We are happy to share the report of the 194th Week of Sangamam, held on 1st October at Sailam, marking the International Day of Older Persons. The programme was organised with three important components: an International Day of Older Persons celebration, a Mind Wellness and Counselling Programme, and a Medical Camp for elders.

As part of the celebration, we invited Ms. Mathivadhana, District Social Welfare Officer, as the special guest to interact with and address the elders. We also invited students from the University Psychology Department to conduct interactive activities, provide basic counselling and promote mental wellness among the elders. In addition, a medical camp was organised with the support of the Indian Red Cross Society, in coordination with the Welfare Department of Tenkasi.

The programme began with a prayer song by the elders. The Psychology Department students actively joined the elders and initiated a meaningful interaction. They encouraged the elders to share their childhood and early-life achievements, memorable experiences, personal wishes, and aspirations that had remained unfulfilled for a long time. The elders participated enthusiastically and openly shared their thoughts and experiences.

The students then conducted various paper-based games, cup games, and activity-based games, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere. They also spoke about the importance of gratitude, appreciation, saying “sorry,” and expressing “thank you” in our daily lives. The discussion highlighted how these simple values can help us maintain healthy relationships with family members, neighbours, friends, and the wider community without hesitation or negative feelings.

We are happy to share the report of the 193rd Week of VAMA Saturday Sangamam, which was conducted as a two-day programme on 25th and 26th September 2026. The two-day programme brought together retired persons, pensioners, elders, healthcare professionals, trainers and resource persons with the common purpose of strengthening support and services for the elderly community.

Day 1 – 25th September 2026

Interaction with Retired Persons and Pensioners at Kadayam

On 25th September, VAMA organised a special gathering at Kadayam for retired persons and pensioners residing in and around the Kadayam area. More than 15 retired persons participated in the programme.

The programme was headed by our Trustee, Mr. Muthukumarasamy, who interacted with the participants and introduced them to the activities, objectives and ongoing programmes of VAMA Charitable Trust.

During the interaction, the concept of establishing a “Mini Chapter” for an Elder Resource Centre was explained. The initiative aims to create a local platform where senior citizens can connect with one another, share their knowledge and experience, access support services, and actively contribute to the welfare of the elderly community.

We are delighted to share the report of the 192nd Week of VAMA Sangamam, held on 19 September 2026 at the VAMA Charitable Trust campus. More than 60 elders participated in the programme with great enthusiasm and interest.

As the programme coincided with the first Saturday of the Purattasi month, many elders expressed their interest in singing Perumal devotional songs. We commenced the programme with a prayer song, followed by various entertaining games designed to encourage active participation and create a joyful atmosphere.

We are very happy to share about the 191st week of Sangamam, which was held on 12th September at Sivasailam with a unique and engaging concept. This week’s Sangamam was organised as a special gathering where the elders themselves took responsibility for planning and conducting the activities. The entire day was designed around the theme of “Elders for Elders,” giving them an opportunity to actively participate in cooking, serving, games, discussions and other activities.

More than 40 elders participated in the programme. The programme began with a prayer, followed by an interactive activity in which the elders were encouraged to take responsibility for preparing the lunch. Some of the women elders showed great interest in preparing the food themselves. Therefore, we requested the kitchen team to provide only the necessary support, while the elders took responsibility for the major activities.

🌿 VAMA SANGAMAM – WEEK 190 🌿

A Gathering of Hearts ❤️

“Age may slow our steps, but it should never stop us from coming together.”

Yesterday, more than 40 elders, many between 70 and 85 years, made the effort to come from Ravanasamudram, Kadayam, Thirumalaipuram, Mukkudal and nearby villages.

They came not just for a programme.

They came to meet.
To pray.
To laugh.
To share.
To belong.

✨ TRIVENI SANGAMAM

🪷 Gokulashtami – Krishna Jayanthi Pooja & Uriyadi
📚 Teachers’ Day – remembering those who shaped our lives
🤝 Community Fellowship – elders, families, donors & well-wishers coming together

🙏 People from different faiths joined the Krishna Jayanthi prayer, reflecting VAMA’s spirit of Palasamayap Prarthanai — unity, mutual respect and harmony.

🎶 A beautiful prayer song by Mrs. Lakshmi Krishnaprasadh & Mrs. Lakshmi, Art of Living, Tirunelveli

🌸 A special moment when Selvi Vinaya, granddaughter of our well-wisher Mr. Neelakandan, sang a prayer song in her sweet voice.

National Senior Citizens Day 2026 Celebrated in Tenkasi

189th Week of VAMA’s Saturday Sangamam brings together nearly 200 senior citizens

VAMA Charitable Trust, in association with the Tenkasi Senior Citizens Council and CONSORT, Madurai, celebrated National Senior Citizens Day 2026 along with the 189th Week of VAMA’s Saturday Sangamam at Tenkasi on Saturday.

The programme brought together nearly 200 senior citizens from different parts of Tenkasi, along with representatives of NGOs, senior citizens’ organisations, partner institutions, volunteers and well-wishers. The celebration focused on promoting healthy ageing, financial security, digital awareness and meaningful engagement of senior citizens, while recognising and honouring elders who have made valuable contributions to society.

