 children who got lost in the crowd, with their PUBLIC CONFIDENCE BUILT BY SYSTEMATIC APPROACH parents. One of the many interesting incidents An announcement was being made is of Mr.V.Karuppan, 76 years old, a though the Public Address System labourer, who deposited at the office, a (PAS) installed at the office of Coonoor five sovereign gold article which he found on the road. It was duly handed over to Merchants Association – “There is an Nigerian Army personnel S.A.Mohammed, who had just reported about the lost urgent requirement of Rupees 22,000/- article at the office and was pleasantly shocked and surprised seeing the honesty to pay the hospital dues and claim the of Karuppan. body of a small boy of a coolie who died due to accident injuries. Within minutes Parameshwaran says that this PAS is a boon for those who are in urgent need for of this announcement, there were a large number of people queuing up in front blood as any blood donation request is answered within minutes. News regarding of the office, to contribute for this noble service. The people who stood in the death of any local person is also broadcasted to the public through PAS. More queue were mostly daily wage labourers who were eager to part with their day’s than 1500 service oriented people have subscribed to earning and also few outsiders who have come to Coonoor market from other the SMS facility maintained by the Association, through cities. In just 45 minutes of the announcement, the office was able to collect the which any urgent requests are sent as messages and amount needed and decided to close the request. But the remaining people in prompt replies are received. queue insisted to collect their contribution and use it for any other noble cause. Recognizing the sincere service done by Coonoor Such was the confidence amongst the people on Coonoor Merchants Association, Merchants Association, few complaints regarding lost or Coonoor, near Ooty, Nilgiris Dist, Tamil Nadu, India. found articles received by local police station is diverted The announcements made through the PAS installed in the office located in the to the Association, which itself is a proof to the immense confidence that it has centre of Coonoor market can be heard by almost all of Coonoor. Any item lost won, over the years, in the minds of the people. or found in and around Coonoor is reported here and appropriate action is immediately Contact Details: taken. Mr. R Parameshwaran, President of Mr. R. PARAMESWARAN the Association, proudly states that since the Mobile: +91- 9443427044 installation of the Public Address System 14 Email: [email protected] years back, more than 5000 lost items worth approximately 25 lakhs have been handed over

[ 18 ] [ 19 ] IN034 9, Jan, 2014 Started with 5 children, Rajan has now rescued and adopted 83 mentally challenged persons under his care COMMITMENT FOREVER WITH SPECIAL CHILDREN OF GOD and trained on self help skills and interpersonal development skills. In the weaker sections KARD mainly focuses on Community of our society, where Based Rehabilitation programs poverty drives both as the affection and recognition accorded by family members of the disabled the parents to venture persons particularly mothers contribute a great extent towards the psychological out and look for any development of these children. Disability awareness seminars and training job to eke out their programs are conducted to continuously motivate the people and make them living, the presence accept these special children as one of their family members and an integral part of a mentally challenged person in their household, adds to their miseries. They of their society. could not afford to hire a trained nurse to look after their special child or find any support from other family members. Most of the parents in a vexed state of mind KARD is running two day care special schools (KIMS and SPASTI), a residential leave their mentally disabled child uncared at home, either chained or locked up in special school (SMR) and a hostel (BLOSSOM) through which more than 300 a room during day time, till they return back from their job. These children loose mentally disabled children are getting benefitted. Dr. Rajan has also formed a the emotional security from their mothers which in turn blocks their emotional network of organizations working for disabled to share ideas and joint action. intelligence. They starve and are isolated till evening and the result is these Vijay who was neglected at home, was adopted by KARD, given adequate training children become violent and highly disturbed. Some of the mentally challenged and now works in an auto mechanic shop. Ramkumar who was given training adults are even chained in the backyard or left to begging for their day-to-day after detection of his disability in the early stages now works in a goldsmith survival. shop. Dr.Rajan says the sense of satisfaction derived on seeing these youngsters When most of us thank God for not being in that situation and carefully avoid standing on their own legs is the only motivational factor driving him these long such people, there are very few people like Dr. Basil Rajan who have made years. their life’s mission to take care of those special children. Dr. Basil Rajan, founder of Kanyakumari Rural Contact Details: Development Society (KARD), Tamil Dr. S. BASIL RAJAN Nadu, India has spent three decades in Mobile: +91- 94431 29405 the service of disabled persons and in Email: [email protected] particular mentally challenged children. Website: www.kardsociety.org

[ 20 ] [ 21 ] who got enriched IN035 16 Jan, 2014 with the knowledge of many herbal plants STEERING STUDENTS TOWARDS SCIENCE AND SOCIETY and the importance of conserving nature. Teachers are an extremely important Chithra canvasses on facet of any society. Responsibilities rain water harvesting of a teacher transcend merely passing methods and on knowledge and disciplining motivates students on students. A proactive teacher can lake restoration works. She along with her students cleaned the Sembodai Lake in direct a student to lead a fulfilling Gandhinagar village in Karaikal. The lake is now restored and the villagers have life that can go beyond a successful started growing fish in the lake as a source of earning. career, to make them aware of the challenges faced by the society, motivate them To create awareness about abiding to traffic rules and regulations, Chithra designed to think differently on solutions, be a part of the change required to rectify the a poster with 24 corrective action points and circulated to students and public, system and develop them into responsible citizens of the nation. Smt. Chithra is which was well appreciated. As President of Karaikal Chapter of Pondicherry one such teacher, who teaches chemistry as part of the academics, but acts as a Science Forum, she conducts many science exhibitions to kindle the technical catalyst in the minds of the teens to make them technically oriented, environment imagination of students. She also holds sessions for the general public to remove friendly and socially conscious individuals. their superstitious beliefs on comets, eclipses, etc. Chithra who works in Annai Teresa Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School in Chithra has won many awards which speak about her achievements; Best Science Karaikal, Tamil Nadu, India is very passionate about environment as with teacher award by Dept. of Science & Technology and Education Dept in 2008 teaching concepts about chemistry in a fun filled manner to students. Apart from and Best Teacher Award by Pondicherry Govt. in 2010 prove her teaching skills curriculum, she educates students on harmful effects due to addiction to junk in academics. Best Supervisor or the Census Silver Medal, a Presidential award food, damage to environment caused by improper disposal of plastics; importance in 2001 confirms her training skills. Best NSS Program Officer and the numerous of water conservation and rain awards by Rotary, Lions Club and other welfare organizations establish her as an water harvesting, need to discover environmentalist and a social activist. alternate sources of energy and protection from sexual abuse. Contact Details: S. CHITHRA As the coordinator for National Mobile: +91- 99409 18613 Green Corps, Chithra created a Email: [email protected] Herbal garden in the school campus by involving the school students

