Menu
76th Week of Saturday Sangamam was held with the local people and others came from V.K.Puram and Mannarkoil on their own as the vehicle was not sent to pick up elders. Elders continued to play in groups formed and sung devotional songs in the morning. Post lunch elders, pattu ku pattu was held and elders recalled and enjoyed singing their favourite songs. Due to rain and getting the support for losses in rain, the number of participant was less.
75th Week of Saturday Sangamam was an event of Pursing elders passion to visit the places which they dreamt once upon a time. During last week sangamam event, Mannarkoil elders informed that on 16th December that on 23rd December Vaikunta Ekadesi would be celebrated at Sree Rajagopala Swami Temple, Mannarkoil and invited elders from other places to come to Mannarkoil. Vama team arranged vehicle to enable to travel to and from V.K. Puram, Alwarkurichi, Kalayanipuram and Sivasailam. Elders of Mannarkoil welcomed all and they went to temple and shared information about the temple and Ekasdesi. Some invited to their houses and hospitality extended to the guest elders. It was a different experience for the host and the Ghost.
74th week of Saturday Sangamam was held on 16th December 2023 and Elders formed group according to their age and performed various activities to reenergize them. Vama Team requested elders to discuss and understand each other and shared their family life. Some of the elders started playing various games and used gym to be physically engaged.
73rd week of Sailathil Saturday Sangamam was more eventful as elders celebrated marriage anniversary of Sh. I . Lakshmanan, Akasthiyarpatti, Sh. Muthukumarasamy Tirunelveli and Sh. S. Lakshmanan of Ambasamudram.
Mr. Selvakumar referred Brahmakumari team to perform a meditation cum prayer. Know oneself was conducted.
On the spot request to Ms. Rohini, she arranged her students to perform Bharathanatyam dance program. 17 children of age group of 10 -17 did an awesome performance to entertain the elders with their talent. Elders felt very happy as if their granddaughters are performing dances. It was raining in the morning and all of sudden when the dance program was planned, rain stopped and elders enjoyed a lot.
Very good lunch was served KALYANA Sapadu. I Lakshmanan arranged for luddu and vadai for the 11.00 A.M. snacks.
72nd Saturday Sangamam at Sailam was started with the concept of preserve the talent of elders. A spot and spontaneous activity of “SPOT YOUR TALENT”. Elders were given opportunity to cook of their favorite without any oil. Challenge was made for preparing items without use of fire. Five groups including a group of men were formed and started planning and picking materials to prepare food of their choice. In an hour’s time, several traditional items were ready and displayed in front of Sree Soundarya Ganapathi Sanathi.
Kolukattai, Aval Sweet Pongal, Bread sandwich, Aval payasam, thatai, rava laddu,
Porivilangai, rava kesari etc were the items. Incidentally, Mrs. And Mr. Eassaki who came to Sailappar Temple visited Vama and graced the occasion as judges for selecting best talent. Tasted and certified all is fine and no first or last choice. No difference. He recollected his mother’s kai pakkuvam. He requested Vama Team to document the preparation and also enable elders to prepare and teach how to prepare such items to the younger generation as part our VAMA CAFÉ program. Mouth watering delicious items were served to elders and others present in the event.
71 st Week Sailathil Saturday Sangamam: 25th November 2023
November was full of festivals. As Sunday, the 26 th November was Karthigai Deepam. Elders spoke, remembered and performed Karthigai Pooja. One of the elders shared his experience of visitng Thiruvannamalai some years back and the Deepam festival he saw there. Some of the elders shared their yester year’s joy with Chookapanai, Soondu, etc.
Very good lunch was served and post lunch elders light Karthigai Deepam in front of Sree Soundarya Ganapathy Temple. They prayed for the wellness of all donors, employees and volunteers of Vama Trust and also holistically for the good health and prosperous of all in the world.
70 TH Week Sailathil Saturday Sangamam: 18 th November 2023
Connecting Generation was the conept of the celebration of the week. Five girls and two
boys came and participated from Psychology department of Mananmaniam Sundaranar
University, Tirunelveli.
Students spend whole day with elders. Elders also well connected with youngsters from the university. With the background of psychology, students assessed the impact throught the week end program of elders. Overall they found that elders were happy visiting Sailam on Saturdays and many were openly sharing their personal and other experiences.