The programme was graced by Ms. Mathivadana, District Social Welfare Officer, Tenkasi. Mr. M. Muthukumarasamy, Trustee, VAMA Charitable Trust, welcomed the gathering and participated in honouring the distinguished guests and awardees.
Senior Citizen Achiever Awards
Senior citizens who have made significant contributions in different fields were honoured with Senior Citizen Achiever Awards:
Dr. C. Tharmaraj – Healthcare
Dr. S. Soundara Rajan – Healthcare
Prof. K. S. Palaniappan – Tamil Literature
Mr. M. Sankaranarayanan – Agriculture
Dr. G. S. Vijayalakshmi – Environment
Mr. Dorai Thamburaj – Eldercare

The award ceremony recognised not merely age, but the experience, knowledge, service and continuing contribution of senior citizens to society.
Valuable Sessions by Partner Institutions
A special feature of the programme was the participation of professionals from DBS Bank, Kauvery Hospital and Tata AIG, who responded positively to VAMA’s invitation and shared information specifically relevant to the needs and aspirations of senior citizens.

Experts from Kauvery Hospital created awareness on healthcare and healthy ageing, while representatives of DBS Bank shared useful information relating to financial wellbeing, wealth management and financial security for senior citizens. Representatives of Tata AIG spoke about insurance and protection, as well as opportunities for senior citizens to continue contributing their experience and expertise through “Experience in Action” initiatives.

We are happy to share the successful completion of the *188th Week of VAMA’s Saturday Sangamam, held on **16th August 2026* in association with the *Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai, Ambasamudram*.

As part of the programme, VAMA facilitated the participation of senior citizens in the Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai event. More than *80 elders* participated enthusiastically and got a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents and skills on the stage. The elders enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the cultural activities and express their talents in front of the audience.

*Mr. Lakshmanan, Secretary of the Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai*, appreciated the efforts and performance of the VAMA team and expressed his appreciation for the support extended by VAMA in organising the programme for senior citizens.

Our *Trustee, Mr. Muthukumarasamy*, also participated in the event and spoke about the valuable services rendered by the Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai for senior citizens. He appreciated their efforts in recognising the talents and contributions of the elderly and highlighted the importance of respecting and honouring senior citizens in society. He also appreciated their initiatives towards nurturing the skills of the younger generation, including school and college students.

We are happy to share the highlights of the 187th Week of Sangamam, held on 8th August 2026 at Alwarkurichy. This week’s Sangamam was organised as a spiritually enriching Thiruvasagam Muttothuthal, with the participation of our elders from various locations.

The programme was conducted with the support of Sivagami Ammal Thiruvasaga Team from Sivanthipuram Sivamthipuram. Our elders had the wonderful opportunity to join the Thiruvasaga team and spend the entire day immersed in spiritual activities and devotional memories.

The Sengol Atheenam from Perungulam graced the occasion and blessed all the participating elders. The traditional Kailaya Vathiyam was performed by experienced experts, and our elders greatly enjoyed the devotional music and the spiritual atmosphere.

VAMA arranged breakfast and lunch for all the participating elders. The elders also had a valuable opportunity to meet and interact with many other elders, share their experiences, and spend meaningful time together.

We are delighted to share the successful completion of the 186th Week of Sangamam, held on 1st August 2026 at our Sailam Centre. More than 100 elders enthusiastically participated and spent a joyful and meaningful day with us.

As the day was dedicated to Health Awareness, we invited our associated Heartfulness Team and the trustee of Nalvalvu Ashram, Mr. Nalvalvu, to guide our elders on maintaining good physical and mental health during their senior years.

The programme began with a prayer to Soundarya Ganapathy, seeking blessings for the well-being of everyone. This was followed by a Heartfulness meditation session, where the team guided the elders through simple meditation techniques. The participants expressed that the session brought them a deep sense of peace, calmness, and relaxation, helping them relieve stress and enjoy a peaceful state of mind.

Following the meditation, Mr. Nalvalvu from Nalvalvu Ashram delivered an informative and interactive health awareness session. He answered many questions raised by the elders and shared valuable natural health practices. He advised the elders to reduce their intake of rice, especially during the evening, and instead include more millets, nuts, and seasonal fruits in their daily diet. He also shared several simple and practical tips to maintain physical and mental health naturally, without spending extra money. The elders appreciated his guidance and expressed that the session was highly useful for leading a healthier and more conscious lifestyle.
We were also delighted to have our well-wisher Mr. Venkadesh join the Sangamam along with his family. They spent quality time interacting with our elders and wholeheartedly volunteered in serving lunch with warmth, love, and respect. Their compassionate involvement created a joyful atmosphere, making the elders feel valued and cared for
After the awareness sessions, everyone enjoyed a delicious and nutritious lunch consisting of Sodhi Kulambu, Potato Poriyal, Sambar, Rasam, Mor, Payasam, Appalam, and Vadai. The elders appreciated the meal and enjoyed dining together in a warm and caring atmosphere.

We are delighted to share the report of the 185th Week of Sangamam, held on 25th July at Ramanathi Dam, near Thalaimalai Sastha Temple.

This week’s Sangamam was organized to enable our senior citizens to participate in the Varuna Jebam (Prayer for Rain). More than 45 elders from various locations joined the spiritual gathering. VAMA Charitable Trust arranged transportation facilities to ensure that all participants could comfortably attend the event.

The programme was organized by Mr. Suresh, and our well-wisher Mr. Neelakandan warmly invited our elders to participate in this special prayer seeking timely rainfall and the well-being of the farming community. Our senior citizens enthusiastically accepted the invitation and actively took part in the prayers.