[ 22 ] [ 23 ] IN036 23 Jan, 2014 For students willing to take exams like RRB, BSRB and TNPSC, he has compiled question banks with lakhs SEEKING DIVINITY IN THE SMILES OF CHILDREN of questions and is available both on CDs and online. Murugan has been Most of the children who have assembled honoured with Kalvi Sindhanaiyalar in the huge hall have definitely heard Award by Ulaga Thirukural Peravai about a festival called Deepavali but were for his commendable service in not fortunate enough to celebrate it in its education. usual charm. But on a day in Nov 2013, Among the various health camps conducted by Aum, the notable one is the about 500 children, many from Irular and marathon eye checkup camp done continuously for 63 days in 2009 covering 43 Narikuravar communities, from various villages in Thiruvallur and supported more than 8000 cataract surgeries. Aum child homes and also from poor families in nearby villages had the opportunity to conducts medical camps on a regular monthly basis for past few decades. Aum celebrate Deepavali in a grand manner because of the efforts of Murugan, fondly works for rural development by organizing seminars on organic farming, rallies called as Aum Murugan, who had arranged right from oil bath to tailored new on election awareness and conservation of water bodies. Surveys are conducted in dresses, crackers and sweets, and a whole day of entertainment and feast which the villages on the number of youth sitting idle without employment; the causes these children will cherish in their memories forever. Murugan rightly calls this noted, psychological counseling provided and financial help rendered. celebration as Aanandha Deepavali and enjoys seeing the children glow with smiles. Murugan is ably assisted by his wife Umaa in all his endeavours. She fully supports her husband spending 25% of his salary for social cause. She even packs Murugan, founder of Aum Education Seva Trust, Veppampattu, Tiruvallur, Tamil an extra lunch every day so that atleast one poor person is fed every day for the Nadu, India believes that providing education to a poor is holier than praying to God at the sanctum. He runs many free coaching centers for poor students in past 24 years. and around Veppampattu. To make the academic curriculum more entertaining Contact Details: and easily understandable, CDs were developed with audio, visual and animation M. MURUGAN content and distributed 40,000 CDs free of cost to Government schools. CDs on Mobile: +91- 99520 24186 spoken english, first aid and personality Email: [email protected] development were also supplied. Website: www.aumeducation.org Thousands have been benefitted through the vocational courses like tailoring, beautician, typewriting and computer training and are earning their livelihood.

[ 24 ] [ 25 ] IN037 30 Jan, 2014 to atleast 100 people in the morning hours at the Sannathi of Arulmigu Swaminatha Swamy temple, a ritual FAMILY JOINS TOGETHER TO PROVIDE FOOD AND CARE which he has been following for many decades now. His main source of funds Palanivel has brought his two children to meet and get is from his own farmlands and very the blessings from his ‘Ayya’. Sri Ambalavanan, his little help from outside contribution. Godfather, has brought him up in his orphanage, provided Ambalavanan has close contacts food, clothing, shelter and education. He then helped him with Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam in getting a job too, opened a bank account and made and involves in all the holy activities him deposit his savings in that. After few years, with the savings and some (Thirupani) of all the temples in and around Kumbakonam. During kumbhabishekam contribution from Ayya, a house was also built after purchasing a small land in of any of these temples, Ambalavannan arranges for Annadhanam for atleast 5000 a village nearby. A suitable orphan girl was also arranged as his bride and on the people. In a year, there would be atleast 10 to 15 such Annadhanams arranged day of their marriage, the key to the new house was handed over to them. Now by Ambalavanan. During ‘Panguni Uthiram’, a function celebrated annually in Palanivel has got two children of his own and living an independent life. Swaminathan temple, for the past 16 years, apart from providing Annadhanam More than 21 orphan boys share the similar story of Palanivel, now married and to 7000 people, free marriages would be conducted for poor people, kits will be settled, who were earlier adopted by Sri Ambalavanan, founder of Annai Karunai supplied to physically handicapped people and new dresses distributed to children Illam in Melacauvery, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. He runs the orphanage of all nearby orphanages. from 1985 where there are 35 children and 15 aged people at present. A special Ambalavanan’s entire family is involved in this noble endeavour. His wife has school is operated for mentally challenged children which has 15 such kids. been preparing food individually for the homeless for past few decades and only Annadhanam or providing food is one of his main service areas. Apart from now has taken some support. His son, Jambunathan supervises the administration providing daily food to the inmates of his orphanage, old age home and special tasks and shoulders all responsibilities. One of Ambalavanan’s daughters has done school, he travels around 8km to a special course for Hearing and Speech impaired and another daughter has done locate mentally challenged people in a specialized course to train the mentally challenged children and they together the streets and gives them breakfast handle the special school. in the morning and again travels in the noon to give them two packets of Contact Details: lunch. Around 62 mentally challenged Sri G. T. AMBALAVANAN people are being fed by him daily. He Mobile: +91- 94431 06741 also takes care of their funeral after Email: [email protected] their death. He serves kanji or porridge

[ 26 ] [ 27 ] IN038 6 Feb, 2014 during her childhood and even now. After schooling, when she saw the pathetic conditions of other physically FACING PHYSICAL CHALLENGES WITH MENTAL STRENGTH challenged people, who were neglected by their own family and left to fend She is just back after giving a lecture for themselves, Kalaiarasi wanted to on self-motivation to the students of return the warmth that she got from her a reputed college in Trichy and then family to these vulnerable kids and in quickly immersed into the training particular to the less fortunate women. activities at her skill development Poornodhaya offers shelter for the differently abled and conducts vocational centre for physically challenged. training programs like tailoring, embroidery and manufacturing cleaning Intermittently she handles the calls liquids, incense sticks, paper bags, jewellery, etc. She organizes self-help groups of her students who are doing UG especially with differently abled people and helps in obtaining financial assistance and PG in Social work, for whom from banks and other government institutions for setting up their own occupation she acts as the guide for their projects. She also does a lot of paperwork that after due training in any of the vocational courses. There are many people who needs to be submitted to Government for helping many of her students and other have benefitted through Poornodhaya and now they voluntarily help and train the accomplices to obtain the benefits of various welfare programs for the physically newly joined trainees to earn their income. challenged. Kalaiarasi has been honoured with “Best Employee Award” by Govt. of Tamil The above work routine is of Ms. Kalaiarasi, whose legs are polio affected and Nadu in 2008 and ‘Vetri Penmani Award” by Bharathidasan University in 2009. do not have sufficient mobility. She also suffers from Rickets, a disease which She has been felicitated by many service organizations for her notable service to causes her bones to break when subjected to even a slight force. Kalaiarasi cannot differently abled people in securing their livelihood. When asked what motivates stand for a longer time nor walk for more than a few yards. Her knee joints have her to risk her own life given her feeble physical condition, for the benefit of already been fitted with steel plates and her height is much below normal. But her fellow brethren, Kalaiarasi simply says, “Me being so lucky to have such a Kalaiarasi has not lost her self-confidence, but strives to boost the same among wonderful family, if I myself don’t help them, who else will do?” the physically challenged through her Poornodhaya Trust, in Kannakudi, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Contact Details: India. P. KALAIARASI Kalaiarasi is the last of her Mobile: +91- 94434 56521 seven siblings and had all the Email: [email protected] support of her family members

