We are happy to report that the 107th week of the Saturday Sangamam (Saturday Milan) event was successfully held, featuring two engagements with both elders and younger participants, in line with our concept of connecting generations. This week, we focused on the Independence Day celebration and provided training for the younger participants with the support of the elders in preparing traditional snacks.

At the Mannarkoil and Sivasailam centers, our team members organized the Independence Day celebrations. After the event, the elders began culinary training for the younger participants who were interested in cooking. Ms. Muthurajam and Ms. Rajeswari, from Alwarkurichy Agraharam, conducted the training, teaching the preparation of a variety of traditional snacks such as Paniyaram, Thukkada, Poli, and Murukku. Both of them explained the importance and health benefits of traditional foods and snacks.

Ms. Muthurajam, who is passionate about traditional food, also runs a YouTube channel to spread her message to society. She shared tips for preparing tiffin box food  for school children to make them more interested in eating healthy snacks. She also provided insights on preparing lagiyam (herbal medicine) for pregnant women during their delivery period and expressed her readiness to offer training for its preparation. Ms. Rajeswari, a successful entrepreneur in her area, takes cooking orders, and the surrounding community holds her in high regard for her helpfulness and support in preparing food for the elders in the Agraharam.

During the Independence Day celebration at the Mannarkoil center, we distributed sweets prepared by the elders in our Happy Kitchen at Sailam. Ms. Chandra shared stories of freedom fighters, and our Sailam Thatha, Mr. Ramaya, sang freedom songs for the students and elders, who thoroughly enjoyed the event filled with memories and happiness.

The elders had a delightful day, full of mixed emotions and joy