69th Sangamam was to celebrate Deepawali at Sailam. Understanding the request to keep the event on Friday (10/11/23) instead of on Saturday, Sangamam was arranged on 10/11/23. It was heavy raining on 9/11/23 and Vama team was worrying about the inconvenience of rain continued on Friday also. Rain as predicted continued on
Friday. “Samiana with Thirpal was put to protect from rain water. Not bothering rain and honouring Vama’s request around 360 elders gathered on Friday.
Students of “Computer for All” program entertained elders with various activities such as songs, short drama and dances. Everyone enjoyed amidst heavy pouring. Sh Sundaram, Sh Sailam sir, Sh Arumugam and other elders graced the occasion and handed over the Deepawali dresses and sweets to elders and other present. H Sundaram talked about Vama’s success during last three years on the Celebrations of Deepawali with dignity by elders. Every year the beneficiaries are increasing this year Vama organised for 500 dresses and distributed 360 to those present on Friday and another 124 were handed over at the door steps of elders who are beneficiaries of our NEST program. Elders appreciated the support of Noethernarc Capital and other donors. Praised Vama team’s tireless efforts and support. Lunched was organised from Mannarkoil catering and elders enjoyed Sambar Rice and Curd rice. Vada, Bajji and Kesari were prepared at Happy Kitchen and served.
Another meaningful service rendered by Vama Team with the support of donors and trustees and blessings of elders.
67th week celebrated on 28th October 2023. Event started with routine basic exercises and yoga for elders. Puja performed for Sree Soundarya Ganapathi and coconut rice was distributed as Prasad.
Sh S Lakshman of Ambasamudram gave a spiritual talk about Kolaru Pathigam by Thirugnana Sambanthar வேயுறு பங்கன் விடமுண் ட கண் டன். He added that பதிகம் எனும் ப ்து போடல்களின் அடக்க ்தச் சம்பந் ர்அருளினோர். அவ ோடு இந் பதிக பயதனயும் வசர் ்து மமோ ் ம் 11 போடல்கதள அருளினோர்.
Vama team organised for Dance and song program by ISKCON Thatchanallur Tirunelveli and 3 students, three Prabhus and One Mata came. Students performed excellent dances and sung devotional songs and did Upanyasa kadha.
Devotees shared that “In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarashtaka, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara.” Damodarashtaka consists of eight verses in praise of Lord Krishna in His form as Damodara.
This is described in the Padma Purana of Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation with Narada Muni and Saunaka Rishi.
Star Performer -Kumari Goshika Lakshmi danced for Ramanin Kathai kelungal song and seeing the amazing performance elders blessed her wholeheartedly. Kumari Radhai and Athathi shared the story about Kulasekara Azhwar Pasurams on Lord Rama and importance of putting Thilak in the forehead Mannarkoil elders were very happy and appreciated the performance by the 8 year old girl.
Very good food was organised – Ven Pongal, Curd rice Kathrikai Pachadi, Tamoto Pachadi Appalam, Payasam and mor was served. Around 170 elders and others participated.
A Day full of devotion & enjoyment elders got a chance to listen Ramayana Stories from little student came from ISCKON Tirunelveli.
67th week celebrated on 28th October 2023. Event started with routine basic exercises and yoga for elders. Puja performed for Sree Soundarya Ganapathi and coconut rice was distributed as Prasad.
Sh S Lakshman of Ambasamudram gave a spiritual talk about Kolaru Pathigam by Thirugnana Sambanthar வேயுறு பங்கன் விடமுண் ட கண் டன். He added that பதிகம் எனும் ப ்து போடல்களின் அடக்க ்தச் சம்பந் ர்அருளினோர். அவ ோடு இந் பதிக பயதனயும் வசர் ்து மமோ ் ம் 11 போடல்கதள அருளினோர்.
Vama team organised for Dance and song program by ISKCON Thatchanallur Tirunelveli and 3 students, three Prabhus and One Mata came. Students performed excellent dances and sung devotional songs and did Upanyasa kadha.
Devotees shared that “In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarashtaka, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara.” Damodarashtaka consists of eight verses in praise of Lord Krishna in His form as Damodara.
This is described in the Padma Purana of Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation with Narada Muni and Saunaka Rishi.