[ 28 ] [ 29 ] IN039 13 Feb, 2014 Deivaraj’s team comprises of his wife, Smt. Sivakami, his brothers Shanmugaraj and Selvaraj, his SMALL DEEDS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE nephews Prabhakaran, Premkumar and Praveenkumar and his friends. On seeing the shabby mentally Over the years, the team has developed challenged people along the road a knack for approaching the mentally- side, most of us just tend to ignore challenged without alarming them. or avoid them, intimidated by their “We observe them for a while. We appearance and carry on with our then walk with them and gradually start a conversation”. own work. But a team of good Sivakami says that she is fortunate to get such a service-oriented person as her people provide a simple service to husband as she herself was inclined to service from her childhood days. She learnt them by utilizing the skill known haircutting from her husband and always accompanies him to provide service. to them. They are barbers and they provide their occupational skill of hair cutting She says it very pathetic to see the women in distressed conditions and it takes to these hapless persons. Sri. N.Deivaraj founder of New Deiva City Hair Arts a while to pacify them, give them a haircut and make them wear a proper dress. Trust,Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India, leads a team of 15 members who carry on this service of hair cutting for the past one decade, to the downtrodden and neglected Deivaraj cited many incidents where he has helped many accident victims and sections of the society. Once in a week, the team goes around in a rented vehicle persons in emergency situations to reach the nearby hospital either in his two- from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., helping as many as they can. They seek out mentally wheeler or any other vehicle. He says that because of rendering of timely help, challenged, differently-abled and under privileged people, groom them by giving many a victim has been rescued from the jaws of death. them a bath after haircut, provide them a neat dress and also a free meal. In a month, three shops are closed for four days and the barbers are out on streets Deivaraj takes his team to the leprosy ward of the Government Hospitals and for service. They do not mind missing the revenue for these four days, which is grooms the patients. They attend to the hospital inmates who are very pathetic a significant amount for them. Deivaraj says “We should do whatever we can and provide them food after giving them a haircut. Apart from that, they also while we can. And it is to be done today itself not to be postponed citing various make monthly visits to schools and reasons”. orphanages and do free hair-cuts. Contact Details: On August 15 every year, Deivaraj Mr. N. DEIVARAJ provides free hair-cuts to children Mobile: +91- 94423 72611 from lesser-privileged backgrounds. Email: [email protected] “This year, we attended to more than 1500 children. They were also given free stationery,” he explains.

[ 30 ] [ 31 ] IN040 20 Feb, 2014 also arranged for computer training centres for these children. CANDLE LIGHTENS UP THEIR LIVES He helps the tribal women in forming Self-Help Groups and assists them in securing bank loans. Due to their wandering life style, it is Notable among them is one SHG difficult to make the nomadic tribals with 40 widows who now lead a to settle in one place and take care of secured life after getting bank loans their livelihood, family and education and widow pensions. He conducts of their children. Such a tedious task health awareness and life skill training to adolescent tribal girls. was made possible due to the huge efforts put in by Dr. Palanisami and Dr. Palanisami always keeps himself updated with the latest welfare measures. He now around 120 families live together had undergone numerous trainings in women empowerment, income generation in a village in Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu, India. Born in a tribal community himself activity, sustainable agriculture, alternative livelihood for the poor households, and having understood that a proper family surrounding and education can lay the disabled development, children education rights, herbal medicinal plants , women foundation for the progress of any community, Dr. Palanisami has been working health, STD, HIV/AIDS prevention education, care and support of PLHAs and for the development of tribal communities for past one decade. family counseling. He makes use of the knowledge gained in these trainings to the welfare of the society. Dr.Palanisami founded the NGO CANDLE - (Community Action, Development, Liberative and Education) through which many welfare programs have been Dr. Palanisami was awarded ‘Doctorate in Humanity’ by Academy of Universal implemented for the tribal communities like Narikuravars, Malai Kuravars and Global Peace (AUGP) USA and received Best Social Worker 2011 Award by Kuravars. In liaison with the Govt, he helped the tribals in getting patta lands, built International Development Consultancy & Research Foundation Nilgris and houses for them and also was instrumental in getting water, roads and electricity N.I.C.College Bangalore. He is a member in the District Advisory Committee on in their new settlement. Youth Programmes, NSV Councilor of Family Welfare and Deputy Director of Medical & Family Welfare, Pudukkottai. He established evening coaching centres to teach the tribal children and appointed ‘Animators’ to train the Contact Details: children in both games and academics. Dr. M. P. PALANISAMI Currently, more than 350 students Mobile: +91- 84384 17116 from 10 villages are benefitted through Email: [email protected] these centres and the school dropout numbers have highly reduced. He has

