VAMA Charitable Trust successfully organised the 163rd Week of Sangamam on 31st January at Sivasailam with the theme “Namma Ooru, Namma Kadamai”, in association with HelpAge India. The programme brought together more than 200 elders, volunteers, professionals, and community members from Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts, making it a meaningful and impactful gathering focused on elder welfare, health awareness, and social responsibility.

The event was honoured by the presence of Ms. Mathivathana, District Social Welfare Officer; Mr. Muthukrishnan, State Program Manager, HelpAge India; medical professionals from Allopathy and Homeopathy including Dr. Palaniyappan (Q-Lab), Dr. Ramasamy, Dr. Suganya, and Dr. Krishnamoorthy; Mr. Ramalingam and team from Tenkasi Moothor Manram; VAMA Trust Trustees Mr. Muthukumarasamy and Mr. Sundaram; trust advisors and well-wishers Mr. Neelakandan and Mr. Meenakshi Subbiramaniyam. Volunteers from Merit B.Ed College and Mukkudal Balagan Saraswathy College actively supported the smooth conduct of the programme.

Elder beneficiaries participated from VK Puram, Mannarkoil, Tirumalaipuram, Ambasamudram, Kallidaikurichi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Pappakudi, and Brahmadesam. HelpAge India, which has been associated with VAMA Trust for the past three years, continues to support elders through monthly health camps and healthcare services. Mr. Muthukrishnan explained HelpAge India’s services, government schemes, insurance benefits for elders, cyber safety awareness, and the importance of mental refreshment and positive thinking. He also appreciated VAMA Trust’s consistent efforts in pre-awareness-based elder care initiatives.

Ms. Mathivathana elaborated on various government schemes available for elders, women, and children, and encouraged beneficiaries to confidently approach the district administration for support and guidance whenever needed. Health awareness sessions were conducted by medical experts, where Dr. Ramasamy spoke about proper food habits, diet maintenance, and timely eating practices for elders. Dr. Palaniyappan explained emergency handling and preventive healthcare measures. Dr. Suganya highlighted the importance of mental wellness, intergenerational bonding, and emotional resilience, while Dr. Krishnamoorthy discussed common daily-life challenges faced by elders and practical ways to address neighbourhood and living-area issues.

Mr. Ramalingam shared the future plans of Tenkasi Moothor Manram and discussed collaboration opportunities with VAMA Trust’s innovative Geri-Care model. Mr. Muthukumarasamy, Trustee of VAMA Trust, presented the organisation’s nine years of service in elder care, child education, and community wellness programmes, including initiatives such as Kaatrin Mozhi and Grand Home. He also shared the vision of developing the Sivasailam Centre as a one-stop solution for elders through the upcoming Geri-Care initiative.

As part of cultural and youth engagement, a debate titled “Nalamana Vaazhvukku Panam Mukkiyama? Illai Udal Nalama?” was organised by Ambasamudram Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai with the support of Mr. Somamahalingam and Mr. Lakshmanan. Elders and students from Merit B.Ed College actively participated, and the discussion concluded with the collective understanding that physical health is the foundation of a quality life. A skit on elder awareness performed by students of Mukkudal Balagan Saraswathy College was highly appreciated by the guests and elders.

A traditional South Indian lunch was served to all participants, consisting of rice, sambar, avial, poriyal, pachadi, rasam, curd, appalam, pickles, and milk payasam. After lunch, elders joyfully participated in Kolattam and dance activities, filling the campus with happiness and positive energy. The programme concluded with elders returning to their homes carrying sweet memories, renewed confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Overall, the 163rd Week of Sangamam stood as a well-organised, inclusive, and impactful programme that strengthened community bonding, enhanced elder awareness, and fostered meaningful collaboration among multiple stakeholders. VAMA Charitable Trust expresses its sincere gratitude to all guests, partners, volunteers, students, and well-wishers who contributed to making this event a grand success.