Star Performer -Kumari Goshika Lakshmi danced for Ramanin Kathai kelungal song and seeing the amazing performance elders blessed her wholeheartedly. Kumari Radhai and Athathi shared the story about Kulasekara Azhwar Pasurams on Lord Rama and importance of putting Thilak in the forehead Mannarkoil elders were very happy and appreciated the performance by the 8 year old girl.
Very good food was organised – Ven Pongal, Curd rice Kathrikai Pachadi, Tamoto Pachadi Appalam, Payasam and mor was served. Around 170 elders and others participated.
A Day full of devotion & enjoyment elders got a chance to listen Ramayana Stories from little student came from ISCKON Tirunelveli.
66th Saturday Sangamam was held on 21st October 2023. Around 190 elders and others participated from Mannarkoil, V K Puram, Ambasamudram, Samankulam, Chettikulam and Alwarkurichi.
Being Navaratri Pooja period, Vama team organised for Thiruvasagam Mutrothal and 20 Sivan Adiyargal recited Thiruvasagam songs. Elders visited Avvai Ashram where Kolu was performed. Every year Kolu was set up at Avvai Ashram by the inmate children and caretakers and celebrated well. Our elders were happy to be at a relative home and joined the prayers and enjoyed prasadam.
Very good food organised – Rice, sambar , Rasam, Aviyal, Tamoto Pachadi Appalam, Payasam and mor was served.
Post lunch Eders shared their experience at Avvai Ashram and recalled their memories of Kolu and Koil activities in their childhood.
Active Ageing Group concept and activities were deliberated. Vama team requested that elders should spent good time locally with elders during the week I e from Monday to Friday and engage with others similar way as performed on Saturday at Sailam. Vama team encouraged elders for their active activities in their local community like V K Puram, MAnnarkoil, Ambasamudram etc.
Planning on Deepawali Kaipakkuvam program and supporting elders to have ageing with dignity. Dress materials to be purchased from Covai or other places.
Elders further deliberated visiting Aryankavu Koil as part of their visit to places of their interest. Due to rains and other rush in the temple due to Navratri time. As it is raining regularly, elders preferred to postpone their visit to January/February.
Weather became pleasant and hot tea and biscuits were served to make elders to enjoy the weather.
Event ended with hot tea and biscuits and some of the elders requested others to come to their home to see Kolu at their residence.
Around 130 elders joined and spent their day on in the centre. Event started with sharing their experiences of visiting Mannarkoil Sree Rajagopalan Swamy temple, last Saturday on the Karuda Sevai occasion. As usual V K Puram elders thanked Mannarkoil team for their courtesy extended during the visit. V K Puram team in turn requested Mannarkoil Elders to come to V K Puram during the 10 days koil festival starting from Monday.
Elders sung song on Perumal. Mr Rangan of Mannarkoil who came from Chennai greeted elders on the occasion of 65th week celebrations. He added that it is the time to recollect the purpose of this event and emphasised on the importance of using elders skills and learning new things.
It is never too late to restart anything in their life. He suggested to plan for training and relearning of elders’ skills (such as Wire Kudai, Woolen works, gardening, cooking) which they might have excelled in their yesteryears. It can provide some earnings for them.
Mr Rangan also talked about one-minute activity for a change for their long time sitting and listening to others.
Post having malt refreshing drink, Pattimandram with the heading “Who’s with us in need whether Relatives or Friends.
Sh Lakshysir from Ambasamudram was the Naduvar and three members each side of the topic – Sh I Lakshman, Smt. Amutha and Sh Sadasivam supported for Friends and touched Karnan Duryodhana and Krishna and Sudhama etc. Sh Arumugam, Sh Rengasamy and Sh Ulaganathan spoke the importance of relatives and argued with several outs from Cinemas and Thirukural etc. Naduvar gave verdict that Friend is in need is indeed.
Around 1.50 pm lunch was served Rice Sambar Green banana Pooriyal, Lady’s finger kootu, appalam, Payasam, Vadai and butter milk on Mahalaya Amavasya viratam is so well made with this food.
It was heavy raining between 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm and elders enjoyed hot tea and rain. By 4.40 pm Mannarkoil left and then V K Puram team left.
Next week elders planned to celebrate Navratri at Sailam.