[ 32 ] [ 33 ] IN041 27 Feb, 2014 their formal education. Sunny started Children’s Club where children assemble and tell stories, read & write and also play DREAMING HIGH IN A DIFFICULT TERRAIN various games. These activities motivate children to continue with their studies and A decade earlier, most of the children reduce drop-outs. A Adivasi Kalai Kuzhu belonging to Paniyan, Kurumban and (Tribal Theatre Group) has been formed to Katunayakan Tribes in the Nilgiris campaign on various issues of the people forests would not have heard about and nature. schools or notebooks or formal KOODU works for women empowerment and Sunny prides in declaring that education. Though Government is every village in the Cherangod Panchayat has a woman tailor trained by KOODU. launching various welfare schemes, the hilly terrain and the wild animals makes it Close to 150 women have been in tailoring and 17 of them have opened their own difficult for volunteers to reach out to these people in the far flung forest areas to tailoring shops and earn their living. Contract of stitching school uniforms for create awareness on education. But today there are many first generation school government schools has been acquired and given to 64 such women groups. goers and the literacy level has been slowly and steadily increasing in these tribes, Integrating with the Hill Area Development Program (HADP) “KOODU” due to the efforts of Dr. Sunny, who has dedicated his life for the welfare and development of the tribal people. had implemented a macro water shed at Payyampuzha village of the Nilgiris district. Stressing the need for hygiene, KOODU constructed ‘Toilets’ for many Education does not seem to be the priority for most tribal communities. Sending households. Tribal people seldom visit hospitals for medical emergencies as they children to school is considered a worthless investment for parents as they loose an believe in superstitious practices. KOODU conducts medical camps for creating able hand from the household activities and source of income. The commercial tea awareness and providing treatment for various native diseases. plantations have extensively destroyed the livelihood of the tribes in Nilgiris and Many tribal families have been benefitted by the bio-gas plants installed by they work as coolies in the nearby estates picking up leaves and waste. Dr. Sunny KOODU. The goats donated to families have multiplied and have become a steady founded ‘KOODU’ in Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India and has implemented source of income. Considering such noble services, Dr. Sunny was honored with many programs for the overall tribal Degree of Doctorate for Humanity and Social Services by ‘Academy of Universal development. Global Peace’ and ‘International Development Consultancy and Research Education being the prime focus Foundation’. of KOODU, Dr. Sunny has been instrumental in creating awareness on Contact Details: Dr. K.J. SUNNY the importance of education among the Mobile: +91- 94439 00724 tribals. More than 2000 tribal children Email: [email protected] have enrolled in schools and started Website: www.koodu.org

[ 34 ] [ 35 ] IN042 6 Mar, 2014 A mentally depressed woman whose own brother left her in the home, has A PLACE TO REST IN THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS been brought to normalcy through Nalini’s care and is now the main helper in the home and assists Nalini Nalini took the hands of Pounammal into her own and looked reassuringly into her in giving baths to other inmates. eyes. There was a sense of gratitude and peace that shown through the eyes of the Similarly another elderly women fragile Pounammal, now 87 years old, when she slowly breathed her last. With a who was deserted as useless by her heavy heart, after informing the relatives of Pounammal, Nalini started preparing relatives is now rendering useful for the final rites, not sure whether the relatives will attend. Nalini has conducted service to other inmates by assisting 31 such funerals until now, the only relief being that all those people had lived in in cooking. In general, all inmates feel peace in their twilight years with proper food, clothing, medical care and shelter at home and live happily as a family. in the Annai Theresa Old Age Home. Even when they occasionally go back to their homes for any function, they When Nalini’s husband deserted her along with her new born child, a few years return hurriedly to the warm shelter back, to come out of her depression, she started looking for service avenues where here. there is no scope for expectations of any form of return for the service provided. Today, there are 11 men and 19 She eventually thought of serving the destitute elderly people who were rendered women in the old age home and Nalini homeless by their own children and decided to care for them in their declining says that has been days. Nalini founded at Vizhupuram, Tamil ‘Belief in God’ Sudar Oli Old Age Home Trust, her motivation throughout. God has Nadu, India with 16 elderly men and women in 2008 with her father as her sole answered her prayers for provisions, supporter. medicines and clothes whenever Nalini laments that nowadays own parents are seen as a burden and they are needed through good hearted people. Now she believes sincerely that God will not being taken care of by their children. Providing food is not a big issue, but definitely show her a way to shift this home from a temporary rental place to an taking care when they are bedridden is the main concern. Not many are willing own building. to clean the soiled clothes, urine and excreta of the elderly people when they become sick and confined to their beds. When relatives come to drop off the elderly people in the old age home, they say many excuses ranging from staying Contact Details: in rented accommodation and house owners not agreeing to the elders stay, to not Ms. K. NALINI able to cope up with the childish behavior and mental imbalance exhibited during Mobile: +91- 77088 98461 old age. Email: [email protected] Website: www.sudarolioldagehome.com

[ 36 ] [ 37 ] workers, SHASHA Team visits the IN043 13 Mar, 2014 women awardees at their own homes and felicitates them with an award ON A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY in front of their family members, relatives and friends. Apart from Even after landing in a corporate this, SHASHA participates in various with a lucrative career after rallies organized for `Save Our Sisters’ completing his MBA, Prem Campaign, in their commitment realized that it was not his forte. towards women empowerment which Prem wanted to follow his heart’s is the greatest need of the nation at this hour. desire of being a service to needy To induce the feeling of Joy of Giving, SHASHA team conducts food donation and bring out a positive change in days at orphanages and special homes. They also organize entertainment programs the society. Gathering his ability of quickly making friends, getting along with for underprivileged, physically, mentally and visually challenged children to make other service natured people, self taught theatrical skills, Prem embarked on a them happy. ‘Special Olympics’ was conducted to bring out the sporting talent journey of discovering himself by finding out new avenues of service and to lead of these differently-abled children. ‘Thithikum Diwali’ was celebrated grandly a satisfactory life. While campaigning for ‘No Tobacco Day’ to remove shining with 300 under privileged children which became a day etched in their memories advertisement boards of tobacco related products in Chennai, Prem was amazed forever. SHASHA volunteers involve themselves in all service areas constantly that their small acts when done with sincerity could bring about a big difference. discovering their area of passion merging it with greater purpose to continuously Prem, fondly called as Premji by his friends, along with his associates started upgrade their vision. Society for Habitual Awareness and Service for Human Action (SHASHA) in Being a professional street play artist, Prem uses this theatrical skill in conducting Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and have involved themselves in many service many street plays to raise social consciousness among public. SHASHA ties activities and tried to create a mark with a uniqueness in each activity that they up with NSS wing of several colleges and conducted street shows on various execute. Prominent National days like Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi themes like Street parliament, Noise Pollution, Waste Management, Unity in Jayanthi, Children’s Day, Teacher’s Day etc. are celebrated in a joyous manner Diversity, etc. Temple Cleaning and Hospital Cleaning are few other pet projects with creative activities by SHASHA of SHASHA. volunteers. SHASHA remarkably honoured 108 Ambulance Service Contact Details: Workers and Fire Service Workers on B. Premkumar Labour’s Day. Mobile: +91- 91760 68303 Email: [email protected] During Women’s day celebration, to honour those women who are silent social

