Founded in 1961 by Saradha Venkataraman – who is president and founder of Indira Gandhi Working Women's Hostel – the Nehru Nagar Madhar Sangam Senior Citizens’ Guest Home, Women’s Indian Association (WIA), has come a long way.
“At present, there are 22 senior citizens, ranging from 70 to 100 in age, at the home. In 1966, the Sangam was incorporated under Dr. Sarojini Varadappan’s Women’s Indian Association,” Chellammal Sivaraman, chairman, Nehru Nagar Madhar Sangam, says.
“Every year, the Sangam celebrates Navarathri, Pongal, Deepavali, Independence Day, and Republic Day. On Deepavali, the inmates are distributed a box of sweets and sarees.
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Apart from that, the Sangam celebrates ‘Theyagaraja Aradhana’ in February and observes Founders Day in memory of Saradha Venkatraman on February 4.” The Sangam runs a free crèche and provides free lunch. On Children’s Day, it conducts sports events and cultural programme for children, she adds.
At present, the president of WIA is V. Padma Venkatraman.
In appreciation of the Sangam’s dedication to the cause, the Pallavapuram Municipality supplies free water to the old-age home. On festive days, Sri Raghavendra Caterers, Chromepet, provides free lunch.
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The Sangam has contributed cash and relief materials towards natural calamities, conducted marriages for a girls hailing from under-privileged sections of the society, donated money towards the construction of a new building in Ayyasamy Iyer High School in Chromepet, and also towards the construction and consecration of a ‘Raja Gopuram’ in Kumaran Kundram Temple, Chromepet.
The Sangam also takes senior-citizens on a tour to famous temples in Chennai and is a recipient of the national-level ‘Best Madhar Sangam’award.
For details, contact Chellammal Sivaraman at 9962303205 and 044 22231915.