Day Started with regular exercise & prayers. It was a continuation of the event held last Saturday. Same group of Marutham, Palai, Mullai, Neithal and Kurinji gathered again and continued various activities. Being Paratasi Sani Kilamai, elders Sh. Lakshman, Pushpam and others started singing Perumal songs.
Many started sharing the event activities of last week with those couldn’t join. All appreciated the participation of students from Lakshmi College of Education Dindigul, Sh Vincent Sir and Akkam Sankar sir. They also spoke about the visit of Gandhigram Trustees.
Elders started excelling other groups by taking more action for their group. Played several games like Pallamguli, Thayam, Pandi, musical chairs with same olden days eager.
For a change Rice, Mizhaku Kuzhambu, Keerai and Chew Chew kootu buttermilk and pickle were served as lunch.
As it was too hot, elders had a longer break post lunch and gathered around 3.00 pm to play Pattuku Pattu. Several old TMS and Susheela madam songs were recited and enjoyed. With great memories elders went back to their homes.
Day Started with regular exercise & prayers. In this, 63rd Week special guest from Gandigram, Shri. Sivakumar sir Managing Trustee of Gandhigram Trust along with Shri. Vincent Rajasekhar (Coordinator cum trainer) and 60 B.Ed. (NSS students) from Lakshmi college of education joined the event.
Gandhigram Trust and VAMA Trust jointly celebrated International Elder’s Day on September 30, 2023. On this special occasion, Lakshmi College of Education joined as a part of the National Service Scheme activity.
The NSS volunteers (Students) organised games, an interactive area, a proverb contest, and other activities as they were divided into five groups. They also shared their life experiences with the students. They participated actively, and the events mirrored their previous memories.
Students & elders collectively does lots of play fun activities & made the elder memories their childhood & adulthood age.
The Day was full of activity with full energy all around combination Youth & Older age people. This day VAMA motive of “Connecting Generation” was reflecting all around in Sailam. Few Students played MEAMS act on spreading awareness on “Say No to Alcoholic Consumption”, “Say No Drink & Drive”.
At 1.30 pm lunch – rice sambar aviyal pachadi and butter milk payasam and appalam was served to all. Keeping earlier instances, 130 lunch was ordered expecting that 180-190 people can eat without waste. Having more than 230 people around Vama team felt panic and prayed god to save. Great experience of serving the food without waste and no scarcity.
Thanks to Sree Annapurni who ensured that there was no shortage or wastage.
Vama team now fearless and confident to arrange such events more in the future. Avan arulaalavan taal vanangi –
அவன் அருளாலே அவன் தாள் வணங்கி”.
இறைவனை வணங்கவும் அவன் அருள் வேண்டும். எல்லோராலுமா முடிகிறது. எத்தனை தடைகள், எத்தனை சந்தேகங்கள்.
தாய்தடை என்றேன் பின்னர்த்
தாரமே தடைஎன்றேன் நான்
சேய்தடை என்றேன் இந்தச்
சிறுதடை எல்லாந் தீர்ந்தும்
தோய்தடைச் சிறியேன் இன்னுந்
துறந்திலேன் எனைத் தடுக்க
ஏய்தடை யாதோ எந்தாய்
என்செய்கேன் என்செய் கேனே.
Post Lunch, finally, the students took an oath to respect the elders and raise awareness about alcoholic consumption. Vama does awareness about substance abuse through various activities like: Awareness generation programmes.
At the end of day, Vama team thanked Sree Sivasailanathar and Sh. Sivakumar Sir, Sh. Balamurugan, Sh. Vincent and the great NSS students from Lakshmi college of education and all elders present and made the 63rd week of Sailathil Saturday Sangamam meaningful.
Day started elders gathered at Vama & as a regular routine they started doing Warm-Up Exercise continuing with different yoga aasna.
Then all elders gathered for their routine pooja at Sree Soundarya Ganapathi temple & after that served prasadam to every one.
As a daily task few elders went to kitchen for supporting cook in vegetables cutting. Rest other elders started discussing on Purattasi Sanikilamai. Few elders sung bhajana also during discussion. They shared with each other, their views on Purattasi Sanikilamai, it’s a ideal for worship for lord Venkateshwara. Purattasi month itself is a sacred month for Hindus. All were discussing on devotional thoughts.
Post lunch Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated, Mr. Thirumalai Murgan masked with Ganeshji’s face and danced. Other elders sung Ganesh Ji bhajan & took blessing from Mr. Thirumalai who was acting as lord Ganesha.