[ 38 ] [ 39 ] IN044 20 Mar, 2014 hospital authorities, LIFE Trust team takes possession of the dead bodies. As there RESPECTFUL FAREWELL TO UNCLAIMED BODIES is no religious identify, all the bodies are performed the Have we ever wondered about same final rites at the burial what happens to the numerous ground with new cloth, unclaimed bodies picked up flower garland and other necessary items. A report is also filled in to document from roadside or those of the burial details. accident victims who were When women are generally not allowed to do the last rites in a burial ground, not sought by their relatives or Maran motivated women volunteers to take up this noble service. Today there those who committed suicide are 12 women volunteers who are engaged in all the related activities. Also now, without leaving any note about Maran has handed over the entire responsibility of LIFE Trust to Kalaivani, who their identify? Most of us might argue that given the limited support to worry about has humbly performed the funeral rites of 916 unclaimed bodies, including 588 the living, there is no time to attend to the already dead, which is just a waste of men, 321 women, 6 children and one transgender. resources. Is there anything more grave than dying unnoticed and unattended for? Giving a decent farewell by performing the last rites after taking those unclaimed Kalaivani says that though she initially faced so many difficulties in the form bodies to the burial ground is one of the of ridicule from friends and relatives, today many of them have come forward noblest services and this is what is being to extend their support after seeing her determination. In a bid to encourage her done by the LIFE Trust team. team, Salem Corporation has donated an ambulance to carry the deceased. Our former president Dr. Abdul Kalam has also donated a vehicle. Sri Dayanidhi Maran started Leading India for Equality (LIFE) Trust in On seeing many aged people in the brink of death at the roadside, LIFE Trust has Salem, Tamil Nadu, India and took now moved them to a home and care is provided until their last day. After every up this unique service of providing a burial, Kalaivani and her team prays that there shouldn’t be any more unclaimed decent burial to the departed orphans. body but their service and prayers still continues. Maran says that there are atleast 20 unclaimed bodies in the Government Contact Details: Hospital at Salem in a month. When S. KALAIVANI there is no claim to a dead person for Mobile: +91- 94870 66238 a stipulated time period, after getting Email: [email protected] required legal clearance from police and

[ 40 ] [ 41 ] IN045 27 Mar, 2014 Puthiya Kural team conducts medical camps and most importantly does the blood group GIVING OTHERS WHICH THEY LONGED FOR identification for all the people in their locality. They conduct blood While browsing through our donation awareness camps too. old school group photos, don’t To encourage the reading habit we feel nostalgic thinking of the local children they have about the good old days, our opened a library, which houses schoolmates and teachers? engineering books, self-improvement and story books. As the visitors to the All those hidden memories library have increased, they plan to buy more books and also issue library cards. of the little pranks and sweet Puthiya Kural team claims that providing help at the right age will make moments flash before our eyes. But have we ever wondered whether all school things better in the future. With their skill in photography, they plan to make going kids have an opportunity to be part of the group photo with their classmates? documentaries on various social issues and conduct awareness session to the Do the kids in government run schools have their group photos clicked? This is public. Tree saplings were distributed and importance of conserving water and what that ran in the mind of Muniasamy who longed for a group photo with his nature were discussed with people and students. All the members in the Puthiya friends while studying in a government school but never materialized. Today, Kural team are energetic youngsters who wish to bring about a positive change in being a photographer, Muniasamy wants to provide that simple happiness to the the society in whatever small way they can. local students and arranged for the group photos for the school leaving students of few government schools in Madurai.

Muniasamy and his friends together started Puthiya Kural Trust in Madurai, Contact Details: Tamil Nadu, India to provide the simple joys that they longed for in their M. MUNIASAMY childhood, to the children of the deprived section of our society. Though longing Mobile: +91- 96000 65824 to go to a college, but having completed his degree through distance education, Email: [email protected] Muniasamy started helping two Website: www. puthiyakuraltrust.org students with their college and hostel fees, so that their dream of college life is realized. Following him, Muniasamy’s friends have also adopted few students and providing them with educational aid for their higher studies.

[ 42 ] [ 43 ] IN046 3 Apr, 2014 other tools, Disability Pension and assists them in their legal requirements too. INSTILLING CONFIDENCE TO FACE CHALLENGES Johnbasha conducts awareness campaigns for polio prevention, counseling to parents to avail the facilities to make their When grief stricken Mad- wards self-reliant, sessions to students to havan’s parents approached treat their differently-abled classmates him, Johnbasha could under- with dignity, man-made disabilities due to accidents and other mental trauma, stand both the pathetic nature traffic awareness to prevent accidents and subsequent disability, etc. Winner of their physically challenged Trust honours the achievers with physical disability annually with awards and son and the emotional pain motivates others to follow their success path. the parents undergo because of their son’s handicap. Fear- Even after losing the natural mobility in his leg at the tender age of one and half ing the ridicule of the society years due to polio, Johnbasha has not only ensured his personal education, career and settling into an inferi- and family amidst lot of challenges, but is a moral support and a guide to more than or state of mind, Madhavan 2500 members with various physical challenges in and around Kancheepuram. He was confining himself to his room and getting worsened by his depressed mind. is always on the run to fulfill the wish-list of his members ranging from requirement After hearing this, Johnbasha approached Madhavan and patiently counseled him of aids like wheel-chairs, hearing aids and other tools to pending approval of loans along with the success stories of the numerous differently-abled people whom he from banks to start their self-employment projects, most of which can be acquired had personally encountered. Johnbasha succeeded in enrolling Madhavan in a through human compassion alone, claims Johnbasha. Type-writing institute and after completion he was also trained in basic computer Winner Trust has a long list of requirements pending Government approval. skills. Today Madhavan is changed man working in a DTP centre, earning enough It appeals to the Government to extend the aid to all persons with disability to support his family which now includes his wife and two daughters too. irrespective of the percentage of their diability, to increase the job allocation Johnbasha is responsible for many such successful transformations of differently- percentage from 3% to 7%, to allocate loans for self-employment without any abled persons and has instilled mortgage, to provide medical aid to all irrespective of type of disability, to confidence in them through his Winner establish educational institutions of international standards for differently-abled Physically Challenged Person Trust in children, etc. Maduranthakam, Kancheepuram, Tamil Contact Details: Nadu, India. Johnbasha helps them to JOHNBASHA A get Government aids like Disability Mobile: +91- 99449 34200 Identification Cards, Wheel chairs and Email: [email protected]

[ 44 ] [ 45 ] IN047 10 Apr, 2014 bodies and developing infrastructure in Coimbatore. Raveendran believes in people power. He feels everyone COIMBATORE CITIZENS CHART A COURSE FOR should volunteer their time to society ELECTION CANDIDATES even if it is only once a month or once a year. Raveendran says, “We have to The meeting held on 4th April own our city.” 2014 was one of a kind - the Through ‘Shunya’ or the Zero Waste Management project, residents are encouraged contesting candidates of Coimbatore to segregate waste at their residence. Wet waste is taken to corporation compost Constituency inTamil Nadu, India, yards and Self-help groups are trained to convert them into manure. Dry waste is for the Lok Sabha Elections 2014 collected by trained corporation workers and the money earned after selling the were called upon to interact with representatives from leading institutions, recyclable waste to ITC is distributed as remuneration to the workers. In March industrialists, trade associations and resident forums of Coimbatore. Each 2014, around 7 ½ ton recyclable waste was collected in Ward 23 (R.S.Puram) contesting candidate for MP was presented a manual titled “Vision Kovai Mission alone. Perur panchayat has achieved almost 100 per cent waste segregation at 10” which detailed the ten most urgent needs of Coimbatore in terms of Roads, source because of this sustainable waste management system. RAAC lends a Railways, Airport, Urban Development Master Plan, Housing, Electricity, Water, helping hand to Coimbatore Corporation and ICLEI in Shunya Project. Sports, Tourism, Heritage etc. This mammoth exercise of drafting the requirement RAAC honours environment activists with Eco Awards along with Association of manual was done jointly by Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore British Scholars (ABS). One of the recipients of the Eco Award, A.V.Govindarajan (RAAC) and The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore. has taken the initiative to sink three bore-wells and install drip irrigation facilities Sri Raveendran, Honorary Secretary of RAAC, conveys that the “Vision Kovai without funds from the Government and has created a green corridor covering Mission 10” manual has addressed all the genuine infrastructure requirement needs 13 acres at Arasur Village Panchayat. Along with Siruthuli, a NGO working for and the elected candidate need not further search for new avenues, but just follow Environmental issues, RAAC has nearly 10,000 trees in its care and are planning the given roadmap to ensure Coimbatore’s economic and social development. more urban forests around the city. The manual was brought out with the combined efforts of 110 Trade, Industries Associations and NGOs of Coimbatore. RAAC was started in 2006 Contact Details: to address the issues of the Raveendran R residents of the society and are Mobile: +91- 98422 33446 Email: [email protected] involved in projects that range from greening and garbage segregation to de-silting water

[ 46 ] [ 47 ] IN048 17 Apr, 2014 years. He has visited numerous schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu and trained students and teachers in IMPARTING LIVING VALUES TO GENERATION NEXT various moral value topics. Ravi explains that a Facilitator has Hemamalini was conducting a session to prepare 3 hours for a 40 minute for corporation school students on session and the interactive session ‘Anger Management’ when a VIII with the students leave both the students and facilitators inspired. Today, based standard boy Vinodh was creating all on feedback from students, parents and teachers, Chennai Corporation Mayor has sorts of disturbance, annoying her to given permission to conduct these sessions in 80 schools in Chennai. such an extent that she shouted at him When VSET conceptualized this idea of imparting moral values to children, it was and warned that she would punish him indeed challenging to design a program without textbooks and homework and if he continued to behave in the same evolve a process of ‘no teaching - no preaching’. VSET finally embarked upon manner. On reaching home, Hema was ‘Facilitation’, an open and unbiased process that allows each student to think by so upset with her behaviour and started introspecting herself; though being an himself and take decisions on his own in the values space, understanding the role adult she was unable to manage her anger and was she really eligible to take class played by society and nature in his life. on ‘Anger Management’ to children. In the next session, Hema called Vinodh and apologized to him in front of the whole class for her behavior in the previous According to VSET, with sustained interactions with same set of participants on class. She said she was sorry that she couldn’t control her anger and now after regular intervals for a long period, humaneness gets kindled in the young minds. self-analysis, she is trying to manage her anger. This incident had an immediate The topics are connected to daily life and the interactions provide the possibility and tremendous impact on young Vinodh that he transformed to being calm and for immediate application. Real life incidents, anecdotes, images, stories, videos, sincere in his class much to the astonishment presentations, songs etc. are compiled for each topic more from current situation of his classmates, staff and even headmaster. than from history which the students can relate to. VSET has created program for students known as JoyClub, supported by programs such as JoyCamp and Hema is one of the hundreds of Facilitators JoyPower for students, JoyConnect for teachers and JoyUnite for parents. trained by Ravichandar, the lead Trainer of Living Values Movement, an initiative Contact Details: by Vishwa Seva Educational Trust (VSET), Ravichandar T Wayanad, Kerala, India. Having left a lucrative Mobile: +91- 94440 89975 career, Ravi enjoys his passion of interacting Email: [email protected] with children and sowing the seeds of core Website: www. vset.org values in their young minds, for the past ten

[ 48 ] [ 49 ] IN049 24 Apr, 2014 social events. After every six months, all the trainers donate blood in a regular basis. All the trainers have taken pledge CAREER OPPORTUNITY THROUGH FITNESS PROGRAMS for Eye and Organ donation. Periodic visit to orphanages and old age homes, “There is no need to worry if distribution of cycles to physically you are left without any job. Any challenged persons, providing food to person can be trained in one of the needy during auspicious days are some of chosen fitness program and can be the other activities done by the trainers. provided with a job opportunity in Eighteen Cycle rallies were conducted schools and colleges as a Fitness until now to promote awareness on various Trainer”, claims Suresh Kumar, socially relevant programs like Tree Plantation, Need to Vote, Protection of Girl who is founder of TAMIL NADU Child and AIDS prevention. SWAMY VIVEKANANDHA Students are taught unique skills like performing Asanas on eggs, nails, glass YOGA & SKATING TRUST tumblers, tomatoes, hanging by rope, climbing stairs through Chakrasana, etc at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. Suresh provides training in Yoga, Skating, and created ASSIST World records. Various Asanas by floating on water is also Chess, Carrom, Karate and Silambam and has also employed trainers to teach performed. Few of the Trainers have landed job in Police Force also, owing to western and classical dance. Suresh has trained more than 1000 young men and their physical and mental fitness. Suresh Kumar has been women in various fitness skills and most of them are employed as Fitness Trainers. awarded “The Best Youth Award” and the Trust has Depending upon the skill, the duration of the training program varies and Suresh been awarded “The Best Mandram Award” by Indian helps in placement as Physical Instructor in schools and colleges. There are more Government Nehru Youth Centre. than 400 trainers as members in the Trust, out of which 200 are ladies. The Trust has its presence in more than 18 districts in Tamil Nadu, with its Training team catering to the service of the local needs. Students trained in the various sports have Contact Details: participated in various state and national level competitions and earned accolades. Mr. S. SURESH KUMAR Suresh adds that proficiency in skating Mobile: +91- 98421 99183 enables a student to get admission to Email: [email protected] colleges through Sports quota. Website: www.yogaskating.com Suresh’s team of Trainers does not restrict themselves to training alone, but also serve as volunteers in various