All elders cherished such devotional & laughing play with full of blessings. Vama team discussed with Elders on various other topics including celebrating 63rd Sangamam as Elders Day on 30/9/23 – “Saturday (International Day of Older Persons) “and Substance Free youth awareness on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi on 30/9/2023.
Vama Team with all elders thanked Lord Venkateshwara to bless them to serve elders and prayed for more strength and sources to continue the service.
Health is wealth because it is one of God’s most precious gift to human beings. Good health refers to a balanced and healthy physical and mental state of an individual. If any individual is not healthy, wealth, fame, and power can bring no enjoyment.
“Health is Wealth” means that nothing in life has more value than health. There can be no success without health and thereby no money. If one is not healthy, he/she can’t enjoy the wealth. Good health has more value than money. Money can’t buy you happiness but if you are healthy, you will be happy. To stay healthy, we should eat only healthy food and walk every day.
“Health is the greatest human blessings”
Day started with all elderly beneficiaries doing breathing & warm up exercise to remain full day active.
VAMA team organised Health Camp for beneficiaries (Homeopathic Checkup). Team of Hospital (Mr. Amalraj), two doctors (Dr. Peula Thilagavathi & Dr. Anusia) and a pharmacist (Mrs. Vanaja) from Vaikarai Homeopathy Research Centre, Tirunelveli visited Sailam (VAMA Trust) – Senior Citizen Centre at Sivasailam.
Doctors attended all beneficiaries & prescribed & gave them medicines (Free of Cost). A special guest made surprise visit to Sailam, Dr. G.S. Ayyappan (Sr. Scientist, CSIR – CSIO (Central Scientific Instruments Organisation) interacted with the elders motivated them with his speech.
Dr. Ayyappan appreciated the VAMA team efforts that how they organizing such fest of gathering so many elders at one place & making them live happy & joyful day.
He also got amazed by elders who are fantastic and so energetic. Also appreciated the VAMA team for doing such wonderful service towards such elders.
Vama team organised celebration for “Gokulashtami” with the team from ISKCON, Tirunelveli.
Prabhuji from ISKCON were called to organise bhajan kirtan activity with elders and performed puja for Lord Sri Krishna. Elders voluteerly contributed for events because of their devotion, brought various sweets and savories and fruits for Little Krishna.
Elders like Amutha Amma, Rengasamy, Pushpam and others sung Krishna songs – Kettathai Kodupavane Krishna, Ayar Padi Maligaiyil, Kannan Vandhan ange, much more. Sung lots of bhajan & kirtans performed small dance performance.
Elderly people also took chanted Lord Krishna name through Mantra- “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare”. Prepared North indian style Poori Chola, Raitha, Kheer & Aloo Sabji got a chance to taste other regien taste & also distributed prasadam of Gokulastami.
Post Lunch Elders got busy in physical activities such like gym are playing with volleyball catch in group. These activities helping in digestion of food & also to remain fit & active.
“Teachers are role model who have the power to change the world by spreading Education. They play a crucial role to bring change in society. Teachers are inspiration for all youngsters, as they prepare younger generation to face the future with courage & knowledge. A teacher can be a best friend, a third parent, an inspiration, a role model, a well-wisher, etc., for the students and guide them on the right path to succeed in life.”
Vama Team organized great event to honour teachers on 02/9/2023 was held at Sailam. More than 25 teachers both elderly and those who associated with Vama, since it’s resilience program in 2020.
Different teacher & highly ranked people joint this event to make this event memorable. All such special guest are Smt. Sarasvati (Rtd. Teacher From Athrikala Hr. Sec. School), Shri. P Chidambaram, Shri. Madasamy (Rtd. from Paramkalyani,Head Master), Shri. Sundaram (Secretary of All Parmakalyani Institution), Shri. Sankaranarayanan sir and many more felt the Vama’s event as a memorable and meaningful event.
People generally think of organizing such event, but Vama team made it happened & planned to recognise rural deserving elderly teachers and Vama Trust really made it possible. All were happy to be part of such inspiring & motivating initiative taken by VAMA trust.
Students from Paramkalyani College performed several speech & play for entertaining elders.
Copyright © 2023 – vamatrust.org. All Rights Reserved. Website designed by StarsCreatives and developed by TechAO