[ 50 ] [ 51 ] IN050 01 May, 2014 Tamilnadu and also to most states of our country, to meet each one of these NGOs/ Service oriented individuals, to identify PATIENTLY BUILDING A NETWORK LINK BY LINK and engage with them, spend time with their families, their friends, supporters, Amidst involving himself in various well-wishers; understanding their work, charity activities, one fine day in 2005, issues, challenges, and trying to see the Sri J.Prabhakar and his wife Smt. hidden link that connects all these people. Nirmala decided to venture out to In 1989, he visited Anna Hazare at his village, Ralegan Sidhi in Maharashtra to meet good hearted and service oriented witness the village development programs and then implement those programs people to get an inspiration from them in Theeyambakkam, a native village of Tamilnadu. During his career at Ashok and recharge themselves on the path Leyland, between 1985 and 2005 he was instrumental in initiating many rural of service. That journey of nine years development projects. He prides himself in establishing rural schools in Minjur, have resulted in a vast network of Athipattu, Theeyambakkam, Thirunindravur and Manali. nearly 1000 socially conscious individuals and organizations from across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states of India. JP maintains that extra personal contact with all the people in his network, who belong to diverse economic strata, which is the foundation of “Ennangalin Fondly called as ‘JP’, he has been a catalyst to small organizations, assisting them Sangamam”, which has established itself successfully, even without any proper to serve a wider humanity and to achieve greater goals. With his vast network of office setup or staff. Smt. Nirmala has been a strong support to JP as his two sons friends and well wishers in all relevant areas, he is a source of support and strength Ravivarma and Narendra in all his noble endeavors. JP is also a renowned artist to all the people in his network. He acts as a liaison mainly concentrating on black and white sketches of temple architecture and is a between the seekers and providers of service. He regular contributor for magazines like Ananda Vikatan, Dina Malar and leading directs young social activists to a focused path of art galleries. service according to their individual strengths. More than three decades into service, JP is now getting offers to serve the society JP founded Networking and Development Centre from a wider platform with administrative powers which he has accepted as a for Service Organizations (NDSO), which acts as message from God. a hub for charity organizations. After coordinating ‘Ennangalin Sangamam (Merger of Thoughts)’ Contact Details: in 2005, with a goal of networking 100 NGOs in Prabhakar J one year, today after nine years, it has grown to a Mobile: +91- 96001 99110 strong and wide network of nearly 1000 NGOs. JP Email: [email protected] has travelled long distances to remote corners of Website: www.ndsoindia.org

[ 52 ] [ 53 ] IN051 08 May, 2014 inculcate positive behaviors, involving youths in social initiatives, improve their self- confidence, independence and ability to deal RECOGNIZING AND NURTURING YOUNG TALENT IN with adversity. SPORTS Football and boxing are the two primary sports for which training is being given to these When Murugan secured a job as a Clerk children. Professional training is being imparted to the students of government in Indian Railways, it was a dream that and aided schools in Vyasarpadi, and Kotturpuram area. Sports kit and other came true for his mother who is flower necessary equipment are also supplied free of cost to the students. Youth trained in seller and father who works as a daily boxing have represented Tamil Nadu State in the National boxing championships labourer. Murugan is one among the and earned many medals. They have been selected to be part of Indian team for many students from the slum areas, Common Wealth Games too. Thanigaivel’s team has represented the Sub-Junior trained by Thanigaivel in Boxing and National Football and Boxing Championships and won accolades. All these represented Tamil Nadu in National wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Thanigaivel and his boxing championships. Sports and games activities are an essential component team. of a healthy childhood; however many young children do not have adequate Almost 1000 students have been trained by Thanigaivel and many have landed opportunities to engage in sports activity. Without these opportunities young in good jobs thereafter as Physical Education Trainers in Schools and Colleges, children are more at risk for obesity and health related problems. Particularly in Gym Instructors, Fitness Coach and in Department of Police. Apart from sports, low-income communities, children are more at risk for negative social behaviors his team of trainers and youth trainees are also involved in various social activities that potentially have lifelong consequences. Sadly, many children from this like tree plantation drive, planting nearly 2000 trees in Chennai, volunteering stratum have limited opportunities to engage in physical activity due to various as scribes for visually impaired, giving aids to leprosy affected people, etc. reasons including cost constraints and lack of program availability both in and out Recognizing his passion towards Sports and Service, The Ma Foi Foundation of school. has selected Thanigaivel to coach its students through their Education initiative Victory Foundation was started by Thanigaivel in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to make program Disha. sports reachable and feasible to all children and in particular to children of the Contact Details: downtrodden. Victory Foundation’s goal is to inspire a love of sports Mr. Thanigaivel Mobile: +91- 9551262220 and physical activity that will be the Email: [email protected] foundation for healthy living, while simultaneously helping to build participants’ positive relationships,

[ 54 ] [ 55 ] IN052 15 May, 2014 Today, Pitchai has collected details of about 80 twins nearby his village, their age varying from just born to 80 years. SHARE AND CARE FOR TWINS DOUBLES THE JOY To ease the burden of school fees for the poor parents, he visits the school When his wife gave birth to triplets management and convinces them to – two boys and one girl, though each reduce the fees. He also talks to the bus or one was a bundle of joy, the burden of van or auto drivers for a concession to carry these twins to their schools. He tries expenditure and care needed exhausted to collect funds to buy them uniforms and other school stationery items. Pitchai is Pitchai Amudhan who was surviving also planning to apply for educational aid from the Government for these twins. only on a meager income. Pitchai Pitchai believes that one does not need a lot of money to serve others, but a timely reminisced how even a small gift from help even in the form of a small aid will serve them in a long way which they will neighbours or relatives in the form of cherish forever. Also, there is no need to think of lofty ideas to serve humanity but dresses, feeding bottles, milk powder, soap or any infant items became a much just reminiscing the help we received during our tough time is enough that can be needed help in the early stages of bringing up of his children. Fascinated to infants replicated to the needy. of multiple births (single delivery with more than one child), his initial suffering and warm gratitude made Pitchai to go in search of newly born twins and help their parents in whatever small way he can. Contact Details: Eight years after the birth of his triplets, Pitchai started Twins Health Educational Mr. PITCHAI AMUDHAN And Charitable Trust (THE ACT), in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India to share and Mobile: +91- 9943015536 care for the infants who are one among the multiple births. Initially, Pitchai Email: [email protected] started collecting a database of twins/multiple births in and around his village in Trichy. Whenever he visits twins, he carries a set of dress or eatables depending upon their age. If convinced with the poverty situation of the parents, Pitchai pitches in to fund atleast Rupees Five Hundred per month for buying milk for the infants. Pichai has started Muthuvel Milk Providing Scheme under which currently there are four set of twins who are provided with milk on a daily basis.

[ 56 ] [ 57 ] IN053 22 May, 2014 to also donate a computer. Now the village school boasts of 4 computers ON A JOURNEY INSPIRATIONAL TO OTHERS in its lab. Baskar has plans to conduct training for the children in Abacus, Kung-Fu, Arts Officers from Educational and Crafts, Dance and Storytelling and Department who were invited to the monitor their performance on a monthly basis. Apart from school adoption, Baskar Science Exhibition were amazed and his team regularly visits an orphanage in Korattur which houses children of when the students of a Panchayat AIDS affected parents. “We try to instill a hope in their desperate lives”, claims Union Primary School in a remote Baskar. “Just a few hours in the weekends can make a major difference in their village Vazhuthalamedu in the otherwise dull lives.” outskirts of Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, demonstrated various exhibits and explained the concepts in English. Headmistress, staff and parents were proud Baskar has also started “A Meal a Day For Destitutes”, an initiative to feed the when they heard their students’ narration almost in par with convent educated hungry who roam on the streets. On the way to his office, on noticing many children. This inspiring feat was the result of the efforts of few energetic mentally sick people who hunt the dustbins for food, Baskar is so upset that he volunteers, who have embarked on a journey for a noble cause. Most of these decided to provide them food packets on a regular basis. He garnered support from volunteers are young techies working in software companies, who squeeze their few of his friends and has started distributing affordable meals to them. Baskar time out in the weekends to interact and motivate the children of this school. says that recently he has been witnessing many more people providing food to Baskaran who founded Payanam brought these youth together and guides them to such people, which has motivated him to think about starting a rehabilitation be an inspiration to others. home for these destitutes, which will be a reality soon with all our wishes. In the two years after Payanam’s adoption of the Panchayat Union School, there is a marked improvement in the discipline among the students along with Contact Details: academic performance. Students are taught about basic hygiene, good habits and Baskaran S moral values. Parents are called for Mobile: +91- 99411 69610 awareness sessions on importance Email: [email protected] of education to their wards. Students Website: www. payanam.org.in are encouraged to involve in sports and other extra-curricular activities. Baskar and his team pooled funds to buy a computer to the school which in turn inspired the village head

[ 58 ] [ 59 ] IN054 29 May, 2014 crippling injuries and cannot work, and mothers and wives becoming single parents when their husband abandons HUMAN RELATIONS VALUE MORE THAN EDUCATION the family, becomes sick, or passes away. Little Drops steps in to help these Twenty five years back, two friends disadvantaged families by providing a who suffered poverty in their childhood, small home, an occupational position, decided to open a home for destitutes as medical care, and free education for soon as they found a decent job for living. children. There are 12 families currently staying with Little Drops. Having understood the pangs of hunger Value based education is provided to the 800+ students in the Little Angels and longing for support, they decided Nursery and Primary School. Little Drops organizes competitions on social to provide that care to the helpless and themes in schools and colleges in and around Chennai. Over the past 10 years, the deserted. With just one thousand more than 2 lakh students across 100 institutions have been involved. Trash and rupees but a heart full of compassion, Treasure – a self-sustaining project of Little Drops – is a shop where one can they embarked on a journey to spread buy usable second-hand articles such as books, clothes, kitchen articles, toys, the message of love through their charitable Trust “Little Drops” in Paraniputhur, electrical appliances, and furniture for a reasonable price. The income is used for Tamil Nadu, India. Today, Selvaraj Bovas and Paul provide their selfless love to Little Drops projects and to contribute to an eco-friendly environment. Local poor more than 1000 inmates in their Homes for Aged, Destitute, Widows, Deserted people are also benefited from this project. Women and Orphan children. Mother Teresa has visited Little Drops Home in 1993 and 1995 and has been Little Drops primary operation is serving the elderly population who have been a constant inspiration to Paul and Selvaraj. Paul says, “Human relationships left abandoned, suffering from injuries and sickness. These elderly destitutes should be given more importance and value based education is the need of the reach the home either through referrals or picked up from the streets. They are day. Merely accumulating material wealth and fancy career with higher education provided food, clothing, shelter and medical care and they breathe their last in will not lead to a peaceful and satisfied life if you do not respect and value the peace in these homes, located in Paraniputhur, Somangalam, oothupallam and relationships in your life”. Sriperumbudur.

The Little Drops Family Rehab Contact Details: Centre admits deserted women E.J. Paul with children and couples with Mobile: +91- 98840 80864 disabilities. Some families have Email: [email protected] parents who suffer from Polio, Website: www.forlittledrops.org breadwinner’s who have suffered

[ 60 ] [ 61 ] Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s birthplace Kamarpukur SWAMI VIVEKANANDA Let us immerse in the divinity of this holy place, Swami Vivekananda depicted with the names of 120 inspiring youths and the origin of great ideals, spread by Swami Vivekananda, inspiring us forever. the names of their charity organizations, who have been awarded 'Vivekanandar Virudu' on 30th June 2013. [ 62 ] [ 63 ] SAVE WATER! SAVE EARTH! SAVE LIFE! “Water promises to be to the 21st century what oil was to the 20th century: the precious commodity that determines the wealth of nations.” The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans. How much water we use and how we use it can have significant effects on tomorrow’s environment. Use Water Efficiently • Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. • Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. • Don’t let the water run while washing dishes. • Do not use water to defrost frozen foods; thaw in the refrigerator overnight. • Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine. • Buy fixtures and products that are water efficient - you can use less water to get the same job done just as well. • Don’t be a drip - fix that leak! Leaky faucets can waste thousands of litres of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures. • Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day. • Construct Rainwater Harvesting for your house or apartment and properly maintain it.

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